Submitted by his children

Born on November 4, 1972, Thomas “Tom” LaBarbiera was a graduate of Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, New Jersey, Class of 1991. He graduated from Iona College in New Rochelle, New York, with a degree in communication arts. During his years at Iona, Tom was a member of the Sigma Delta Phi fraternity and was a valued player on the Iona rugby team.

Tom followed in the footsteps of his father and two uncles when he proudly joined the New York City Fire Department, graduating from the FDNY Academy in July 2001. On September 11, 2001, Tom was out for a jog in Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx while wearing an FDNY t-shirt when an NYPD patrol car pulled over and informed him of the attacks on the World Trade Center. The officers told him that there was a total recall, prompting Tom to head home, grab his turnout gear, and call his father to let him know that he was going to work. Tom walked into the nearest firehouse (52 and 52 in Riverdale) and asked what he could do to help. For weeks following the attacks, Tom bravely and tirelessly worked in the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero. Additionally, in 2016, the FDNY awarded Tom a unit citation for his heroism in rescuing a man from a burning car on the Tappan Zee Bridge while on his way to work. Tom lived a life of service to others and continues to be a hero to those who knew him.

Tom had the privilege of working at several firehouses throughout his career. Fittingly, his first firehouse was Engine 81/Ladder 46 on Bailey Avenue in the Bronx, which sat across the street from his grandparents’ home that he visited as a child. Tom also worked at Engine 92/Ladder 44 in the Bronx and was lieutenant at Engine 93 before being promoted to captain and assigned to Division 3. Throughout his career, Tom was a dedicated firefighter and a natural leader in the firehouse.

Tom was also a loving and devoted father to his three exceptional children, Thomas, Douglas, and Sara. He was their biggest fan, cheering them on at many dance recitals, hockey games, football games, school plays, and rugby matches. He taught them to be adventurous and to embrace the outdoors. Tom and his children enjoyed skiing together in the winter and mountain biking throughout the rest of the year. Tom instilled a love of nature in his children which will live on in them.

Tom was diagnosed with 9/11-related cancer in November of 2023 and fought with every ounce of strength he had until the very end. Tom is sorely missed by all who loved him.

Submitted by his sister

Captain Thomas Salvatore LaBarbiera lived in Greenwood Lake, New York. He loved nothing more than cooking, biking, skiing, fishing, or playing cards with his sons, Thomas Jr. and Douglas; his daughter, Sarah; his father, Salvatore (deceased); his mother, Kathleen; his brother, Jon Francis; his sisters, Kim and Kris; cousins, FDNY brothers, fraternity brothers, and friends.

Thomas made a heck of a red sauce. He was a great skier/snowboarder, runner (several marathons and Ironman challenges), and card player. He loved the Grateful Dead. Thomas was born in Westchester, New York, and raised in Radburn, New Jersey. He was a proud graduate of St. Catharine’s Grammar School, Bergen Catholic High School (He was a die-hard Crusader.), and Iona College in New Rochelle, New York (Sigma Delta Phi-Fozzy), maintaining lifelong friendships from all of them.

Thomas dedicated his life to serving with the Fire Department of New York City. Notably, his first days and months as a firefighter were spent on rescue and recovery at the World Trade Center site where, as it is known, all gave some and some gave all.

His career brought him to Engine 81, Ladder 44, Engine 93 (as a lieutenant) and the 3rd Division (as a captain). Captain LaBarbiera was decorated with a Unit Citation Award in June 2016. Among his countless acts of bravery, he was celebrated in the local news when he risked his life, off-duty, to save someone from a bridge car fire on the Tappan Zee. He was a hero on the job and off, especially to his family.

Thomas’ laugh was infectious. He never failed to throw out a dry line and just break up a room. He loved being a firefighter more than one could ever imagine. He loved being Irish and Italian. He was a loyal friend. Thomas was an inspiration and will never be forgotten by those that loved him. And there were many.