In Memory of Michael D. D'Auria

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I never met you... but I took the tour with your mom. You were certainly a wonderful son ... and your family is so proud of you. I PROUDLY carry your picture that your mom gave us.... I will never forget your sacrifice.

*** Posted by Sandra Boisse on 2011-09-11 ***

Remembering you today, Michael. I did not know you, but I wish I had. Your bravery will always be remembered. I carry your photo in my wallet everyday, reminding me to be brave.

Thank you for your courage, Thank you for giving the ultimate sacrfice for those in need.

*** Posted by Janelle on 2011-09-11 ***

With Love and Gratitude

*** Posted by Caroline Hammond on 2011-09-09 ***

Michael's 35th birthday passed in February.... There is not a day that goes by that don't I think about him. I wonder what his life would be like if he were here, what he'd be up to, who would he be surrounded by — and many other thoughts that are considered personal — Then I remember that I am being selfish.... Although he was loved by all those who knew him, he had bigger plans, and I should be grateful for the year I spent with him and that he shared many of his fears, dreams, thoughts, and theories with me.... I didn't know Michael for long. That's okay. I know he has made it possible for me and many others to pray to a angel.... He was an angel on earth.... Godspeed to all 343 today, tomorrow, and forever. :-)

*** Posted by Sabrina on 2011-03-05 ***

My name is Rob, and I used to live on 61st Street in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. It's been YEARS since I've seen or heard from Mike or the rest of his family. My mother was close friends with his grandmother Nancy and father Carmine. I moved to upstate many years ago and lost contact. Tonight for some reason I decided to look Mike up on Facebook, and as you guessed, I was hurt and shocked by what I found. I'm mad at myself that I didn't even know about Mike's passing.

To the family, I am so sorry that you lost such a great person, but I do also know that he is still with you. Mike's memory lives forever, and that means Mike will live forever. If any of Mike's family reads this, please contact me.

Mike, I have nothing but much love and respect for you, bro, and words cannot describe how upset I am to hear about this. I'm sorry we lost contact, but I am honored and proud to be able to say we're friends. I won't say "goodbye" because goodbyes are forever. See you later, my old friend.

Rob

*** Posted by Rob on 2010-12-29 ***

I was randomly looking at photos of the fallen 343 when Mr. D'Auria's photo struck me. He couldn't be much older than I was on 9/11/01. No matter how many times I see footage of the attacks, I know it'll never compare to have actually been in NYC on that day. I'm from California, and the sadness and anger still creep up on me from time to time. May God bless Michael and the rest of the firefighters and EMS workers. I was not even two months into my firefighter training when this happened. WE WILL NEVER, EVER FORGET!

*** Posted by Robert on 2010-09-20 ***

I have tried to write this a few times over the last two years and wanted to get a hold of Micheals mother. I was a firefighter, and I am married to a soldier who is yet again deployed. While he was deployed last time we (well, I) gave birth to a baby girl whom I named after Micheal, which I really hoped Nancy wouldn't mind. Her name is Savannah Dauria. I would like to send Nancy a picture of her, if she would like it. But I knew her wish was to have Micheal remembered, and my dad was a firefighter when I was baby, so when I got out of high school, I, too, became a firefighter. So in remembrance I wanted to name our child after a firefighter, as she was born on 9-12 (it would have been on 9-11, but the doctor had plans that day) and her father was deployed due to the war on terrorism. I felt that it would be a nice way to honor a fellow firefighter. We now live in NY, and we are stationed at Fort Drum. So if someone could contact me that would be great. Thank you and god bless you and your family, Nancy.

*** Posted by Sara Heisen on 2010-09-11 ***

As I sit here, nine years after this most tragic event in our country's history, Michael's memory leads me to this site. I received a remembrance bracelet back in 2001 with Michael's name and engine company on it. For some reason, I never took the time to investigate who he was and what his life was all about. Today I changed all of that. I am now a mother of two, and nine years after receiving the bracelet, thanks to the Internet, I have discovered who this unbelievable man, whose name I've looked at for the past nine years, truly was. I am honored to wear his name every September 11th as a reminder to myself and to others to thank all those who serve this great nation. I fly my flag and wear my bracelet with pride and honor, knowing that there are people like Michael who give their lives to ensure my safety and that of my family, too. Thank you, Michael. I will remember you and those who lost their lives that day ALWAYS.

