KEVINCOLBERT.US

THIS SITE WAS CREATED TO KEEP KEVIN COLBERT ALIVE. THE EVENTS OF 9/11/01 HAVE TAKEN A LOT FROM ALL OF US THAT LOVED AND KNEW KEVIN VERY WELL, BUT THEY CAN'T TAKE WHAT'S IN OUR HEARTS AND IN OUR MEMORIES.
I KNOW WE ALL HAVE MANY.

SO I ASK YOU ALL TO SHARE YOUR MEMORIES, LAUGHTER, TEARS AND OUTRAGEOUS STORIES HERE TO KEEP KEVIN ALIVE IN OUR HEARTS.

I WAS NOT ONLY HIS MOTHER, I WAS HIS BEST FRIEND, HIS ROOMMATE, HIS CONFIDANT AND A LOT OF TIMES HIS DATE. WE SHARED MORE IN 25 YEARS THAN MOST PARENTS SHARE WITH THEIR KIDS IN A WHOLE LIFETIME.
ON ANOTHER NOTE, TO ALL OF YOU THAT HAVE BEEN THERE FOR US AND HAVE HELPED ANDREW, MATT, ALEX AND MYSELF THROUGH THIS, I SEND YOU ALL OUR LOVE AND GRATITUDE. KEVIN COULDN'T HAVE ASKED TO KNOW ANY BETTER PEOPLE THAN ALL OF YOU..........

One summer I came to visit Andrew and we went to a restaurant in the city called Jeckyl & Hides or something like that. They had yards of beer and crazy people walking around doing short comedic skits. This one lady was all over Kevin sitting on his lap and rubbing his face he had a huge smile on his face and we were hysterical laughing. As the yards of beer continued the more fun we had. We continued to a bar down the street were Andrew blew chunks right at the bar, after a shot of something that they swore they could handle. We quickly had to leave there for the smell of puke was beginning to make us nauseous. As we continued down the street Andrew blew chunks, again this time on a fire hydrant. Kevin just laughed with a big grin on his face. As we turned the corner Kevin decided he wanted a tattoo, this began a search for a tattoo. After he found a guy to do it and picked out a tattoo, Michelle decided she would get one too. The two were so funny laid out in the tattoo parlor laughing and carrying on while the were being jabbed with a tattoo needle. To this very day I can still remember Kevin's beautiful smile and his enormous heart and how much he loved and cared for his family. I also remember how safe I felt going anywhere with him and Andrew knowing that no matter what happened Kevin and Andrew would be there to save us. I still feel that way now even when they are not around.

Kevin,

We miss you very much and I know you are watching over us. Andrew talks about you all the time and can't wait to see you again. We have your pictures and memories through out the house so that your two nephews will always know you. I wish you could be here for all the joys of watching your little brother be a wonderful father and husband. I know you would be very proud of him.

Love always- Jeny, Andrew, Logan and Kaeden

2 brothers', best friends, teammates, drinking buddies,
sports buddies........Lets just say they were in separable!!!

I remember that day so clearly too that Jeny described. It was one of my most favorite memories. It was one of those spur of the moment days. We were just hanging around the house as Jenny was visiting Andrew from Florida. She wanted to go into the city, and if you knew Kevin, he had no problem with that! I remember as we arrived in the city Kevin and Andrew were determined to hit every bar on the way to Jeckyl & Hyde. I believe it was a double shot of tequila and a corona to wash it down. (After all, Kevin's dog's name is Corona) The two of them were like the best of friends and swore that the Colbert brothers would not get sick--bite your tongue's boys! lol. I don't know if you can post pictures here, but I have the perfect picture of that woman all over Kevin that Jenny described. I guess she was like a Genie or something. It's a great shot and will certainly put a smile on your face!! And how could I forget the way back from Jeckyl & Hyde-They were determined to hit those same bars on the way back-You nailed it Jenny--only you forgot to add that not only did Andrew blow chunks, but so did Kevin! He poked his head inside a vestibule and let it go. At that point--Jenny and I raced about 20 feet in front of them, we wanted to hold our dinner down--lol. Gee--I wonder who had to clean all of that up? I also have a picture of Kevin getting his one and only tattoo. He was so excited. It was a really cool experience getting them together. He got a round tribal design on his upper arm, and I got a butterfly on my shoulder on my back. Then we itched together for the next week. It was funny, he would make me scratch it for him because I had nails. Ya know, being in the city with Andrew and Jenny was a great moment for him too. I remember so clearly how much he loved the two of them together. He told me that he hoped the two of them would get married, and they did. I can go on and on forever about Kevin. I will love him and all of the people around him forever. The time I had with Kevin, his family, and friends were the best days of my life. I would give anything to go back for just 5 minutes.

