Firefighter Robert Evans was born in Mineola‚ New York on April 27‚ 1965. He was 36 years old and unmarried. He served on the New York City Fire Department for seven years with great pride and to fulfill a desire to help people and serve the community.
In his youth‚ his avid interests included magic‚ fishing‚ and dancing. Later on‚ Robert had a great passion for playing hand ball which helped to fulfill his need for individual competition and an outlet for his boundless energy. Here he dispensed advice‚ some wit and wisdom to younger players which was appreciated. His energetic personality led him to compete in the 1986 New York Golden Gloves where he was voted ‘Fighter of the Night’ after winning his second fight in the featherweight division. His teammate was Kevin Kelly who went on to win the WBA Featherweight Championship.
Years later‚ Robert‚ as a New York City Firefighter‚ visited Kevin at his training camp where Kevin presented him with an autographed photo which was inscribed ‘To Rob‚ Always Stand Tall.’ Little did Kevin realize how tall Robert would eventually stand.
In addition‚ Robert tried skydiving which he loved but was convinced by his mom and sister that he would get sufficient excitement by being a New York City Fireman‚ and‚ so as a result‚ he turned toward a surprising but no less enjoyable passion‚ to improve his culinary ability in taking his turn to feed his brother firemen. He was successful by virtue of his gaining 30 pounds in less than a year.
From early childhood‚ his endearing quality of a keen sense of humor carried on into his career in the Fire Department to the extent he was nicknamed the ‘Jerry Lewis’ of Engine 33.
Last‚ but not least‚ Robert will always be remembered by a striking dimpled smile. His greeting upon meeting him‚ or upon saying goodbye‚ and that proved to be most prophetic was‚ ‘If there is anything I can do for you‚ please let me know.’ His desire to help others was fulfilled tragically on 9/11/01 along with 342 brave comrades.
He was loved much and will be greatly missed. Robert is survived by his mother Christina‚ his father Edward‚ and his sister Jeanne.
It was a privilege to wear your name during the 9/11 Silent Walk today in Charleston, SC. Knowing your dedication to duty and the price you were willing to pay was my motivation to keep going as the miles wore on. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and WE will never forget you.
– John LemacksIt is an honor to be wearing Robert’s name and picture today for my 5k Dewitt PFA run. I am so sorry for your pain. He was a handsome firefighter.
– Jennifer WilberJennifer Wilber Syracuse, NY
I went to a 9/11 remembrance ceremony this early evening in Palmer,MA. The ceremony was very nice. Before the ceremony started a woman came by and gave me a candle and a name of a person who had fallen on that sad day. She told me to think of this person throughout the ceremony and when we get to the part when we light your candle please say his name out loud so we may all remember him and his sacrifice. I did. When I got home I wanted to put a face to the name of the man that I thought of throughout the ceremony. I googled his name and this picture was the first to come up. Wish I could let his family know that I was given his name at this special ceremony. I will remember what you, Robert Edward Evans and the many others that have sacrificed to help others on that sad day. Thank you for your bravery,sacrifice and heroism. May your family find peace. RIP Robert Edward Evans. You will never be forgotten.
– Ed DupontI attended a memorial field in Hanover, Pa where 3000 flags were hung proudly in honor of those lives lost in 9/11. I donated to the cause and in return was given a flag. When i received my flag, it was in honor of Robert Edward Evans. I had to do some research to hear about his story and background which brought me to this page. I am honored to have your flag. Thank you for your sacrifice to put your life in harms way to save lives in the most tragic event that hit millions of our hearts. God bless your family, they should be so proud of what you had accomplished.
– Greg Breeden JrThis weekend we went to a memorial 5k in Cape Girardeau, MO. The tunnel to towers (stephen siller foundation) 5k. All the runners wore a badge of a fallen firefighter and I am honored to have worn the name of Robert Evans. I wore it proudly today at work in his memory. After reading about him I am even more honored to have worn his name! God bless his friends and family! Thank you Mr. Evans for your sacrifice!
– Megan HurstI never knew you in life, but I wear your name every 9-11. I ordered a 9-11 memorial bracelet right after the event. Your name and company was on it. I was a firefighter medic for24 years till I was medically retired in 2014. Your memory will live on with me till the day I join you.
– Andy ShortI proudly walked for you today. I participated in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Lambeau Field, Greenbay, Wisconsin. My hope is to attend the Lambeau Memorial Stair Climb every year and I will proudly carry your Memorial Badge each time. Thank You for your service. You will never be forgotten.
– Nichole ReimerNichole Reimer
Today, October 25, 2018, my husband and I visited the 9/11 Memorial in New York City. During the tour in which we participated, our guide suggested that to make the experience more personal, we might finish by going to the outdoor pools and choose a person to remember and learn more about. I was drawn to Robert Edward Evans, since my maiden name is Evans. I have learned about him this afternoon and I am so impressed with his joy and daring in life and his willingness to help others in his firefighter role. Even after 17 years his mother and sister must miss him and also be proud of his courage and commitment. I thank him for his service and wish I could have had the honor to meet him. I’ll always remember him and his warm smile.
– Judith HughesJudy Hughes, Livermore, CA.
