Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My Dear Brother...Praying that on your patron saint name day... The Feast Day of St. Joseph...that you may know...that you are not forgotten...and that you are loved...and you are very missed.

God bless you Sal...and please stay close to my son...as you both watch over our family.

You are in my prayers...always.

Anita

March 19, 2014

Dearest Sal...It is a New Year...and while I am not one for making resolutions...I am going to try harder...to be more positive.

I ask that you keep watch...over Cookie...her family...and mine too.

Stay close to my Salvatore...I love and miss the both of you... and Mom and Dad...too...so very much.

God Bless You...my wonderful big brother. You are not forgotten.

Anita

January 1, 2014

Dear Brother...Just want you to know...that you are in my daily thoughts...and prayers...always. You are loved...you are missed...and you are not forgotten.

May God Bless You...as you Rest Peacefully...in His Perpetual Light.

Merry Christmas Sal!

Anita

December 26, 2013

Dear Brother...Today is Thanksgiving Day...the "family gathering holiday"...and since it is so late this year...it happened to fall on Mom's birthday too.

As I think back on past holidays...I wonder how Mom ever got any cooking done. There were the constant interruptions...by ringing phones...or knocks at the door...by either friends or extended family...who knew that you were home...and they would call...or run up the stairs...to say a quick hello. Of course that turned into...poured cups of coffee...with a piece of cake...amid quick conversations...laughter...and loud and noisy confusion...while Mom tried to tend to both the drop in company...and the stove. I miss those times...but at least I have the memories.

My hope now...is that you are once again...in the company of our parents...and now my son...and as I thank God for the blessings I have been given...you are all counted among them.

So...my wonderful big brother...know that you are loved... missed...and remain in my thoughts...and prayers each day.

God Bless You Sal...you are not forgotten...as I wish you a Very Blessed Thanksgiving.

Anita

November 28, 2013

My Dear Brother…I attended the 10:30 mass this morning…being offered in your memory…on what would have been…your 82nd Birthday…on this Feast Day of St. Michael the Archangel.

I know quite a few people…who are in their early eighties…and beyond…and they are still active…and enjoying life…and their children…grandchildren…and great-grandchildren…so it still hurts to think back…on what may have been…if only you were given the time…that you should have had.

I asked theTarrytown Florist…to deliver a floral arrangement…to the State Police Memorial…in remembrance of your birthday…and when a man answered the phone…I asked his name…and he said Nick…so it made me smile…as it called to mind…another Nick the florist…that we all knew…when we were growing up…in our old neighborhood.

Sal…you are in my thoughts…and in my prayers…as I think of you each day…just as I think of my son…and the heartache runs deep…because both of you...had so much to offer…that would have benefited others...and you each deserved...the time in which to do that...so why things happened as they did...and the purpose served…by two such tragic...and devastating losses…is beyond my reasoning.

So my big brother…know that you are loved…that you are missed…and that...you are not forgotten.

Keep watch over your nephews…your nieces…and their families…and God bless you…as you rest in His perpetual light.

With my Love…and…prayers.

Anita

September 29, 2013

I'm a month late, but I made it here. Hope you are guiding my son Michael through the ropes and operating procedures at his new duty assignments. Know that you have not been forgotten and that your sister is ut there keeping your memory alive with her love for you and the entire family. Continue to keep watch over her and all of your loved ones. You have not been forgotten.

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

August 9, 2013

Dearest Sal… This morning…I attended the 8:30 mass being offered for you…on this 52nd Year Remembrance Day. You are in my thoughts and prayers…each and every day…but that is nothing new…and as always…you remain very missed…and very loved.

Yesterday I called the Tarrytown Florist…to order a floral arrangement…to be placed today…at the State Police Barrack’s…Troop T Memorial…where your name is inscribed…along with Tpr. Ambrose’s name. I wonder if I ever will be able…to speak to that florist…without getting choked up…as I still think of all the what ifs…and how different things might have been…if there was no need…for a memorial…flowers…or Remembrance Days…but it is what it is…and someday…I hope to have my questions answered…and find out…why it had to be…the way it is.

Sal...please watch over your nephews and nieces…and their children.