Christmas Day 2000. Kevin was on crutches due to a broken foot from a football game. We were at his aunt Geri and Ed's house. A bunch of us were hanging out in the den watching TV. Kevin crutched up to the doorway and made some comment or sarcastic saying and we all looked up. As we looked up he immediately slipped on the wood floor and fell flat on his back. He was hysterical laughing and so were we. We were happy he wasn't hurt but boy was that the funniest fall I have ever seen. My smooth boyfriend taking a spill. And I thought I was the klutz in that relationship.
I miss you Kev. You are always in my thoughts.

Love,
Stephanie

February 2004. I have been thinking about you so much lately. You are always in my thoughts but now I find myself reminiscing frequently about the time we shared together. Our relationship was so magical and so brief but I remember a thousands moments that I will have forever. One in particular came to mind this evening as I was preparing dinner. You took me to the Gramercy Tavern about a week before the attack. It was way beyond our price range but you didn't care. It was a pre-anniversary dinner. You ordered the rabbit because you never had it before and figured it was a good time to try it. I ordered the filet mignon. When our dinners came out, yours was a bit chewy, gamey, and well. . .different. You saw my scrumptious bloody steak and pretended that you really enjoyed that rabbit. I think it was the best filet mignon I ever had. Thank you for letting me enjoy it even though I know you really wanted my dinner. I think it was the first time you didn't order steak.

hey kev,
Just wanted to tell u that I miss u. I am doing fine in school and I have grown up to a wiser and more mature person. Anyway everyone is doing fine. We all wish that u were still here and enjoying yourself with your friends and family. Everytime I am thinking of u I have to look behind me to make sure that you aren't there. My thoughts almost come to life. I just want want to tell u that I think of you everyday. We all miss you and love you SO much!

LOVE ALWAYS,
Ashley

Hey Kev. Today is 5/20/04. Mom keeps sending me e-mails telling me to write something for you. I just wanted to tell everybody about my 12th birthday when all I wanted was PlayStation 2. I remember vividly you coming home from work that day. You and Andrew gave me the PlayStation 2. I still remember the first time we played. You won, but then when you played Andrew you lost a lot. I can't even count on how many controllers we must have went through. Just from you alone throwing them against the floor, the walls, and the television.

Most of all Kev, I just wanted to say how much I love and miss you.
Love Your Little Bro Alex

Hey Kevin, today is 8/28. Your birthday was just two days ago. I really can't believe this is your third birthday we have spent without you. I really can't believe its been that long. You don't understand how much I miss and love you I am sorry I didn't go visit you at the cemetery on your birthday. I was just too upset to go. I just wanted to let you know I am thinking about you everyday and love and miss you dearly.

