Michael D’Auria was a very warm and loving young man who had a purpose in life. It was somewhat of a struggle getting there but he knew what his goal was and he succeeded. His entire life he wanted to be a fireman. He was sworn into the department on May 2‚ 2001 after receiving 100 percent on both the written and physical tests. He was so proud to be a part of the FDNY.
Mike was a chef at various restaurants in Manhattan‚ Brooklyn‚ and Staten Island. When he graduated from high school‚ he went to culinary school since he had been too young at that time to take the fire department test.
Michael loved getting tattoos‚ but they each had a very special meaning to him‚ e.g. St. Michael the Archangel on his right shoulder. He felt he was his protector. Mike began painting last year. Something he never tried before‚ but when he did he had such a talent that people were just amazed seeing his paintings.
Most of all‚ Michael was a caring‚ giving person. He literally would give the shirt off his back to someone in need. Michael was a hero to many people over the years; now he’s a HERO to all.
As I sit here and write‚ I cry because my heart aches but I know you are happy now‚ Michael. You knew life here was only a small part of a very big picture. Michael made a statement to his sister‚ Christina‚ several months before September 11: ‘I know when I die it’s going to be in a big way and it’s going to change the world.’ How right you were my son.
Always and forever in our hearts.
Mom
My daughter had the privledge of wearing your son’s name and picture as she sang the national anthem with the Bagder State Girl Choir today. We attended the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in Green Bay, WI this morning. She was proud to wear his picture. She is not old enough to have been alive when 9/11 happened but she has learned and seen on tv what happened that horrible day. I would like to share with you the video of them singing as well as a picture of her proudly wearing his picture. You may contact me by email or find me on Facebook if you wish.
– Kimberly De La CruzI am truly sorry for your loss. Michael will always be considered a hero to us.
Kimberly
I climbed in memory of Michael at the 9/11 Stair Climb at Lambeau Field. As a fellow firefighter I am honored to have had the chance to represent and climb with him. He was a hero and his memory will live on, we will never forget. Rest easy brother we will take it from here.
– Kari JoasI was honored to wear Michael’s pic/badge on September 16,2017 at Lambeau field in Green Bay,WI. I want you to know that he will NEVER be forgotten and he will be in my daily prayers.As my husband and our son and I did the climb it gave me a more understanding of the unconditional sacrifice they gave on 9/11. it was the ultimate sacrifice. I am 57 years old and work at a Michigan Public school in Food service. Please know that Michael will forever be remembered in prayer. He is our forever HERO!
– Margaret BrayYesterday, I had Michael on my race bib at the 2019 Melbourne Fire Fighter Stair Climb in Australia. I am honored to ensure that Michael is still being remembered today and across the other side of the world. Thank you for sharing a little about him, it certainly hits home a bit reading it.
– Jason GovanI have the privilege of participating in a 9/11 stair climb to honor your son and all the firefighters that lost their lives on that horrible day. I wanted you to know that I will wear his picture on my shirt and will do my best to honor his memory. I am so sorry for your loss.
– Rita MetschYou actually met my Mother and Father (Dale and Judy) at the 9/11 Memorial several years ago on their visit to New York, and all they could talk about was you, and your son. They gave me your son’s prayer card, which I’ve had for almost 15 years now, and still carry it with me every September 11th so as I don’t forget your son’s heroism, and those of his firefighter brothers.
– Kevin CollierI got the privilege of wearing your sons picture on a 9/11 walk today. I am so sorry about what happened to your family. I am so proud to be walking with your son from now on.❤️
– Hannah AlbersHi Nancy. I had met you in NY I believe at the 9/11 museum (I think) I told you that my son was in the process of becoming a FF which he is now a Captain. You gave me a picture of Michael and told me his story, I told you I would always carry your sons picture in my wallet. Today on the 20 year anniversary I posted the picture of Michael and told the story. I have kept my promise to you. You will forever be in my thoughts!!!
– Heidi HarrisHeidi Harris
I had the honor of walking in Michael’s memory on the 20th anniversary in St. Louis 21-mile March to the Arch. #NeverForget
– Anne M ButlerI saw his plaque at the firehouse and googled Michael’s name and read your post and was touched by what Michael stated to his sister may God rest your soul and may you Michael D. D’Auria always have light.
– Lino GuglilmoLino Guglielmo.
Today I wore Michael D’Auria’s Picture today at the 2022 stair climb in Green Bay, I am honored to wear this. Never Forget
– Mark StocktonI had the honor of wearing your badge for the stair climb in Naples Florida this morning. You will not be forgotten. I thought of what it must of been like for you on that day. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. How proud they must be to have had such a brave and courageous son/brother.
– Paula DavisWore a badge that had your son on it, as I climbed up 110 flights. I didn’t know when I picked his badge up, but I also have a St. Michael tattoo. I wish I could say I could cook as good as he good, but I’m workin on it. From now on, he’ll hang up next to my gear as a reminder to live my life to the fullest, always have the pursuit to be better, and love people like he did. God bless.
