Joseph R. “Joe” Stach Jr. of Valley Cottage, New York, passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2018, after a hard-fought battle with 9/11-related pancreatic cancer.
He was born in Nyack, New York, to Joseph Sr. and Elizabeth (Lee) Stach.
He was appointed to the Fire Department of New York on October 21, 1990, retiring in 2010 as a lieutenant with Ladder Company 6 after 20 years with the FDNY.
He spent 72 hours at Ground Zero immediately following 9/11 and worked at the site for weeks.
Joe was also a Life Member of Empire Hook & Ladder Co. #1 in Upper Nyack.
In 2010, Lieutenant Stach was awarded the Albert S. Johnston Medal for bravery.
Joe was survived by his parents, Joseph Sr. and Lee Stach; his loving wife, JoAnn; and their five amazing children, Darren, Corrin, Kayla, Ryan, and Tyler. He was also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Lisa and Matt Ryder, and their children, Erin and Kyle.
Joe was a friend and mentor to many and will be deeply missed.
Today, we remember brave Americans like Joseph. I saw no one has commented on his memorial wall, so I wanted to be the first. While I never had the chance to meet him, I honour his sacrifice and service.
– anonymousI love you and I miss you more than I could even put into words Daddyo. Thank you for everything and for being the best Dad anyone could ask for.
– Kayla Stach