I think what I remember the most is when I first met Ed and you guys were on your way to Florida and I haven't even met you yet. I remember going with Ed to Trailer City to buy you and Andrew skate boards and before you even got them, Leo almost broke his neck trying to ride them in the house on Maren Street, OMG! The memories just began. You and Andrew came to NY to stay with us and I wasn't sure if you two were even going to like me....then I took you to work with me at Elmwood Park Athletic Club where you guys were KING! I guess that was the beginning of my coolness! Then you made me come out of retirement to fight people 10 times my weight so Kevin could call the shots on the side of the mat. Choke her...pin her...throw her..... He was always the bossy one. Soooo many things to remember! I think my most memorable feeling was after a to-do at the Palm. At the time I was very angry at Kevin and he knew it. He called me on the way to Boston to a Met game to explain why he did what he did, but it didn't change the fact that I was still very angry at him. He asked me to please not be mad because you mean more to me than you know and that I love you and it means a lot to me to know how you feel about me. :( It took me this long to be able to share this. I felt the same about him as if he were my own son. I miss you Kev and talk to you every morning when I take Miko out for a walk. I hope you hear me. Say hi to Grandpa, Uncle Seymore and Uncle Steve for me. I know they are with you. I am so glad to know I was as much a part of your life as you are of mine.

LOVE AUNT GERI !!!

As I sit here and stare at the computer screen, I ask myself why? Why did these bastards do what they did?...Why haven’t we just evaporated all of them?... Why does it still hurt everyday, 3 years to this day. Why am I even writing anything right now. Why, because I actually feel better when I talk or write about it. It hurts so much to think about it but I know that there is nothing I can do to change that, because that day has changed my life forever. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t get reminded of or think of September 11, 2001. Whether it’s a photo, news report or most frequently, the time on a clock…9:11 I just try to get past the moment and think of the good times that I had with people I miss the most. Kevin was out right a NUT! But we ALL loved him because of that reason. He was true, real, blunt. He told you how he felt because he was invinsible…and still is. He had a heart the size of Florida…haha…and was nothing but a gentle giant. I truely miss the good old days at the Palm, shooting pool, watching football, watching the METS either at the bar or every year at the home opener. Shooting darts or just chillin at his home with good ole’ Momma Sue. I miss a lot of things about Kevin and all the other close friends I lost that horrific day. But what I miss most is just that date, September 11, 2001, just being another day. Just being another date IN history, not MAKING history. All the time and effort that I put in myself, whether it was at work with the FDNY or volunteering with the Malverne F.D. I dedicate it all to Kevin, and all my other heroes. They all are the true heroes! I don’t think of myself as a hero for what I did that day or days to come. I was doing my job. I was doing what I love to do. I was doing what I was put on this earth to do, and that is to help others. The real heroes are the ones that didn’t make it that day. The ones that put up a fight on those doomed flights up in the sky. The ones that where going to work to earn a hard days pay. They are the real heroes. THEY ALL ARE MY HEROES. To all that made the supreme sacrifice that day and days after, may you all rest in peace, etearnally. You will never be forgotten. Those five words I now live by. I pray for the lost ones and their families everyday like how they pray for myself and other rescue workers that risk their lives so that we all can continue to live ours. GOD BLESS YOU KEVIN, GOD BLESS MIKE KIEFER (L132), GOD BLESS THE COLBERT-AINBINDER FAMILY AND ESPECIALLY, GOD BLESS AMERICA.

James Lang,

FDNY – (FC01)

9/11/04

I did not know Kevin, but I used to see him daily on the LIRR. He would always stop for his beer and the bar tender would greet him. That is how I found out his first name. I always thought him to be extremely handsome, yet in reading the entries on Legacy.com, I see that Kevin was much more than that.

I remember in the weeks following 9/11, I noticed that Kevin was not on the train. I mentioned this to a friend who remarked that perhaps his company relocated and that he was working in midtown. However today, on CNN.com it has been confirmed. Mind you, I did not know Kevin's last name, but I do remember his face and I searched each photo on the website. Somehow, I wish I never decided to do the search, hoping that my friend was right. Still, in disbelief, reading the entries, I came across one that mentioned his broken foot. I do remember seeing Kevin with a cast for a while.

From what is sounds, Kevin has left a lasting impression on many people and this is a great credit to you as his Mother.

I am sorry for your loss.

Take care.
M. Clarisa

You were always there when I needed you most,
you held my hand and brought me close.
You showed me that tomorrow the sun will shine,
and that life ain't bad more than half the time.
You gave me hugs in your big gentle way,
and gave me your support nearly everyday.
Some how you always showed you cared,
rain or shine by my side you were there.
When I felt to weak to stand alone,
you kept reminding me I wasn't on my own.
For all that you did for me I am so very grateful.
Each day I thank the stars up above,
for blessing me with such a caring son who
showed so much love.
I love and miss you big guy.