*** Posted by Jennifer R on 2010-09-11 ***

Michael D. D'Auria was my cousin (from my father's side) - I grew up with his mom, Nancy Simei. Although I never met Michael (I was long gone from NY living in Los Angeles after Michael was born) I've always felt a strong kin-ship with his spirit since 9/11. I want to take this moment to tell my cugina Nancy a day does not go by that I do not think of Michael and you... You are such a strong woman, a mother a grandmother and American! I love you Nancy with all my soul - God bless you and Michael xxoo Cugino Russell

*** Posted by Russell Aiello on 2010-09-11 ***

SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF MICHAEL D AURIA, A HANDSOME MAN TAKEN TO SOON! HEAVEN WAS NEEDING A HERO! MY HEART GOES OUT TO U and THE FAMILIES WHOSE LIVES WERE TAKEN IN 911.  RIP MICHAEL, YOUR TRULY MISSED! XXOOO MARYALINI

*** Posted by MARYALINI on 2010-09-11 ***

It doesn't matter who I am here, it does matter who Michael D'Auria and all the other victims of that day are. I was getting ready to leave for work the morning that it happened when I was called to the TV by my wife after the first tower was hit. We didn't make it to work that day—we have our own business. Every year since that day we close our office to honor those who died. A day does not go by without remembering those who died and those who suffered because of it.

*** Posted by John Q. Public on 2010-07-03 ***

I met Mike when I was 15 years old I worked in two restaurants with him in Staten Island! Not only was Mike an amazing cook, but an amazing person at a young age. I just looked up to him much like many kids my age working with me! He was a mentor with a world of talent. He was always there looking after everyone! If u ever needed anything he would put his life on hold to listen and lend a helping hand! He always had a smile on his face and always loved to make people smile! He was a person u could not only share ur life with but a person u can have deep and intellectual conversations with! He was fun to be around, not only our crazy flour and egg fights in one restaurant to the quarter trick to the snow ball fights and that year u quit smoking to win a bet! lol There was the times going out to the time at the diner where u walked in the kitchen and said it's ok, I'm a chief! All the advice u used to give! I still have pic from the night at the bowling alley hanging on my wall with pics of u holding my 3 year old niece! I won't take those down and I still have ur pic staring at me when driving! I swear sometimes I just feel his presence over me! Weird things that happen that only u would pull! I miss u and all those fun times I'm watching this 9/11 stuff and had to look up something to be able to put down my thoughts!  To the family I hope all is well! Happy and healthy! Miss u Mike!

*** Posted by Andrew Mincher on 2009-09-11 ***

We met Michael's mum at the WTC Tribute Center. She told us about Michael and wanted to ensure he was remembered. We will take his story back to Australia with us and ensure his story lives on. We in Australia share your pain.

Steve and Kerrie Cauchi

*** Posted by Steve & Kerrie Cauchi on 2009-06-11 ***

On our recent trip to New York, we had a very enjoyable time visiting the city, but the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, the shopping, seeing our first Broadway show, and eating in a diner will never stay in our memories as much as the story of Michael D'Auria will. We had the guided tour from his mother, Nancy, and it touched each and every one of us. We purchased the book in memory of Michael and are currently reading it. The book will stay at our college for everyone else to be able to read and spread the story of Michael's life and for him never to be forgotten. Also, we all carry around his picture in our purses. Our thoughts are with his friends and family.

