Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dearest Brother…Today marks the 50th Year Remembrance Day…of our immediate family’s most devastating and heartbreaking loss.

I can still recall everything that happened on that day. It was a beautiful sunny Thursday, July 6th, 1961. You had been home on your day off the week before…but had to leave before Mom got home from work. You told me to tell Mom…that since you were working the busy July 4th holiday weekend…that you would probably be back on the Thursday after the 4th…since that would be your day off. Your last words to me…being the typical big brother…were that I should help Mom…knowing that as a teenager…I probably was more self absorbed…than I needed to be…and therefore not as thoughtful with my time…as I should have been. I gave Mom your message…and she proceeded to worry the entire weekend…and when the 4th had passed…she was relieved. She worried about your safety all the time. You had other close calls while on the job…so Mom had good reasons for her concerns.

On Thursday, Cookie had called…prior to my leaving for the movies…with Sal. She was in labor with her second child…so Mom started to get ready…to go with her to the hospital. Sal had to be back at West Point later that day…to report the next morning to Camp Buckner…for additional “yearling” cadet training…so the movie was the last date for awhile…and Mom insisted I go.

We got back around 3 pm…and as we walked down the street towards home... I sensed a quietness as we passed neighborhood men…who would normally have acknowledged us…but now seemed very somber…and I knew something was wrong. As I turned the corner…I saw Uncle Johnny. He was standing in front of our building…his lip quivering…while he was holding back tears. I immediately thought something had happened to Cookie and the baby. And when I blurted out Cookie’s name…he said no…it’s Sal. I was stunned…you were planning on coming home that very day. While we were at the movies…what we hadn’t known...was that a trooper...who was dating a girl in our neighborhood…had phoned her around 1:30 or so…to tell her what had happened…and about that same time...another trooper arrived at our house…and when Cookie.. who had gotten to Mom’s right after I left…answered the knock at the door…the shock at seeing that trooper…and hearing what he had to say…upset her so…that it caused her labor to stop. The doctor was called…and she was sent to the hospital. It was Saturday…before she finally gave birth…to her second son... and she remained in the hospital…so she couldn’t be at the funeral. I know that was very difficult for her then…and even now when she relives those memories. She never had the closure of saying good bye to you. None of us did. We stared at a picture…on a closed casket. Mom was heartbroken…and looked so sad…and dazed. I will never forget…the image of Dad…curled up at the bottom of the staircase…beyond grief stricken…rocking back and forth…and crying pitifully. I had never seen Dad so distraught.

Their weekly visits to your resting place…lasted until Mom joined you in 1987…and then Dad would drive alone…unless a nephew…or another relative was available…and occasionally took the ride with him. He visited you every Sunday...faithfully ...until he came to stay with us…in 1998 In 2001 he joined Mom and you…and I can only hope…that you all are together again.

If only you hadn’t been asked…that very morning…on your day off…to cover for another trooper. We were told…you didn’t hesitate…to accommodate the favor…and of course…for your use…the worst police car in the lot was left…the one that had multiple complaints about it…but there it was…and you got into it. At the time…there was not enough money…in the NYS budget…therefore nothing was allocated for major repairs…let alone new vehicles…how some things never change. So on a bright and perfect day…we lost…bright…and as far as we were concerned…perfect YOU.

I now know more than ever...what Mom and Dad felt…when they lost you…and had to go on without you. They were never the same after that…you were their hope…their pride…and their joy. Every one of us…whose lives you touched…was blessed for having the privilege…of knowing you...and then…with your loss…we were forever changed…and diminished. Even now…all these years later...it hurts me…to know that my children…and grandchildren…as well as Cookie’s…never got the chance…to know firsthand…what a wonderful Uncle…was taken from them.

Although I was not able to have a mass said for you today...my daughter Cynthia did attend mass in your memory. I...in your honor and memory…made two donations…on this date. One to the NLEOM…and the other to the ODMP. I sent flowers…to the Tarrytown Barracks Troop T Memorial…where your name is engraved…as the first Trooper…from that Troop...to be lost on duty…while serving and protecting…but the truth is…I wish I would have never had the need…to express my love for you..in this way.