TODAY IS NOT A HOLIDAY, IT IS JUST ANOTHER DAY NOTHING TO MARK IN ANY SPECIAL WAY. JUST ANOTHER DAY WHERE I HAVE BEEN THINKING OF MY KEVIN ALL DAY.
BUT STILL I WOULD LIKE TO SEND A VERY SPECIAL MESSAGE TO MY SON, MY FRIEND. HE WAS SO VERY NICE I AM SURE THAT I HAVE TOLD YOU ALL THAT MORE THAN ONCE OR TWICE.
HE MADE ME LAUGH WHEN I WANTED TO CRY, HE MADE ME SMILE, HE EASED MY TROUBLES FOR A WHILE.
HE WAS ALWAYS THOUGHTFUL, SWEET, GENEROUS , KIND. IF YOU WERE IMPORTANT TO HIM HE HAD YOUR BACK ALL THE TIME.
A SON AND A FRIEND LIKE HIM IS RARE TO FIND.

SO I SEND THESE WORDS WITH ALL MY LOVE,
WHY DO I SEND THEM ?
JUST BECAUSE !
I LOVE AND MISS YOU BUDDY, I CARRY YOU WITH ME EVERYDAY, ALL DAY.
LOVE ALWAYS MOM
AKA MA DUKES

Hey Kev, As your birthday approaches tomorrow I have so many thoughts of you going through my head.
I can't help but think of all the experiences we shared and the so many things that tested our relationship. There were a few tearful moments but when all is said and done there were so many many good and happy times. I don't think I ever met anyone that was more fun to be around than you and I know I never will again. You certainly were one of a kind.
Every morning and especially tomorrow on your birthday I will awake and once again reaquaint myself with just how much I love and miss you.
Our partnership, our friendship that special mother and son bond I feel with you is even stronger now than ever.
You are a part of my life that I will never let go of..Your laughter still to this day carries me through days I would like to forget.
And my thoughts of you brings a certain peacefulness into days I will always remember.
Our lives are forever changed, you have left me with some freedom but I would give it all back to have you here with me on your birthday.
So since I know I can't really be with you on this day I will sit back and relive some of those special days and nights we have shared on your birthdays gone by.
I love you always and forever with all my heart..........

Your mom
aka ma dukes

Well it has been 2 years now since that God-forsaken day. Not only did I lose a friend named Kevin Colbert, but many other "brothers" that we now call heroes. That day haunts me everyday of my life. I can now say that it is not easy being a New Yorker. But for everyday I think of that day, it only makes me stronger, makes me want to help others more in anyway possible. Why? Because you never know. I have a little memorial in my room with some pictures & mass cards of friends I have lost, from FDNY to of course, Kevin. My favorite picture is the one of myself, Kevin, his brother Andrew, & Mellissa. It was all our birthdays, and Susan held a big party at The Palm for all of us. That night was one of my favorite nights there.
I have many memories of me & Kevin, from the Palm, to the Mets home openers, to playing pool in the bar league. I love Kevin & his family. They always make me laugh and I feel so comfortable around them. I remember one Mets opener when Kevin was on crutches from a football injury. We got into a brawl at the end of the game and where was Kevin, right there, crutches and all helping his friends. We had some crazy times and some "late" nights together. His memory will always live with me in my mind and my heart. I love you Kevin & miss you dearly.
James

Hey Kev....

This is one of the hardest weeks without you....It only seems like yesterday that you were telling me that Ed was hanging out with Christy again (July 3, 2001)....And now they are getting married in four days...You belong here---I know you will watch over them on Saturday and forever after but it isn't fair that you can't be here...Let me tell you, it isn't going to be the same wedding....My whole family is having a tough time not having you around..I really feel like there isn't a day that goes by that we don't talk about you...Especially with the wedding plans...Your mom and Andrew will be there, so we will have you close.....

