In Memory of Robert J. Foti

I hope that all will find peace with God. I pray for you all. I did not know Bobby but am a friend of his mother and his brother Frank. May God bless the Foti family and help them to be strengthened in the love of God. May Bobby sleep in peace, for he was a true hero of 9-11.

Jim

*** Posted by Jim O'Leary on 2009-11-30 ***

Bobby, Bobby, Bobby...

I remember you well. The middle of the Foti brothers. I watched you grow from a little boy to a young man. I am sorry that I didn't get to meet your wife and kids. You always made me smile, even when you were pushing the envelope. I prayed for you on 9/11, and I still do. The world lost someone very special.

*** Posted by Shelly Hirsch on 2009-11-23 ***

Bobby,

Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you, my brother. Life will never be the same without you: Summers at the shore, our kids getting big, and smoke to the floor! You would be proud of your kids, both turning out to be outstanding young adults. You’re in my heart, and that smile and wit of yours still makes me laugh and cry. So, till we meet again, my brother, I will keep our promise to make sure the kids will always be okay.

*** Posted by FF Frank Sutphin (Neptune, NJ) on 2009-11-20 ***

My dance teacher at my school has a whole article about Robert posted on a wall, so we never forget. We're split up into lines, and I'm in the line farthest from the door, and that line is the closest one to the article written about him. Today I read the whole thing, and he IS a true American hero. I'd like to send all my sympathy to his family and friends, for wounds heal, but they always leave a scar. He seems like a great man, and I would've enjoyed knowing him if I had ever encountered him.

*** Posted by JC on 2009-11-02 ***

I never met Robert, but this past 9/11/09 I was chosen to wear his name across my turnout coat. 343 firefighters in the Sacramento, California area climbed 110 floors in honor of those who gave all. I was blessed to represent Robert and have kept his bio in my coat ever since. May you rest in peace, and may your family feel comfort in knowing you are a true American hero.

*** Posted by matt on 2009-10-16 ***

Dear Bobby:

You're never forgotten, my friend. Blessings to you and your family.

Love,
David

*** Posted by David Levine on 2009-09-17 ***

Bobby,

Eight years ago today, Bobby. It's hard to believe that eight years have passed since that tragic and fateful day. We both would have turned 50 this summer. Time has not healed the pain of losing such a wonderful and dear friend, my sweet, sweet twin. I looked at my graduation book the other day: You signed it, "alias, the saint." You are a saint. You are a hero. You are so terribly missed. Be at peace, my twin.

Love you and miss you,
Carolyn Ligotti Grech

*** Posted by Carolyn Ligotti Grech on 2009-09-11 ***

It's the eighth anniversary since you were so tragically taken from us. I shall NEVER forget you! Allow me to share my story: There was a MISSING persons poster of you on the elevator of the CO-OP where I live. It so happens to be the same building as your mother, Rose. Days after 9/11, I came home from a trip abroad. I was dressed in full uniform and boarded the same elevator as your mother. She looked at me, smiled, praised and blessed me for continuing to fly after such a traumatic event. And for that selfless act of kindness and appreciation, I will never forget you. Rose, if you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to ring your flight attendant call button!

Frank Camp
Flight Attendant
American Airlines
JFK-International

*** Posted by Frank Camp on 2009-09-11 ***

I have taught Alix-Ann, Michael, and Santino Foti at Our Lady of Peace school in Erie, PA. Every year since 9-11, my 5th graders have written stories about heroes in their families. Each year I read to them the story of Robert J. Foti and put a display about him on the wall with the students' stories. Last year Santino asked if he could have his uncle's display, so I'm making a new one. I just wanted the Foti family to know that we at OLP will never forget Robert and all the heroes of September 11, 2001.

Sincerely,
Kathy Holland
Our Lady of Peace (Erie, Pennsylvania)

*** Posted by Kathy Holland on 2009-08-31 ***

We'll never forget. FF Winnebach / South Tyrol.

*** Posted by FM ivan quinz on 2009-04-03 ***

Robert Foti was and still is my father. I loved him soooo much. He died when I was 4. He was the nicest and the funniest person I knew. I wish he was still here. But I'm 11 know. I've gotten over it, but every once in a while I think about him.

