Gregory was a 46-year-old who had many talents throughout his lifetime. He was intense and quiet‚ intellectual yet ‘Bro‚’ as he was known around Ladder 13‚ could be the life of the party.
He had a prized butterfly collection‚ held a private pilot’s license and was a trivia expert. By the way‚ he did the best John Wayne impression you could ever hear.
He was a champion athlete. He was scouted by professionals from major league baseball and the perfect game he pitched in 1973 is part of Kings Park High School’s sports history. He enjoyed his years playing baseball for C.W. Post College‚ winning trophies for his pitching skills.
Upon joining FDNY‚ he became very involved in softball. His FDNY team won the city championship in 1986. Greg was three months shy of 20 years on the job. He was doing what he loved‚ serving the City of New York as a firefighter.
Greg’s father‚ George‚ passed away three months after the 9/11/01 tragedy. Greg is survived by his mother Marge‚ his brother Edward‚ two sisters-Ellen and Jean‚ and his extended family of nieces‚ nephews‚ aunts‚ uncles‚ and cousins.
Margaret Stajk
Yesterday, September 10 2016, I did the 110 story 9/11 stair climb at Lambeau field. This was the first climb I have done and I had the honor to climb in the memory of Gregory. I remember 15 years ago as if it was yesterday, and it is the reason I joined the Marines in 2006 and joined the Elkhart Lake volunteer fire department in 2012. Through everything I have done I always remember what the men and women like Gregory sacrificed on that day to help strangers. I am honored to call them brothers and sisters in this family of firefighting, whether we are volunteer or career we are family and will always have each other’s backs. I climb because he climbed.
– Benjamin MattsonToday the Potwin Fire Department in Potwin, Kansas (in which I am a member of) held a 9/11 Memorial walk to honor all fallen. Every individual that registered for the event drew a card of an emergency personnel that lost their life during 9/11 and walked in approximately 2.5 to 3 miles in tribute of the individual they drew. I had the privilege of walking to remember Gregory Stajk. I immediately googled him to learn about him and his family. I enjoyed what I read, I am a huge John Wayne fan myself so knowing that he did the best John Wayne impersonation was pretty awesome. I am glad that I was privileged enough to have the opportunity to walk in tribute of this hero. All funds raised from the memorial walk were donated to the fallen fire fighters foundation as well which I feel is a fantastic foundation
I want you all to know that you are all in my prayers and hope that knowing that your loved one is never forgetting helps during this difficult day.
Cody Austin
– Cody AustinPotwin Volunteer Fire Department
Kansas Air National Gurd ( U.S. Air Force)
“343 Never Forgotten”
Greg and I would run into each other on the walk to Indian Head Elementary School. It didn’t take much for me to make him laugh. Through the years I have missed you. Dear Mrs. Stajk I remember you as the sweetest and kindest person.
– Riki Bazell ZablockiI was honoured to climb 110 flights of stairs with Gregory Stajk in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. #neverforgotten
– Rachel BryansI knew was friends with Greg at CW Post I practiced with him when he was with the baseball team there. He was a great friend. He told me that at one point he had a opportunity to tryout for the Cincinnati Reds farm team or that his uncle could get him into the NYC fire dept. We all know he made the better choice. After we both graduated. We lost contact with each other but the news of his loss was still devastating.
– Mark LevineToday 9/10/22 I did the Run For the Fallen 5k and Mr. Stajk was my hero. I know he was with me every step of the way, his badge hangs with honor on my medal board.
– LauraOn 9/11/2001 I was on duty as a career firefighter /EMT-I in the small Industrial City of Hopewell, Virginia. We were outside training when our Captain shared the news of the attack. For the rest of the day we watched in disbelief as the events changed our world.
– Robert WilliamsonIn the following days and weeks our department, and community held fundraising events to send for the families for the 343 selling ball caps honoring the fallen, and with “Filling the boot” for monetary donations. We had a list of the fallen and I had recieved Firefighter Stajks’ name embroidered on the back, I wear this hat once a year, on 9/11, to Honor his and his brothers and sisters who selflessly gave their all…I send my deepest sympathies to his family and Honor his service.
9/17/22 – This was my first time participating in any 110 story memorial climb, which took place in Springfield, MO. I was truly humbled by the event, and honored to “carry” Gregory with me. I am thrilled to have learned about him and help keep his memory alive.
– Michael EnsmingerI have a bracelet with Greg’s name etched on it. I didn’t know Greg but every year I try to honor his memory and all those who passed away on that day. I released a butterfly (a swallowtail – I help Mother Nature with her babies) in his honor. And, after 22 years, thought it would be appropriate to ‘goggle’ his name. Today, I learned that Greg had a prized butterfly collection. My heart is full now knowing about him. Thank you, Greg, for your bravery and sacrifice.
– Patti Mumford