You remain in our thoughts…in our hearts…in our cherished memories...and in our prayers…each and every day.

Sal…you are not forgotten...you are loved…and very missed.

God Bless You…my Dear Brother…Rest Peacefully…and stay close to my son…until we are all together again.

You were…are…and always will be…the best of us.

Anita

July 6, 2011

May 15th, Law Enforcement Memorial Day

Thinking of you and your family on this day. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones, protect them from harm and help them with lifes decisions that they must make. You are a true hero and I thank you for your dedicated service to law enforcement. I don't have to tell you anything about your sister for you know how she is which leads me to believe you were like her in many ways and cared for others as much as she does. Watch over her.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

May 14, 2011

Dearest Brother...

Wishing you a Blessed Easter Sunday.

I pray that you...along with my son...are in that far better place...in the company of Mom and Dad.

You all are very loved...very missed...and in my prayers... always.

God bless each of you...

Buona Pasqua!

Anita

April 24, 2011

Dear Sal...Five years ago today...my son was called to join you. Please keep him safe in your care...until we all can be together again.

I hope you...Mom...and...Dad...are holding him close. I miss him so very much...as I also miss each of you.

All my love...and prayers...always.

Anita

January 24, 2011

Dear Brother...I pray that You...Mom...Dad...and my Salvatore...are in each other's company...and having a Blessed Christmas Day together.

Please watch over...all of your nephews and nieces.

God Bless you Sal...and rest peacefully. You are not forgotten.

Anita

December 25, 2010

GOOD CHRISTMAS SAL, YOU'RE IN A BETTER PLACE.
MISS YOU OH SO MUCH
LOTS OF LOVE FROM ME.

Anonymous

December 25, 2010

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones during this Christmas Holiday. Continue to watch over all of your loved ones. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

December 24, 2010

Dearest Brother...Today begins the All Soul's Day Novena.

At mass this morning...I prayed for You...Mom...Dad...my Son...and all your fellow officers...who have also been called back home.

Eternal rest grant unto each of them...O Lord...may Your Perpetual Light shine upon them...may their souls...and all the souls...of the faithful departed...through the mercy of God...Rest In Peace. Amen.

You are each loved...thought about...missed...and prayed for.

God Bless you...until we can be together again.

Anita

November 2, 2010

Sal, your day 9-29 came and went, not ignored, just upset, you see, it's your special day...and also my sal's. Thoughts of you were in my heart, but, thoughts of my sal were upsetting me....so I apologize to you and tell you that you are dearly missed and constantly in our minds and hearts. hopefully I will see you soon. love m.e.

sister cookie

October 3, 2010

My Dear Brother…Today we celebrate…the feast of the three Archangels…Michael…who protects…and is the patron of police…Gabriel…who announces and communicates…and…Raphael…who guides and heals.

Today is also…the day on which...you were born...79 years ago.

I just attended…this morning’s mass…that was offered in your memory. As I listened to Father’s homily…citing the attributes and "messenger" roles…of these Angel/Saints…I thought…how appropriate it was...and is...that this is also...the date…of my brother's birth.

Sal…as our big brother…you too…had a role...as protector…and communicator. Many times…Cookie and I…were on the receiving end…of these roles…and your loving concern…as you stepped in…as the man of the family…and the voice of reason…when there were issues…to be addressed. We were all the recipients...of your guidance and wisdom.

As I’ve said before…you were the original peacemaker…able to see both sides…of a matter…fairly and objectively…and by your example…you led all of us...to resolve differences…in a realistic way...while still maintaining…a proper perspective.

It was fitting too…that you chose a life…of service and protection…to others. My only wish…when I look back…is that…all of us…should have been allowed…more time with each other.

I bless you Sal…you were and are…the best of us…and will always be.

If there are birthdays…in that better place…I pray…that you are celebrating…with Mom…Dad…and…my Son.

Please watch over us…and all your nieces and nephews.