Josh Odell
– Joshua OdellI had the privilege to climb in the 9/11 memorial stair climb today in Nashville TN. My prayer is that I honored Michael and his memory well today as each step I made was for him and his memory!! Be blessed!!
– Steven AdamsRIP Michael. I had the honor of carrying a badge of Michael this past weekend during the local 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in Omaha.
– Shannon HansenTo Michael’s Mom
– Tammie FikeI had the privilege to meet you a couple of years after 911. I was visiting from Canada and went on the tour of the site. Family members were doing the tours and at the end you shared your son’s story. I was heartbroken as a mother of two boys. You were so brave. You handed out a photo of Michael afterwards and said you never wanted him to be forgotten. I want you to know that every year on 911 I share his photo and the story of meeting you. Tammie
Today I had the honor of wearing your son’s dog tag, during the annual 343 Memorial motorcycle ride here in Wilmington NC (Red Knights NC Chapter 6). I will never forget him and all those who never hesitated to help after the twin towers were hit. My deepest sympathy’s for your loss. Know they not forgotten.
– Harley PamTo the mother and family of Michael,
– France MilotMy family met you during a tour taken a couple of years after 9/11. We were visiting from Canada with our two children.The impact of the tour was profound. We were honoured to have met you. You shared memories of your son and gave us your son’s prayer card. You were so brave and we were heartbroken for you and your family. Michael is remembered ….always ❤️
You were a very good man and I honor you and everything you did for us.
– Serenity WrayI had the privilege of climbing in Michael’s honor yesterday at a 9/11 stair climb in central Missouri. I am so sorry for your family’s loss and we will never forget his sacrifice.
– Samantha AlderI had the honor of wearing your son’s badge for the 9/11 memorial stair climb at Lambeau Field yesterday. The climb was challenging at times but keeping his name and photo in my mind gave me strength as I climbed when I thought about how determined he was on that day. He did indeed change the world with his heroism and he is memory will live on in my heart from this day forward.
– Laura PomeroyTo Michaels MOM! To this day I read this and it still hits hard. My son (26) started training in fire academy Sept. 8th 2025. Their class was instructed to pick a name of a fallen firefighter from Sept. 11th. My son picked your son. Nate signed on at 25 years old with the St. Matthews FD in Louisville Ky. He graduated on February 12th 2026. He explained how Michael went to culinary school and my son loves cooking. The age they both became firefighters. How they had these things in common. And now that I have seen this it makes me respect them even more for their sacrifice. My son is my hero now, and your son has become memorialized in my heart and prayers as a hero. I will always support the FDNY and any fire department in the USA. To all Firefighters “BE SMART, THINK SMART, YOU ALL ARE OUR HERO’S!!!”
– Jeff KraftCousin Michael, I did not know you, but you must have been a fine man because you carried the name “D’Auria”. God bless you and the Family. May your memory be for a blessing.
– Paula D'Auria-ShowalteerAs the years pass and a memory of how our family was impacted on that Monday morning. I pray for your soul to be at rest. I pray for your mom Nancy will know the hero you are. My father, Sal Aiello was your second cousin. I grew up knowing your Mother, Uncle and Aunt whenever we came to visit in Brooklyn. I am so PROUD of your heroism. Rest In Peace Michael. May God Bless all that were taken on that awful day.
– Camille Romano9.11.26 I wore your son’s picture and name on a badge during our community stair climb held today. I searched to learn more about him and found this page. I am thankful for his life and service. Psalm 34:3
– John RobertsonTomorrow I am running in a Tunnel to Towers race and I will be carrying with me a picture of Michael. I have read about him. He was obviously a very courageous young man. I am honored to be representing him at the event. Michael was and always will be a hero.
– Jeff BakerIn my D’Auria Family Tree on American soil in Uniontown, Fayette County, Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, my cousin, Marian D’Auria has informed me in Facebook that our distant cousin, Michael D. D’Auria as one of the fallen NYFD fighters on the line as it happened in WTC Tragedy on Wednesday September 11, 2001 as I am the deaf cousin of my cousin, Marian D’Auria as the daughter of my uncle, Mr. Vincent “ Chancy “ D’Auria as the part of my D’Auria Family under my parents-Mr. & Mrs. Paschal L. D’Auria in Uniontown, Fayette County, Pennsylvania. I have shared the issues with Marian D’Auria when we grew up so together in our lives in experiences.
– Christa L.D’AuriaOn Friday September 11, 2026, I have humbled to bow in my prayers to pay my respects to the memorial of Michael D. D’Auria as the heroic fallen NYFD fighters on a line in the 25 th Memorial Commemoration in peace and in condolence of my D’Auria Family.— Quotes: “ Never Again— Never Forget on 9/11” and
“ New York Strong and Resilient — Respectfully, Christa D’Auria ( Henrietta, New York)
Im so sorry for the family and friends’ loss im so sorry you passed this way rest in eternal power sir.
– Sabbir Ahmed