Kevin was sworn in to the FDNY on his 21st birthday‚ July 11‚ 1958. He died in the WTC on September 11‚ 2001 doing a job that he loved. He was a wonderful fireman. He knew the job inside and out and lived by a code of honor that seemed like a throwback to a more genteel time. ‘He was a medal winner but you would never know about it because he wouldn’t boast about it‚’ says Ladder 3 Captain Dan Brown.
Kevin was a hero but he was also so much more‚ a good man‚ a son‚ a brother‚ uncle and loving companion‚ a teacher‚ firefighter‚ boss‚ gardener who was honest‚ truthful‚ and conscientious and loved by all. All that he touched will miss him.
I’ve had the honor of climbing for Lieutenant Donnelly the last 2 years at the Nashville 9/11 stair climb. It’s been the most rewarding experience. I climb for you sir, and will always remember you for your sacrifice. Rest easy brother! We will not forget!
– Allen McCormickI climbed last year and will be climbing this year in memory of FDNY Lt. Kevin Donnelly. Kevin was a friend of a friend who I got to know over time when my group of friends would meet. He was the type of person that was quiet but easy to talk to once you engaged him. You couldn’t help but like him. Since I joined the Massapequa Fire Department eight years ago, I have come to understand the brotherhood that exists among firefighters. I thought what better way to honor Kevin than by participating in this climb and raising money for such a worthy cause.
– Joe Cambriagod bless you and may you find happiness in heaven.
– patrick b donnellyI climb for Lieutenant Donnelly today in Greenville SC. RIP you will not be forgotten.
– Jean CalbetzorI am proud to climb for Lt. Donnelly at the 9/11 stair climb at Red Rocks in Colorado. Thank you for your service sir.
– jennifer bresnahan“Rejoice, and be glad for great will his reward in Heaven” !!!! Never knew an enemy, always there for anyone! Jesus says in St. John,15:23, “Greater love has No One, than one who would who would lay down his life for a friend!” May his Memory be Eternal ,,,,
– Msgr. James Donnelly, Ph.D+ Msgr. James Donnelly
Thinking of how you and Mary danced at our wedding Kevin. Or the night you came out to check on Devin and I in the car. It would be the last time we saw you. Devin is 19 now and entering her Sophomore year at College. It seems like yesterday that we were all laughing in Long Beach. Tom is a Chief now with 40 years on. I can’t help but think how you would have gone through the ranks as well. Too many good guys gone to soon.
– Debra McCarthyWe met Kevin on the 29th floor of the WTC. He was going up, we were going down. He was jovial and calm and calming – our group offered him a Snapple, he told us it would just be a tease and to keep it for us. He told us what happened outside, we didn’t know prior, we had come down from 77th floor. We think of him often and pray for his family!! I can barely see my screen through the tears…….
– John KneeleyFrom one Donnelly to another Donnelly, THANK YOU FOR BEING THE GREAT MAN YOU WERE ! MAY THE GOOD LORD BLESS YOUR SOUL !
– Ken DonnellyRip
– Lindsay NeemsI had the honor of climbing for Lt. Donnelly
– Julie Murphythis year in Tupelo, MS. We will never forget! GOD Bless America
I ran the 9/11 memorial 5K at Luke AFB and carried Lieutenant Donnelly’s name. May you be remembered and RIP.
– MSgt Brian Peters (ret.)