I love you and miss you…and I pray for you always.

God Bless you…my wonderful brother.

Anita

September 29, 2010

Trooper Embarrato, thanks for your service and your sacrifice in defense of the people of New York State. You honored Italy, the country of your ancestors.

Grazie, fratello!

Fabrizio
Italian State Police

August 22, 2010

Sorry I am so late in posting a reflection on your page. Even though 49 years have passed since you were called away, you have been thought of every day and and your loving memory carried in the hearts of those that love you. I would like to leave the following quote that a bereaved parent sent to me:

"The sense of loss does not diminish with time. In truth, the expression, 'time heals all wounds' is a myth. For parents, the loss of a child is permanent, and mental scar tissue really does not grow over the grim memory. Rather, all tears are expended and a dull ache remains."

Continue to keep watch over your loved ones. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

July 29, 2010

Dear Brother...I just got back from the mass…that was offered in your name...on this Tuesday morning…marking the 49th Year…of our family’s incredible loss.

Sal...you are always in my heart...and what our family was denied...by your being called back home...so early in your life...is beyond words. I can recall…every moment of that day…as though it was yesterday…it is etched into my soul.

Mom and Dad lived with the grief of your loss...for the remainder of their lives. Mom would say “I’ll be happy again when I’m with my son.”

Each time he got in his car...Dad would torture himself... trying to imagine and figure out...what may have happened...on that perfectly beautiful day...that caused your car...to malfunction.

He would grip the steering wheel...and I could read his thoughts...he would turn it hard...wondering if it was the steering column...or knuckle that gave...or did the gas pedal stick...and what was the black smoke...that the truck driver witness said he saw...coming out of your car's exhaust...why were your lights flashing...had you seen a warning on the dash...how could the seatbelt remain on you...and yet detach from the car's chassis…and why wasn’t that car junked…it was well beyond the mileage…and “problems” that allowed for its scrapping. So many unanswered questions.

After your loss...everything changed. Life went on...but it lost its joy. What once were occasions to celebrate...became bittersweet...because...a part of each of us...went with you...and that void...still remains.

I was a teenager then...and although I loved and missed you...as a sibling would...because you were such a wonderful big brother...and while I still hold…all those precious memories of you…near and dear...I really had no true understanding…for what it meant…until now…for a mother and father…to lose a child. Mom and Dad…never stopped grieving your loss…how could they…parents should not…outlive their children…so there is no healing from that.

I can only hope and pray…that all of you…have been reunited…along with my son…and are happily resting…in God’s eternal reward.

Sal…you are very loved…and very missed. You were the best.

Please watch over our families. You are in my prayers…always.

Anita

July 6, 2010

another fourth.....the prologue to a heart wrenching day...soon it will be 49 years, and yet it't yesterday. days grow shorter and things seem so far away,but i think of you often, wondering what could have been. love c

cookie
sister

July 4, 2010

Dearest Brother...Although I had to miss the Memorial Day mass...I did pray...and I asked God...to bless you...for your service...in the Army...and also...for His continued blessings...on your fellow soldiers...who have made the utlimate sacrifice...in serving and defending...our country...and our freedoms...as well as those...who are currently serving...and protecting our liberties.

None of you...or your sacrifices...will be forgotten.

I love you Sal...and you are missed.

Rest peacefully...all you brave young souls.

Anita

May 31, 2010

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today, Police Officer Memorial Day. I will have a candle burning for the fallen today and you are on that list of many heroes. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones.

"The bitterest of tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone." by Harriet Beecher Stowe

You have not been forgotten, thank you for being the hero that you are. Be sure to look after Sal and Mike for us too.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

May 15, 2010

My Dear Brother...Another year...another Police Week.

I hold you in my heart...and in my thoughts always...and tonight...I will light a vigil candle...in your honor... and in remembrance...of the integrity...with which you represented...the New York State Police...as you served and protected...the people of New York.

You are loved Sal...and very missed. God Bless You.

