Richard Manetta died on October 11, 2009, from an aggressive form of cancer related to his response to the September 11th terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.
Richie was a 12-year veteran with the FDNY who served with Engine 276/Ladder 156/Battalion 33. He left his job as a plumber for the transit authority to join the fire department in 1996. He became a highly respected and dedicated firefighter who worked tirelessly on the rescue and recovery operation at Ground Zero.
Richie was a good-hearted person, a devout Catholic, and everything you could want in a firefighter and friend.
He is survived by his wife, Maria, and his son, Christian.
We miss you more than anything Uncle Richie
– JManettaOne of the nicest people I knew and is thought about often. He is a true hero.
– GregI randomly met Rich at MSKCC and we talked over his inpatient tray dinner. I was leaving when his dinner arrived and he said, “No eat this salad, I won’t eat it anyway.” We talked for another hour or so and I could hear he was very sad to lose his new child, wife and place in life as anyone would be. He however still had an enthusiasm to reflect and be in the moment which I hope the people he worked with and his family are consciously carrying on in his absence.
– Mike