From his son,
James Foti

*** Posted by James Foti on 2008-12-26 ***

I have never met you, but I have learned about you, and you have really impacted my life. I hope that the whole Foti family is okay. Thank you for being a hero.

*** Posted by Kayla Legg on 2008-09-22 ***

Dearest Bobby,

There is not one day that goes by that I don't think about you. From time to time I visit your firehouse to see your photo. I lost a good childhood friend, and the country gained a hero, forgotten by none, remembered by all.

*** Posted by David Levine on 2008-09-15 ***

Bobby,
My thoughts are filled with great,happy, loving memories of our life experience. This day and every day you are present with your loved ones...until we meet again in a better place...say hello to the gang in Heaven.
Alright then...loving you always.

*** Posted by Cousin Larry Frasca on 2008-09-11 ***

Bobby,

I was at Lake Hopatcong today. I was thinking about the time when we were about 12, a little boy fell into the water, and you jumped right in after him. I remember that as if it were yesterday. I was standing on that exact same spot today, the day before the 7th anniversary of Sept 11. I was also thinking about the time it was storming out so badly at the lake, thunder and lightening. But you wouldn't get off the water skis for anything, not even with me screaming at you to let go of the rope and get in the boat now! So, instead, I went as fast as I could to get back and pulled you straight into the marina. You impressively stayed on those skis, too. But that was you, fearless. From the time we were three, you were always fearless

Love you and miss you,
Carolyn Ligotti Grech

*** Posted by Carolyn on 2008-09-10 ***

Yesterday, today, tomorrow, and always in our hearts.

*** Posted by laura ohler on 2008-08-30 ***

Bobby,

I think of you always, the childhood we both had together. Good times and bad times, I loved growing up with you. I miss you so much. Be at peace, my sweet twin.

Carolyn Ligotti Grech

*** Posted by Carolyn on 2008-04-20 ***

Bob,

Even though you are no longer with us, I know that you are, spiritually. Just wanted to thank you for your presence through all of the times I needed you. Alycia and Robert also know that you are taking care of them. You would be so proud of them. Don't stop caring; we all miss you!

Flo

*** Posted by Florence Foti on 2008-04-08 ***

Thinking of you, Bobby. May you enjoy God's presence eternally. Thank you for being an agent of God's love in this sad and hate-filled world. I will never forget you.

*** Posted by Ruth on 2008-04-07 ***

Rosemarie, Bobby's mom, is my godmother. I hate to see her in so much in pain. I pray for the family all the time that they can find peace and finally have closure. I love you, Rosemarie....

*** Posted by Renee Whittaker on 2008-04-06 ***

I miss you.

*** Posted by MaryGrace on 2008-01-23 ***

Bob,

I have never met you, but I have had the great fortune to meet your family and many of your close friends. I got to play "pass" with your son, and I was so thankful for that. You have a wonderful young man there. You had such a huge impact on so many people, I wish I would have had the chance to meet you. I have no doubt that we would have been great friends. Rest in peace, brother.

*** Posted by Dave on 2007-11-29 ***

On this Thanksgiving Day(2007) our thoughts and prayers are for Robert Foti and for all those brave servicemen who sacrificed their lives so that we can enjoy this day with our loved ones.

*** Posted by Frank S. Foti on 2007-11-22 ***

St. Florian's Prayer for Firefighters:

Dear God, through the intercession of our patron, Saint Florian, have mercy on the souls of our comrades who have made the supreme sacrifice in the performance of their duty, and on all who have gone before us after years of faithful discharge of their responsibilities which now rest on ourselves. Give us grace to prepare each day for our own summons to Thy tribunal of justice. Into Thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. Withersoever Thou callest me, I am ready to go. Merciful Father of all men, save me from all bodily harm, if it be Thy will, but above all, help me to be loyal and true, respectful and honorable, obedient and valiant. Thus fortified by virtue, I shall have no fear, for I shall then belong to Thee and shall never be separated from Thee. Amen

LES, St. Mary's Church

*** Posted by Kimberly Rosado on 2007-09-19 ***

9-11-07. Always thinking of you. God bless...

Love,
Mabel Roca (L.E.S, St. Joseph School, and friend from St. Mary's Church, Grand St.)