God bless you…my dear brother…as you rest in His perpetual light.

You were…and are the best of us…and you are not forgotten.

Anita

July 6, 2013

My Dear Brother…Police Week 2013 began with a mass…at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in DC on Tuesday, May 7th. and…it will include a Candlelight Vigil on Monday, May 13th and…on May 15th there is…the 32nd National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service...at the US Capitol...followed with a Wreath Laying Ceremony...at the...National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial…and the week will conclude...with Competitions and Survivors Conferences.

For the families in attendance…or connected to these events
"virtually"…this week of commemoration and remembrance…does not end when the week does…as we live with our loved one’s loss…each and every day…but it is comforting to know…that the ultimate sacrifice…made by each of our loved ones…who swore to..."serve and protect”...will never be forgotten..

Sal…As in past years…I lit a virtual candle…in your memory…again this year…and as always…I carry you…in my heart…in my cherished memories from long ago…and in my prayers…always.

You are very loved…and very missed...by us. “Our wonderful big brother”…you remain the very “Best.”of us.

God Bless you…and may you Rest Peacefully... in His Perpetual Light. You are lovingly remembered!

Anita

May 13, 2013

My Dear Brother...First...on this your name day...and Feast of your patron…Saint Joseph...I pray...that you are Resting Peacefully...in God's Perpetual Light.

Second...since I come to your site often…a while back…I did see the thoughtful reflection...left for you...by the mother of another fallen hero...Officer Larry Lasater.

I saw how Mom and Dad...grieved your loss...over the years…right up to the time…that each of them…was called back home by God. I remember Mom saying…she wouldn’t be happy again…until she was with you. I too cherish my memories of you…and miss you even now.

The losses of loved ones…are never easy…but they are particularly devastating and painful…when that loss…is unexpected...untimely…and involves one’s child…who still should have had…so many more years…ahead of him or her.

No parent should be made to outlive their child…because it is the greatest…and most unbearable loss…one can suffer…and life for any of us…and our families…will never be the same... after that. So all we do...is exist...asking God's help...as we keep the faith...carry our cross...and take one day at a time.. in the hope...of God's promise...that someday we will be reunited...with our loved ones again.

I now know…firsthand…and understand fully…what Mom and Dad…and all the parents…who come to this site…feel. Having lost my own son…who was your nephew and namesake…has broken my heart…in the same way…the hearts of these other parents...have been broken...because of the loss...of their own very loved...young adult children...and it will never heal…for any of us.

I have been meaning…to write a thank you…to this officer’s mother…on his site…for the kind reflection she has left for you…and I will do that…and keep her…her son…and her family…in my prayers.

I love you my big brother…you were “the best”…and that is who you will remain…as I carry you in my heart…and in my prayers…until we meet again.

God Bless You Sal…and stay close to my Salvatore.

You are not forgotten.

Anita

March 19, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 51rst anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections.

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) Officer Larry Lasater

December 30, 2012

Dear Brother...Praying that you are having...a Blessed Christmas Day...along with Mom...Dad...and my son...as I am thinking of each of you...and missing my fmaily.

Rest peacefully Sal...along with them...knowing you all are loved...and not forgotten.

Anita

December 26, 2012

Merry Christmas to you and all of your loved ones today. I know that they have not forgotten you as every free minute during this holiday season is spent thinking about you and loving you. Continue to watch over all of your loved ones.

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

December 25, 2012

To My Dearly Loved and Missed Big Brother...Praying that on this Veteran's Day...God blesses you...for your military service to our country.

You are never far from my thoughts...and always in my heart...and in my daily prayers.

You are not forgotten...Sal...as you are...the very best of us.

Anita

November 11, 2012

Dearest Brother…I couldn’t get a mass for today…the 29th …which is…the feast day of St. Michael the Archangel…and your “would have been”…81st Birthday…but I do have one…for tomorrow at noon…and my husband and I will attend…in your memory.

I sent a floral arrangement…to be placed…near the Troop T memorial monument…at the Tarrytown Station…and my hope is…that those who see it today…will acknowledge…in some small way…that one of their own…is not forgotten…and maybe...they will even say…a little prayer for you.