Anita

May 13, 2010

Dear Sal...On this feast of your patron Saint... and namesake...St. Joseph...I wish you a blessed day...resting peacefully...in God's eternal promise.

I love you...I miss you still...you are not forgotten.

I carry you in my heart...in my thoughts...and in my prayers...always...my very dear brother.

God bless you...and please watch over my son for me.

Anita

March 19, 2010

Dear Sal...you were and remain...on this St. Valentine's Day...a Sweetheart...of a Brother.

I love you...and I miss you.

Keep my son...close...until I can be...with all of you...again.

You are in my heart...and in my prayers...always.

Anita

February 14, 2010

Stand at your sister's side today and be with her. I know you are there every day for her but she needs you just a little more today. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

January 24, 2010

Dear Brother...It is Christmas Day...and I pray that you...Mom and Dad...and my son Salvatore...are resting in God's eternal promise...and are at peace.

I Love and Miss each of you.

With my prayers.

Anita

December 25, 2009

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones as the Christmas holiday arrives. I know that you will be with all of your loved ones as they carry you in their hearts. You will never be forgotten. Continue to keep watch over all of them and protect them.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

December 23, 2009

Dearest Brother…Today…the feast day…of St. Michael the Archangel…protector and patron of police...is also your birthday…or should I say…our special day…since it was on this day…that you were gifted…to our family...by God.

You would have been…78 years young…if only…these forty-eight years…didn’t have to be. All the unanswered questions…still remain. The why’s and what if’s…

I say young…because even Dad…at that age…did not look his years…and knowing...how health conscious…you were…and how you appreciated…the importance of..being physically strong and fit...especially because…of the profession…you chose…I can’t imagine…that would have changed.

Your nephew…with whom you shared…your last…and his first…birthday…turns fifty today…and that memory…stills seems like yesterday…as I wish you a blessed…and peaceful birthday. I will receive communion today…for your intention…at the mass…that I requested…be offered…for the repose...of your soul.

Sal…you never disappointed…any of us. You were always…the source of pride…and joy…for Mom and Dad…Cookie and me. From the time…you were a baby…and a beautiful one…throughout your youth…and as a young adult man…you were everything…a parent could hope for…in a son. How very loved…you were…by our parents…and still are…by our family.

Why…the grief…the sorrow…the pain…of losing their only son…had to be...a part of their lives…and ours…I will never understand.

I continue to pray...that you…Mom and Dad…and my own Salvatore…are with each other…enjoying God’s promise…of peaceful…and…eternal rest.

I love you Sal…and I miss you. You were the best…and now…I know…just how much…Mom and Dad…suffered…after losing you.

Watch over our families…and hold my son close…until all of us…can be…together again.

God bless you Sal…you are not forgotten…as I hold you…in my heart…in my thoughts…in my memories…and in my prayers…always.

Anita

September 29, 2009

WELL SAL, ANOTHER BIRTHDAY, WISH YOU WERE STILL HERE WITH US, BUT GOD HAD OTHER PLANS,. IT'S ALSO THE BIRTHDAY OF THE ONLY NEPHEW YOU KNEW, I ONLY WISH HE HAD YOUR INTELLIGENCE IN DECIDING WHAT HE WANTED IN LIFE...BUT HE IS A GOOD GUY...IMAGINE 50 YEARS OLD..YOU WOULDN'T THINK TIME PASSED SO QUICKLY...BUT ACTUALLY IT DIDN'T. ALL THE FEELINGS OF THAT DAY SURFACE PERIODICALLY AND WE LIVE THE PAIN ALL OVER AGAIN...........YOUR ARE AT PEACE,AND THAT'S THE ONLY CONSOLATIN. LOVE YOU SO COOKIE

(cookie) marie arra
sister

September 28, 2009

I tried leaving a reflection earlier this month but it was not posted, evidently there was a problem with the site and a number of posts were never received. Hopefully, they have the problem solved. I just wanted to say that you have not been forgotten. Continue to watch over all of your loved ones, especially your sister for I know she tries to watch over everyone by herself and could use some help. You are a true hero.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

July 21, 2009