The Travel and Tourism girls
Henley College, England
x

*** Posted by The Henley College, UK on 2009-04-29 ***

I never met Michael D'Auria. On a recent trip to NY on 11/07/2008 I had the absolute honor of meeting his mother, Nancy Marra. As a firefighter I felt a strong personal need to visit ground zero to pay my respects to my fallen brothers. I was lucky enough to be guided by Nancy. At the end of the tour, Nancy told us the story of Michael and how he became a chef and then became a fireman, how the guys on his shift knew they were going to eat well when he was on duty. The way she described Michael really hit home with me, and I was captivated. Then Nancy gave me a picture of Michael with a prayer on the back. Nancy, I put this picture in my wallet under my badge! I swear to you that I will keep it there always in memory and honor of Michael and the rest of my 343 brothers. God bless you, Michael, he blessed the world with you already. It is your turn. Rest in peace, brother.

*** Posted by Benjamin M. Faber on 2008-11-10 ***

My name is Mike. I serve in the Arizona Air National Guard. Shortly after 9/11, the Family Support Office at my unit hosted a fundraiser to raise money for the families of 9/11 victims. In return for our donations, we were given a set of dog tags with the name of someone who was lost or, at the time, still listed as missing. The set of dog tags I received had Michael D'Auria's name on them. It reads as follows:

MICHAEL DAURIA
FIREFIGHTER
FDNY  MISSING
WTC  09-11-01

After receiving these dog tags, I have always kept one on my key chain. I have since misplaced one dog tag, but still have one on my keys. Michael's name has crossed my mind nearly EVERY DAY for nearly the last 7 years. As I mentioned, I serve in the Arizona Air National Guard. Michael's dog tag has traveled around the world with me while serving my country in various operations, including Operation Iraqi/Enduring Freedom.

I have often pondered what to do with this dog tag ... asked myself, "Who would this dog tag mean more to? Michael's family? Firefighters from the firehouse which Michael served at?" I am open to suggestions should anyone read this post. Please feel free to contact me.

Mike O.
Phoenix, Arizona
mikeor70 (at) yahoo (dot) com

*** Posted by Mike O. on 2008-09-11 ***

September 11 was a day I will never forget. Having lived in NY for the first 8 years of my life, I was heart-broken--heart-broken for NY, for the people suffering, for the families who would never see their loved ones again. I thought of children and spouses who might have lost their only living relative. I felt so compassionate to help. At that time, I was living in IL. After school, I watched the list of people who had passed on, I caught a glimpse of Michael's name. It was by sheer chance that I caught it, there were so many names being passed on the screen. I asked my dad, Thomas D'Auria, about him, and he told me that Michael was either a second or third cousin! It tore at me. My immediate family is very small: my dad, my stepmom, and her parents. That's all I've got. It ends there. My great grandparents were born in Naples, Italy. Sebastian D'Auria was my great grandfather. I don't know his wife's name, however. My grandparent's names are Francis Edward and Buelah D'Auria. I don't know very much about my family line, but to know that I am related to someone as honorable as Michael is, I'm even more proud to be a descendant of this family line. I pray that Michael's family is holding on strong. God is with you, always. It was very gratifying to find this memorial in my searches for a connection. I hope the best comes to you all.

Sincerely,
Rena Ann D'Auria
Pearl Harbor, HI
janicejoplin@gmail.com

Oh, and with much research, I've learned that many of us D'Aurias are very accomplished individuals. I, myself, am in the U.S. Navy. ITALIAN PRIDE! :-) GOD BLESS

*** Posted by Rena D'Auria on 2007-12-30 ***

My family and I somehow feel a connection to Michael because of our family name. When I heard your name read so many times after September 11, I couldn't help but think of you each time. I can still picture your picture in the Advance (local newspaper). While you are at peace in heaven with your friends and colleagues, may your family reminisce with laughter.

*** Posted by Sandra Garbarino nee D'Auria on 2007-10-26 ***

God Bless your family! You were a great guy and will always be remembered as a true hero!

*** Posted by Tricia on 2007-07-23 ***

I acquired an American Flag honoring Michael from the Healing Field of Central Iowa last fall commemorating the 5th anniversary of 9/11. I am honored to display this flag dedicated to Michael D. D'Auria, a true American hero.

*** Posted by Sandra on 2007-05-26 ***

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