25: Michael Weinberg

Michael Weinberg

Michael Weinberg was an Athlete who played Baseball, Golf, Basketball, Swam, Skied and Ran.

He attended St. John’s University on a Scholarship and played Baseball there.

In 1988 he was named MVP of the Big East Conference.

He signed with the Detroit Tigers and played Pro-Baseball for 2 years.

He was forced to leave that Career due to an injury.

In 1994 Michael joined the New York Fire Department (FDNY.)

His Father, Morty, had been a Firefighter for 15 years.

During his free time he Volunteered at the NY Burn Center and brought food to the Homeless at St. Francis of Assisi Church.

On September 11, 2001 Michael was waiting to tee off at the Forest Park Golf Course in Queens as he had the day off.

When he saw what was happening at the World Trade Center he raced from the Clubhouse to the Firehouse.

Because of the heavy traffic he abandoned hos Car in Long Island City and climbed onto a passing Emergency Vehicle.

He was in Ladder 24, Engine 1 and drove Father Mychal Judge and Captain Dan Brethel to the World Trade Center.

Michael’s Sister, Patricia, worked for Morgan Stanley at Two trade Center on the 72^nd Floor.  

Michael did not know if she was dead, still in the burning World Trade Center or had managed to evacuate.

Michael took shelter beneath a Fire Trunk when the South Tower came down on him.

He did not survive.

Neither did Father Mychal Judge or Captain Dan Brethel.

His Sister, Patricia, managed to escape the World Trade Center and survived, but Michael never knew that.

Standing on the Brooklyn Bridge as the First Tower fell and killed Michael Patricia received a phone call on her cellphone from her and Michael’s Older Brother who said:

“Thank God you’re all right and Michael is on vacation.”

Michael Weinberg could have stayed on vacation 25 years ago and lived, but he went to help his Sister and anyone else he could and died at the age of 34.