My son is a firefighter. He has the same name as Robert. He is from Tennessee. They have a memorial every year for the fallen firefighters. He (my son) does a stair climb to raise money for the family. With sharing the same name…. My son does it in Robert Evans memory. GOD BLESS ALL. NEVER FORGET
– Angela EvansI was proud to walk in honor of Robert today. Not only was his engine my favorite number but my uncles name is also Robert who is the Chief of Denvers Fire Department. When I was starting to struggle I would hold my badge with your photo on it and it helped push me through. Thank you for your service, and I will forever hold your badge with me. Next year I will still wear it and walk strong in honor of you once again!
– Ginny CorsbieScrolling through my picture roll tonight, I came upon my picture of the tag I wore bearing Robert’s name and picture during the 2018 9/11 memorial climb in San Antonio, TX.
I’m a proud firefighter for Houston, TX and if Robert’s family and friends see this I want y’all to know he’s remembered even among those who didn’t know him personally. I shed tears then and now in memory of a great man.
– Andrew RoseborroughYou were always a hero to me Rob. I miss you so very much. I’ve always loved you ❤️ . RIP .
– Deborah BertonePlease could you place a flower on this Pandemic’s memorial I am a Pandemic in Wales UK same full name.
– Robert Edward EvansFirefighter Robert Edward Evans , I did a stair climb in Dayton today and I wore your name and it was an honor. I said your name and rang the bell when I finished . Thank you for your sacrifice . You will never be forgotten . God Bless RIP ❤️
– MaryLouKuslerToday I was honoured to wear your picture as I participated in my first stair climb. Thank you for the privilege. You are truly a hero, and are not forgotten.
– Jacqueline HiltsI patticipated in my first 110 floor step climb in Kearney, Nebraska to honor the fallen heros of the World Trade Center attack on September 11, 2001. Out of the container holding thousands of names, I drew the name of Robert Edward Evans, which meant very much to me. My oldest sons name is Robert and my faters name was Edward. It was an esteemed honor and privilege to wear his picture and badge during the climb. We will never ever forget to honor these fallen heros. May God Bless the USA and all who serve our great nation.
David L. Pieper
– David PieperU.S. Navy Veteran
On the 20th anniversary of 9/11 I participated in the foundation’s memorial stair climb in Spokane, Washington. I hiked over 1300 vertical feet in the morning and hung an American flag at the top in memory of those we lost. I am honored to say I received a card indicating I was participating in honor of Robert Evans. God bless him and his family.
– Don BollingOur town, Bishop, CA holds a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb each year, this year my son proudly wore Robert’s badge to climb the 110 stories. It was an honor to carry his badge. We will never forget❤️
– Brittin Gillespie20 years and we still remember. Your bravery is an inspiration to us all. Your actions were coura geous and selfless. Thank you for being a hero in every sense of the word, we will never forget. Your family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.
– Maria GrecoMet Maureen after 9/11. Became friends to this day I have Roberts picture on our wall with other family members. Never met Robert but he’s loved so much
– Jan beckmanYesterday, I climbed on behalf of Robert at the FDIC 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium. It is an event I participate in each year and it was an honor to climb on behalf of your son this year. His passion for serving his community and helping others in times of crisis will forever be remembered. # NeverForget #AmericanHero
– Katherine ColeI am a volunteer firefighter from Linwood Pennsylvania (lower chichester vol. fire company). On Friday 4/29/22 I climbed 110 flights of stairs at FDIC and rung the bell in remembrance of you. It was an honor, Never Forget!
– Tyler ZgleszewskiIt was an honor to wear your name today at the tunnel to towers 5K in San Angelo, TX. You are definitely not forgotten!
– JasonI am a law enforcement officer in Sheboygan, WI and I just completed a Tunnels to Towers 5K. I wore a memorial tag for Robert Evans. I wore a 12 lb SWAT vest and took 1st place overall. You are not forgotten Robert!
– Brandon KehoeI had the honor of wearing the badge for Firefighter Robert Evans at the memorial tower climb in Montgomery, Alabama 9/10/22. His badge now hangs on wall at Hatton VFD in north Alabama…he will never be forgotten.
– Melony TerrySome call it a coincidence, I call it fate. I picked up your tag before the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb on 9/18/22 in Wildwood, NJ. A man there had a rock from ground zero that was passed around for all of us to hold. He chose me as one of the few who had the extreme honor of carrying this piece with me for a lap, up and down 10 floors. I later find out that this piece was picked from ground zero by your father. Something in the universe led me to pick your card and my upbeat energy and smile during the climb led him to hand me the ground zero rock. I felt a surge of energy and peace from holding that rock. It was simply meant to be. I am completely honored to have been able to climb for you, and sharing my beer with you. And it’s been amazing learning about you since. I will be taking you on every climb, every year. Climb. Honor. Remember. We haven’t forgotten.
– Beverly PflaumerI went to a 9/11 remembrance ceremony in Thomasville, GA. I pick your name out of hundreds of badges. I took my time and really look at who I wanted to climb the stairs for. When I got back to the office I looked up your name and it all made since as to why out of all those pictures, I picked you. I love my son’s dimples and you have them just like him, I was born 18 days before you in 1965, and Jerry Lewis was one of my favorite movie actors. So, it was meant to be. Thank you for your service. You will never be forgotten. Climb, Honor, Remember! RIP my friend. I am honored to have worn your name today!
– Ginger HernandezI have sponsored Robert in the Tunnels to Towers race tomorrow (10/28/23) and wanted to learn more about him. It’s my honor to run in his name’s sake. RIP friend.
– Brandy Lape