I went to a memorial mass…this past Wednesday evening…even though I hadn’t been to one…at this location…in five years. It was offered…at St. Mary’s Historic Catholic Church…at the request of the Compassionate Friends...which is a support group…for parents…who have lost children. I went in remembrance of your nephew…and namesake…my son… and for Mom’s son…you. It was as uplifting…and hope filled…as it could be…given the sad reason… for which it was being offered.

The last time…I attended…a service there…although it was not a mass…I had thought…I would never go to another one…since it was too raw…and I felt...it was somewhat contrived…and seemed aimed at...those who had not yet…confronted their loss and grief. But I guess…one should never say... never.

After the priest’s homily…parents were invited up to the altar…to sign the name…of their child…in the “Book of Life”…and even though…we are a Resurrection people…the reality…of why each parent…was writing a name in that book…was very painful to witness…as the emotions overflowed…but I was able to get through it.

I asked the lady…at the altar…if I could write…more than one name...in the book. She said yes…and only because…I didn’t want to hold up the line…I only wrote your name…and my son’s name…but I thought of so many other names…I could have written in it…as I named them in my heart. The lady gave me two roses…one for you…and one for my son…which I will bring...to my Salvatore’s resting place…when I visit there tomorrow.

The roses are beautiful…long stemmed ones…and they look as fresh now…as the night they were given to me. My thought as I look at them…is…they both are perfect…they haven’t even begun to open up…and they aren’t dying either…so maybe I will take them as a sign…that my two Sal’s…who in my opinion…were also near perfect too…and because…each of you…were so young…when you were taken from us…before either of you…had the opportunity…to meet your full potential…or “blossom”…as some might say…and if we are believers…as we profess to be…then both of you…also...still “are”…and someday…we will be together again…as I hope and pray…we will.

There is though…that ever nagging question…that plays again…and again…in my head. It’s the WHY. Why should parents…be made to outlive their children? It is something I will never understand…at least on this side of heaven…and given how I am…maybe not even on the other side.

The priest also said…life is eternal…it does not end…it is just changed…and love lives in the soul…which is immortal…so someday…we all will be reunited…because of love...and with those we love. I love you…my big brother…and Mom and Dad…and my Son…so I will keep the faith…as I go on…one day at a time.

Sal…I wish you a Blessed Birthday…and I hope…in that better place…you are resting peacefully…along with…Mom…Dad…and…my Son.

I miss you …and you are always...in my prayers.

Anita

September 29, 2012

Many years have passed but you have never been forgotten, nor will that ever be the case. Continue to watch over your loved ones who think of you often. You wll never be forgotten.

"You will live on in the hearts and minds,
Of the loving family you left behind."

Bob Gordon, Ret. Deputy Chief
Father of Fallen Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

July 7, 2012

Dear Brother...Last year...when I went to schedule…the masses for this year…only July 5th was available…and not the 6th… which is today…and marks this…Fifty-first Year Remembrance Day. So yesterday…I attended that mass…that was being offered…in your memory…and for the repose of your soul...and today...I will just make a visit...to the statue of St. Joseph.

I remember every vivid detail of that day…and when I think about it…it still hurts as much as ever.

Sal you are not forgotten…I can still hear your voice…recall your facial expressions...and see that furrowed brow…when you were being a “big brother”…and your quick wit...and off beat sense of humor...those memories...still make me smile.

I love you…I miss you…and you remain in my heart…in my thoughts…in my memories…and in my prayers always.

God Bless You...Rest Peacefully...and stay close to my son.

Anita

July 6, 2012

Sal,
You are gone but I want to address your memory.
I think of the day in 1958 that I came to your house and had breakfast together before we left to become State Troopers.
Your Mom & Dad wished us good luck.
You and I were both heading for Malone, NY to begin our assignment and appointment as NY State Troopers. We were excited and enthusiastic. You were, and was recognized as, an excellent and dedicated police officer. I recall that you were waiting assignment to the BCI.
I think of you and our dedication to law enforcement often.
Your family can indeed be proud of you.
. . . your friend and comrade always,
Irv Sohn

Trooper Irving Sohn
New York State Police

July 4, 2012

Dear Sal...I think of you everyday...and on this Memorial Day...I pray that you will continue to be blessed....for your service...in the Army...and...to the NYS Police.

