In the year 1968, in Argentina. Sergio Gabriel Villanueva.
A little over 12 years ago at my sister-in-law’s wedding in New York City, I took this photo of Sergio Villanueva shortly after W and I were introduced to him. I remember being told at the time that he was with the NYPD and that he had come to the wedding with my sister-in-law’s own new sister-in-law, T. He was quiet, but very friendly, and when the festivities were over, that was that…for all of us, life went on.
I didn’t hear much of Sergio again until a day or so after September 11, 2001, when family called to say that he was missing. Apparently, in the few years since we’d last seen him, he and T were now planning their own wedding, and he had changed careers…no longer a cop, he was now a firefighter with FDNY, Ladder Company 132 in Brooklyn, NY. And sadly, for those who loved him, he was one of the first responders on September 11.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Sergio, as well as all the others who were lost on that day.
If you’d like to read more about Sergio and how he continues to touch the lives of others, please visit the Sergio Villanueva Soccer Foundation website.
Grace
T
8noodles
justin
YogaforCynics
Such a tragic day that touched so many lives . Special thought for Sergio and his family on this day
ann´s last blog post ..Weekend plans and wonderful friends
Thanks, ann. T has seen this post, and I’m sure she’s read all of your kind comments and appreciates them.
Twitter: missus_emm
I think it is wonderful that a foundation has been set up in his name! I love this: ““He loved New York, loved his country, loved Queens, and he would go hoarse for three days after an Argentine soccer game.” It was a terrible tragedy and my heart always break to read all of the 9/11 tributes. Perhaps you could add your tribute to the list of Project 2,996 tributes as Sergio is not listed there as having a working link.
Emm´s last blog post ..Sony Preview Screening- “Eat Pray Love”
Thanks, Emm. I’ll check out that site. Yes, from all that I’ve heard from those who knew him, he was a great person who was loved by all.
Twitter: ruairilikes
I remember the day, time, who told me, and the seat in the class room i was sitting in…. i will never forget.
It gives hope that foundations like this come abouts after such a tragedy- people come together and find strength in each other.
I think just as with the assassination of John F. Kennedy, our 35th president, in 1963, most here remember where they were on September 11. And yes, it looks like his foundation does much good.
Holly – thanks for posting this tribute and the link to Sergio’s soccer foundation. listening to the reading of the names yesterday of those who died was so powerful and emotional.
Hi, koe…thanks for coming by, and I’m glad you liked it. Yes, the ceremonies always bring back those feelings and it feels just like yesterday.
Twitter: jodapoet
A tragic story among many and my heart goes out to his family and friends.
Joanne Olivieri´s last blog post ..Sundays in my City – Chinese Pavilion in Golden Gate Park
Thanks, Joanne. I’m sure T has seen you comment and appreciates it.
Twitter: craftybird
Heartbreaking.
Bird´s last blog post ..End of the rainbow- end of the road
Isn’t it? I believe that T and a few others who lost loved ones on 9/11 are participants in a documentary, which follows them for 10 years afterward. I’ll post about it, if it indeed comes about.
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