Jonathan L. Ielpi‚ 29‚ firefighter‚ FDNY‚ Squad 288. For Ielpi‚ the son of an FDNY veteran‚ firefighting was priority number one. A longtime hockey player‚ Ielpi gave up his favorite sport after joining the FDNY‚ worried that an injury could interfere with his work. His North High School team recently retired his jersey. Like his father before him‚ Ielpi served as chief of Great Neck’s Vigilant Volunteer Fire Department. A six-year FDNY veteran‚ Ielpi is survived by his wife and two sons.
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
PO Drawer 498
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
This website is funded in whole or in part through a grant from the Bureau of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse, this Web site (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any service or tools provided).
Foundation does not solicit donations by phone or employ outside companies to do so. You can make a donation by mail, by phone or through our website.
© 2003–2025 National Fallen Firefighters Foundation | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
I grew up in Maspeth. Your firehouse was my firehouse. When I read of the loss of so many good men, I was moved. I thank God there are people willing to serve others as firefighters and police officers. Godspeed to you and all your brethren and all those who knew and loved you.
– James AustinWalked in remembrance of this great hero. Had a great time this morning honoring our fallen heroes. Thank you for your great sacrifice in putting other’s lives ahead of your own. God bless your your wife and two sons.
– Christopher FoxI’m 14 years old and I climbed for Jonathan Ielpi at Lambeau Field. It was an honor! I keep you and your family in my ❤️ and thoughts. An American hero.
– Payton WreathOn 1st September 2018 I am doing the Melbourne Australia Firefighter Stairclimb with the Ballarat Fire Brigade team. I am dedicating this climb to Jonathan and his family. May his legacy never be forgotten.
– Chris DargeIt’s an honor to climb today in Panama City Beach Florida for Jonathan and my 343 brothers. Lt. James Brown Gainesville Fire Rescue…
– JAMES D BrownThis was my first stair climb and it was such an honor to climb for Jonathan Lelpi I really appreciate all the sacrifices our brave heroes like Jonathan have made for us may you live forever in our hearts and memories ??
– Ron mancusoTo the friends and family of Jonathan,
Your hero is not forgotten. We walked in honor of him today. My thoughts and prayers are with you all that you have found peace and happiness. It was an honor to wear his name today in Richmond Hill, GA.
– Lynnette CometteI pray for you and your family Jonathan, we will never forget, no matter how many years pass. We will always remember the sacrifice and the selflessness. Thank you and God bless from England xxx
– Nikki BarrsThis was such a horrible situation so many innocent People lost there lives because of evil & Ignorance. But we have to pray for the families because they still have to deal with the after effects of this terrible act God Bless you all!
– Eric J ThomasToday I did my first McAllen Stair Climb and I climbed in remembrance of Jonathan. His bravery, and courage will never be forgotten. My continued prayers for his wife, sons and him, forever. It was an honor to climb for him. Mari from Rio Grande Valley, Texas.
– Mari De LeonI climbed in the 2019 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in Clayton Missouri with Jonathan’s picture around my neck. He and the rest of his fallen brothers will never be forgotten, and I hope to carry on their legacy as I am currently attending the St Louis County Fire Academy. May he Rest In Peace.
– James P KurtenStill in all our minds! You and all are never forgotten! See you later Friend!
– Matthew ButtaroJonathan is my uncle. Even though I’ve never met him, he is always in my heart.
– Sydney l brengelHappy Heavenly Birthday Jonathan!
– Xantra BakerTo the family of Jonathan, please know your firefighter family will never forget the sacrifice you made at the World Trade Center on 9/11. Jonathan is a true HERO!!!
– Lisa HopmanOn this the 19 year anniversary, Jonathan will never be forgotton
– Lisa HopmanHello!
I am searching for firefighter who helped on the day 11 september 2001
– Annette KrepelkaHappy Heavenly Birthday Jonathan!
– Xantra D BAKERI teach 7th grade history, and every year, I take a week to teach 9/11. My students wipe tears every year as we remember the fallen. Jonathan is never forgotten. So much love to this man’s family!
– B. HaydenYou will never be forgotten. You will all live in our memories forever. There aren’t adequate words to express my thanks and admiration. You died heroes while your murderers died cowards. Yes, all Terrorists are cowards. I lift you up in prayer today and every day.
– Lourdes FernandezI lived in the same apartment building as Jonathan …his caring smile and hi always added to my day. The dedicated Husband and Dad was easily noticed. He was a light that until this day I have not forgotten. Hoping and praying that his beautiful family are well.
– RandiToday in Carthage Texas 9/11 Remembrance Walk I was handed Jonathans name to carry and walk a couple of miles and climb steps to represent the fallen NYFD as a result of 9/11 attack. I hope that his family knows he is not forgotten.
– Adrianne BrancatoYesterday I ran the 5k in honor of this late firefighter. Thank you for your service and prayers to his family.
– Katrina ReschParticipated in the annual MCAS Iwakuni Stairclimb, climbing in honor of Jonathan Ielpi. He was my age when he climbed and died as a selfless hero. May he never be forgotten.
– EricI am a soldier deployed overseas. We had a 9/11 stair climb at our base and I had the pleasure of carrying Jonathan Lelpi’s number and name up 110 flights of stairs. I wish I could attach pictures, as a carried up the American flag, as well. We will never forget the sacrifice made by Jonathan and others like him. Never forget!
– Anna ClarkI am honored to Climb in Jonathan’s honor this year at the CNY Stair Climb in Utica NY
– Richard RobertsYou were a true HERO, may u RIP
– Barbara VanagasI live in the UK, I will always remember that day and the tragedy that unfolded. I have just seen a video with Mr. Ielpi Sr. about the recovery of his Son. The world has since learned of many heroes that day. Mr. Ielpi’s family found and laid to rest their hero. RIP 🇺🇸 Never Forget
– Paul ToddI climbed in remembrance of this fallen hero. Participating helped keep the memory fresh of the tragedies that occurred on 9/11 and beyond. Prayers to all.
– Ken BakerI climbed T2T in Charlotte NC today 4/28/24 for Jonathan Lelpi. May his memory and legacy live on. 🙏🌺
– Rose LeI climbed today in Charleston, SC in honor of Jonathan and all of the heroes. I am so grateful for his service and sacrifice. Many blessings to his wife, children, and all who hold him dear.
– Terri GrossI rode with Red Knights today for their 9/11 memorial ride. You were my chosen rock/passenger of honor. Thank you for your sacrifice. #GodSpeed.
– Dennis EstlockMay God bless his wife and children. Their father is a true American hero and will always be with them!
– Joe BorrajoEvery year I take part in the tunnel to towers runs in Northern Kentucky and New York and run/walk with a picture of a Firefighter. Ths year It will be FF Johnathon Ielpi. I chose him as I watched his story on TV on how his father searched for him. I am from the United Kingdom and will never forget the sacrifices 343 brothers and sisters made that day.
– Vincent Archer