Andrew J. Desperito was killed in the line of duty on 9/11 while trying to evacuate thousands of people at the World Trade Center before its devastating collapse. Being a firefighter was something he dreamed of since he was a little boy. He served three years as a NYC police officer before being appointed to the FDNY. He studied very hard and eventually became a lieutenant. He also was a member of Hagerman Volunteer Fire Department‚ often sharing his knowledge of firefighting at training drills and classes.
Helping people seemed to come naturally to him. He was a born communicator and connected well with all people. However‚ he never did anything for his own personal gain. He did it because it was the right thing to do. He was a highly respected and loved soccer coach who brought his son’s Division 1 soccer team to a first place championship twice right before his untimely death. He also instilled good sportsmanship in all his players mostly by his own behavior on the soccer field.
He strove to be the best he could in everything he did and was: a husband‚ father‚ son‚ brother‚ firefighter‚ soccer coach and friend. Andrew was most proud of his family‚ wife Laura‚ and children‚ Nicole‚ Anthony‚ and David.
Of everything that Andrew tried to accomplish in his short lifetime‚ the underlying goal was to always stay true to yourself and always follow your dreams.
R.I.P. He was a great hero for all, We will be proud forever.
– Messias de OliveiraToday we climbed the Colorado 9/11 Stair Climb in honor and memory of your loved one. Andrew is not forgotten.
– Jan GascoigneThis weekend I climbed in memory of Lieutenant Desperito at the 9/11 Stair Climb in Green Bay, WI. He sounds like he was a wonderful man. I am also a parent to three children and a soccer coach. I am honored to have chosen his name.
– Stacey OatmanToday I’m climbing in honor of Lt Desperito at the Never Forget New Hampshire 9/11 Stair Climb in Manchester NH. I’m so glad to learn about Lt Desperito and to participate in his honor and memory.
– catherineToday, I am donating to the Camp Fire Relief Fund in memory of Andrew Desperito. This fund will help the victims of California’s worst fire in history.
– Pasquale BianculliHe graduated SFP the same year as me , and Hagerman is just a stones throw from Center Moriches – god bless the family of this former SFP Terrier …
– [email protected]We miss you Coach Andy you were one of a kind Rst in peace Coach Frank
– Francis Searing9/11/19 I am honoring Sgt. Andrew Desperito today. Thank you Sergeant for your hard work and dedication for the people.
– CorrieToday I climbed in memory of Lt. Desperito.
– JoAnneNever forgotten!
This morning it was my honor to climb for Lieutenant Andrew Desperito in Uvalde, Texas. I truly hope his family are doing well. Thank you Andrew!
Katie Story
– Katie StoryThe town of Clayton in NC had a 3.43 mile run today in memory of the 343 firefighters lost on 9/11. My miles were dedicated to Andrew.
– Paula#neverforget
On September 25th in Utica Ny I will be climbing for Lt after reading the story it has strengthened me It will be an honor to think how great of a hero he was
– Deb RiegerI climbed in honor of this man Saturday at the Charleston Memorial Stair climb and researching the man he was. I look forward to learning more about this hero.
– DonnaI climbed in memory of Lt. Desperito at the OKC memorial stair climb this year. Never forgotten.
– Will Fisher9/11/22
This morning I carried Lieutenant Desperito’s name during the Sacramento Memorial Stair Climb. His sacrifice is not forgotten.
– Nicole BarfknechtLt. Desperito’s remembrance bracelet from the World Trade Center Memorial was given to me many years ago. Each year, I wear his bracelet and a 343 bracelet a FDNY firefighter turned Jet Blue flight attendant gave me. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.
– Amber9/11/23 – Today, I climbed 110 flights at Fritz-Walter-Stadium in Kaiserslautern, Germany in honor of Andrew…never forgotten.
– Mark BanuaThank you for your bravery and you service to our country.
– Nathan Krauss