You are loved...you are missed...and you are in my prayers...
always.

Anita

May 30, 2012

Dear Brother...I lit a virtual candle for you...and left a reflection in your memory...on this 24th Annual NLEOM Candlelight Vigil Evening.

You are always in my prayers...and never far from my thoughts. You are loved Sal...and you are missed.

God Bless You.

Anita

May 13, 2012

Dearest Sal...Today...is the Feast Day...of your Patron Saint...as well as...your name day. So I wish you...a very blessed...St. Joseph's Day.

You are in my prayers...each day...and I am well aware...of how very much we lost...when you were taken...from our family.

You are loved...and you are missed...and I hope...that you... Mom...Dad...and my Salvatore...are together...happy...and at peace...in God's Perpetual Light.

You were always...the very best of us.

God Bless You...my wonderful big brother.

Anita

March 19, 2012

My Dear Sal...You are in my thoughts each day...along with my son. I love you big brother...and you too are very missed...and will not be forgotten.

I wish you a Blessed and Merry Christmas...hoping that You...Mom...Dad...and my Salvatore...are all together...in that far better place.

God Bless each of you...and keep watch over us.

You are in my prayers...always.

Anita

December 25, 2011

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones on this very blessed holiday. Continue to watch over all of your loved ones that are with you and also here on earth. Protect them and guide them as they continue on in life. Even though I never met you, I know you had to have been a wonderful individual by what I have experienced in knowing your sister Anita, protect her. You have not been forgotten.

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

December 24, 2011

Dear Brother...I was expecting...to wish you...a Blessed Thanksgiving...much earlier in this day...but too many preparations...lots of grandchildren confusion...and the fact...that it doesn't take much...to distract me...from my best intentions...finds me...at this late hour...hoping that...You... Mom...Dad...and my Son...each know...how thankful I am...to God...for allowing me...to be a sister...a daughter...and a mother...in a family...whose love was unconditional...and is so very loved...and missed...by me.

May each of you...rest peacefully...in God's perpetual light... until we can be together again.

You are...never far...from my thoughts...and you are...always in my prayers.

Anita

November 25, 2011

My Dear Brother…Today…on this Feast of St. Michael…St. Gabriel…and…St. Raphael…the “Archangels”…the morning mass…was offered in your memory…since this is the day…on which…Mom and Dad’s “Angel” was born…Eighty years ago.

I had wanted to go…to the DC NLEOM…so that I could place flowers there…for you…and another Michael. Unfortunately my husband…had an early meeting…so maybe I can get there…on the weekend. I did order…a Birthday Floral Arrangement…to be delivered...to the Tarrytown Memorial…and I hope…when the other Troopers…go into work…that they will see it…and even though…50 years have past…since you were taken from us…therefore none of them…knew you…only of you…they “will know” …that you have a family…that loves you…misses you…honors your memory…and will never forget you.

Sal… please watch over all of us. The only nephew…you got to see…who shares this birthday with you…will soon be a Grandfather…and you now have…in addition to my four children…and Cookie’s three…six Grandnieces…eight Grandnephews...and that great-grand niece or nephew…who will soon be arriving.

You were an amazing Son…and…Brother…and had life…turned out differently…as an Uncle…grand or great…you would have been…what you were…and will always remain…which is..."the very best”…of us.

I love you Sal…you are so very missed…as you remain in my heart…in my thoughts…in my memories…and always...in my prayers. Stay close to my son…till that someday.

Anita

September 29, 2011

I missed your anniversary date of being called away from duty. Forgive me for doing that but I know you can understand that at times it is really hard to come to this site and write. To think that your loved ones have been living without you for a half century is beyond comprehension as it has only been 7 years for me and each day is a real challenge. Your sister has kept your memory alive by writing on your page, visiting the National Memorial and even a small gesture of leaving a flower at the base of your name so that others pass and pause for a brief moment. I know while she is there in Washington, she also stops at my son Mike's panel and remembers him, for this I am forever grateful. Continue to keep watch over her, wrap your loving arms around her and protect her. You have not been forgotten.

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

July 24, 2011