*** Posted by Mabel Roca (Jurewicz) on 2007-09-11 ***

Miss your laughter a lot. Think of you often! Remember so many great memories. You are missed tremendously. With love always, your sis

*** Posted by Lisa Robbins on 2007-07-03 ***

Thank you for your bravery and service. I did not know Robert, but even to this day my prayers and thoughts are with his family and loved ones, and my gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice FF Foti made that day....

*** Posted by Patty on 2007-06-06 ***

I did not know Mr. Foti very well, but I still know that he was a great person, friend, and father. This was a terrible tragedy, and god bless all effected by this unfortunate day. Marygrace is a wonderful, strong, mother and aunt. I'm not sure if she has truly gotten over this, but she certainly shows it and is a very beautiful person. I love you all -Emily

*** Posted by Emily Jacoby on 2006-10-16 ***

Hola hermano, estoy bastante lejos.. tanto como la distancia que separa NY de Tucumán, Argentina. Pero no nos separa nada en realidad, somos semejantes. Hacemos nuestro trabajo dia a dia, aún en momentos tan duros como los que les tocó vivir. Vos estás muerto, yo estoy vivo. Por eso yo te recuerdo. Entonces no estás muerto. Nunca vas a morir. Saludos a tu familia. Vi fotos de ellos. Hermosa familia. Vos vivís a través de ellos. Saludos desde Argentina.

[Ed. - Hello, brother, I am far enough away ... as much as the distance that separates New York from Tucumán, Argentina. But it doesn't really separate us at all. We're similar. We do our work day to day, even in moments as difficult as what they had to live through. You're dead; I'm alive. For that reason I'll remember you. So then you're not dead. You're never going to die. Greetings to your family. I saw photos of them. A beautiful family. You live through them. Greetings from Argentina.]

*** Posted by Aldo Ares on 2006-10-02 ***

Dear Bobby,

  In a word, you were dazzling to everyone who met you. You will always be in my prayers and in our hearts. What a gift it was to have known you.

God bless you always,
Jennifer

*** Posted by Jennifer Rapa on 2006-09-16 ***

To a firefighter in life-a hero in history...Although, I only knew you shortly, I remember your vivacious spirit. That spirit lives within your children now. When I look at James I see your soul. You are missed and loved with each passing day and we are forever grateful to have had the chance to have had you make a difference in our lives. With love and rememberance.

*** Posted by Laura Ohler on 2006-09-13 ***

Bob was a special person - easy to get to know, compassionate and fun. Our fondest memory of him was at our son's wedding, which he attended a little over a month before the 9/11 tragedy. He danced up a storm! Bob was well-loved by all who knew him. We are touched by his courage and willingness to give his life as a NYC firefighter. The world has lost a great guy. We miss him and pray God's blessings on his loved ones.

*** Posted by Judy Geyer on 2006-09-13 ***

Bob had a contagious smile and we all miss him very much. To his three children, Alycia, Robert and James, we think of you and love you very much, your Dad would be so proud of all of you. May we all come together and be peaceful in Bob's memory. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Mom

*** Posted by Irene Pastor on 2006-09-12 ***

Thinking of you and your family.

Love, Mabel Roca (Joseph's friend from St. Joseph School, and friend from St. Mary's Church, Grand St.)

*** Posted by Mabel Roca on 2006-09-11 ***

Robert had many nicknames; Bob, Bobby, FOTI, and he was one of the greatest people you could EVER meet. He was FUNNY! HIS HUMOR WAS AWESOME. He was CARING, LOVING, SUPPORTIVE, COMPASSIONATE ~ I think he was probably and mostly one of the most misunderstood people in the world. His passion for life was contagious. Bob could rub you the wrong way or the right way but either way, when you met him you met him. And when you met him you probably had FUN. And most people who have met him remember him which is pretty awesome. THE WORLD IS MISSING YOU~~

*** Posted by LR on 2006-09-02 ***

Met Bobby before he was a firefighter, when he worked at UPS.  His smile and laughter always lit up the place.  Sorry to hear what happened to you after all this time.  I will pray for your children that they are well taken care of.

God Bless You

*** Posted by Dorothy W on 2006-03-13 ***

I believe I met Bobby at my brother in law's wedding, Tommy Foli. I am so sorry for his loss and he is remembered as the greatest hero. God Bless Bobby.

*** Posted by Robert Foti on 2005-09-10 ***