Bob served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Boston in Vietnam. He received the National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Stars‚ Vietnam Campaign Medal and a Combat Action Ribbon.
Bob had a 24-year career with Ladder Co. 25 and a 20-year career with St. Vincent’s Hospital in Harrison‚ NY‚ serving as their safety and security supervisor. In 1997‚ Bob graduated with high honors‚ summa cum laude‚ from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City at the same time celebrating his 50th birthday.
Bob loved his family‚ his Ladder 25 family‚ and was always in the service of others. He was a loving and dedicated husband and stepfather to Peter and Roseann‚ and a good friend.
He will always be remembered for his love of life‚ compassionate heart‚ witty sense of humor‚ his infectious laugh‚ and his beautiful smile and the twinkle in his eyes.
Paula Minara
So at our school we created a 9/11 memorial. Every person who passed got a star. I was the one who got to proudly put this firefighters name up. Thank you for your bravery and service. You and your fellow firefighters, who were brave enought to sacrifice your lifes to save as many people as possible, will never be forgotten along with the hundreds of others who passed in this tragic event. Stay brave.
– Kira HightPaula and Family,
– Mandy OwensOn April 22nd I participated in the FDIC 9/11 memorial Stair Climb. I am a new firefighter in my town, but before that I learned what it was like to know my heart was risking his life every day. My husband is a firefighter. I learned first how to be, and what it meant to be a fire wife. I can’t even imagine the loss you are feeling. On behalf of my family, my fire family, and myself I want to extend to you and your family the sympathy we feel for your loss, the pride we have for Robert and the ultimate sacrifice he made, the ultimate sacrifice you have made. I don’t know what made me pick Robert’s picture, so many faces were looking up at me from those picture badges. But Robert’s was the one my eyes kept going to. I read his bio before I climbed so that I could know him better, understand what kind of man he was. I clipped his picture over my heart and started my climb. For almost 3 hours I chanted his name over and over again in my head, looking at his picture when I started to feel myself failing. I pushed harder to keep going because I know he did. I finished the climb for him, and I went down called out his name to the heavens loud and clear and rang that bell for him. I assure you he will NEVER be forgotten! I have his picture and it now resides in a place of honor in our home. Attached to a fire helmet overlooking our living room. He is a part of our lives now, part of our family. I am proud to have carried him over my heart on that climb. Much love from my family to yours always. 343 NEVER Forgotten!!! ~ Mandy Owens – Firefighter 11-30, Perry Clear Creek Vol Fire Dept Bloomington IN.
Dear Family:
– Terry HulseOn April 28, 2017 @ the Fire Department Instructors Conference(FDIC) I walked the the entire 110 stories in Bob’s memory. It was my honor to walk in his memory for the sacrifice Bob made that day. This was my first time at fdic. I spent the last 15 years as a single parent raising 4 children and now I can go back into firefighting. This was my first act. Please accept my thanks for being able to complete this in Bob’s memory.
Thank you
Terry Hulse
I am a volunteer firefighter in Southwest Missouri. On 9/20/17, I carried Robert in our annual Memorial Stairclimb. I just wanted to leave a message here to express the honor it was for me to pay tribute to this hero. Never forget.
– Jason EdwardsI just climbed the 10th annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Red Rocks in Colorado, 9/11/2018. I wore Robert’s badge over my heart and climbed the 110 floors in his honor. May he rest easy and his memory and legacy never be forgotten. Thank you for your service.
– Megan Elise GilletteI had the privilege of being assigned Robert’s name at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI yesterday (9-22-18). I pray that I brought honor to his name and family. May God bless all of you.
– Brian HazelettBrian Hazelett
Assistant Chief
Minocqua Fire & Rescue
Minocqua, WI
I had the honor of climbing the stairs at the 2018 Lambeau 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It was a very moving and special event. Ringing the bell for Robert was a great honor! May all the wonderful memories you have with him keep you strong. They will never be forgotten.
– ChrisI was honored to carry the picture and memory of Firefighter Rober J. Minara during the 2019 Tri-Cities 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in Kingsport, Tennessee. Thank you for your ultimate service and bravery. Rest in Peace, faithful servant. Never Forget.
– Donna HardyI am honored to wear Robert’s name tomorrow morning when I climb in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in Charlotte. Please know that Robert’s bravery and your family’s sacrifices will never, ever be forgotten.
– Jenna JohnsonIt was my honor to carry Robert’s name to the top of Corning Tower in the 2019 Albany, NY memorial stair climb. May his and his 342 brother’s sacrifice never be forgotten.
– Russell JenningsI had the privilege of climbing for Robert at the Missouri Fire Marshal’s Stair Climb on 10/19/19. I am honored to have carried the memory of Robert who so selflessly served his country and his neighbors. Robert’s heroism will not be forgotten.
Mike Mohrman
– Mike MohrmanBattalion Chief – Lee’s Summit, MO Fire Dept.
I was honored to participate in my 3rd stair climb in Columbus OH, the climb today on 20th anniversary of September 11. I continue to carry a photo and memory of our hero Robert Minara with me. He will never be forgotten. Thank you Robert for serving and protecting us. I pray that wonderful memories of you bring comfort to your family and friends. God Bless.
– Jen BaranIn September of 2013, I had the honor of climbing for FF Robert Minara, Ladder 25, at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in Nashville, TN. It was memorable day for me, one I reflect on often. #NeverForget
– Jeff Mundkowsky9/11/23 – Today, I climbed 110 flights at Fritz-Walter-Stadium in Kaiserslautern, Germany in honor of Robert…never forgotten.
– Mark BanuaToday I was honored to carry Robert’s name placard as we participated in a memorial walk honoring the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives that fateful day. It was a true honor.
– Schelly LindseyHey bro. Climbed the Auckland Sky Tower in New Zealand in your honor today 11th Sept 2023. We will always remember you.
– Dan Auber