Everytime I try to write to you through this book, I am at a lose of words...But you have always understood what I was saying, even when I don't make sense...SO I hope this is one of those times again...

Kev--You are part of Ed's wedding party this weekend....You are a part of the whole day...You will be in everyones heart, especially Ed's and mine....

I miss you so much and love you more everyday...I talk about you to Erick all the time but I get so mad that you never met him..I feel like he has been short changed since he never got a chance to know you....Because you were and always will be the greatest!

Miss you and love you forever and ever....

"your little sis"....Jeanne

      Jeanne Mainland (West Hempstead, NY )
August 5, 2003
jmainland@eastwoods.org

I remember several things about Kevin that brings a smile to my face. Lets start with one thought. Bartending at the Palm ... yes I did it along with Kevin, actually Rob but Kev was always there protecting me and kicking a** to all those who bothered me. My boyfriend, Eddie - we all know him and love him but .... he use to come in from the second I started to the very second I left (often leaving him intoxicated - haha)   Him and Kev were like two peas in a pod and trouble always seemed to find them. I think it looked for them. Kev always ended up throwing someone out at the end of the night ... one of the drunks that wanted to give me a massage or were trying to pick me up right in front of his buddy Ed (I KNOW NOT AT THE PALM - HAHA)

There were a few guys who got pushed out the door by Kevin - by Kevin's huge hand on their face - just SLOWLY pushing them to the front door (i know Susan is laughing right now b.c she can see it) Kevin with his arm out stretched out straight and his hand on someones face slowly walking them to the front door (NO EFFORT AT ALL) b.c they were hassling me at the bar. I always know I would be OK if Eddie and Kevin were around.

He was like the strong protector ... always smiling - but always looking out for his family, his friends ... anyone that meant something to him.

Kev - we miss ya ... Barbara (and Eddie - of course)

This memory is a short one. Kevin's laughter.

My parents and I lived behind Susan, Kev and the rest of the crew and his laughter was overwhelming in the summer. It was powerful.

My mother often reads the paper on the deck and his laughter use to make her smile. She would always ask me if that was my friend - that his laughter was addictive. She would look above her shoulder and smile ... it would make her chuckle and she was not exactly sure why.

We all knew (as his friends) Kevin made us smile ... but could you imagine a total stranger, a neighbor !!! I bet ya he never realized he made those people smile too ..... He made his mark ... Thank you Kevin - for making us smile whether it be for a moment or a lifetime.

Story 2 - Barbara

I remember Kevin and Andrew when they were just little boys. They were living with you above your Dad's bar in West Hempstead, NY.
One December day you brought Kevin and Andrew to my house. I can't remember where you had to go but my mom and I watched them for a couple of hours. As usual my mom had the entire house done up for Christmas and was making her famous Christmas cookies. Mom, in her loving way, took the boys from one room to the other, playing all the music boxes and musical figures. She then lead them to our kitchen and sat them down for a glass of milk and warm cookies.
I just remember the expression on their faces - wide-eyed and ahh struck like two little boys in a Christmas factory! They were the politest, well mannered and well spoken boys my mom had ever seen.
Mom past away 15 years ago and if she has a hand in who is taking care of Kevin now, it will be her!

Death is not the end....it is another beginning!
We all shall meet again.

God Bless,

Debbie Eldridge
Jacksonville, Florida

I just wanted to take this time. To wish your son Kevin a very Happy Birthday in Heaven. I enjoy reading your letters to your son everytime I log in to that website. Tears always run down my face because your words to him are so wonderful. I don't even know your son but from reading all the letters to him I feel like I do. I was just scrolling through that website and his warm smile just brought me to him. My cousin was in that building that day and thank god he got out. That day was such an awful day and I am so sorry for your loss. Kevin is now is such a wonderful place that no harm can come to him. Enjoy your son's day. God Bless you and your family!

Gina Pateras

PS Happy Birthday Kevin!!

There isn't a day that goes by Kevin that you are not thought of and missed so terribly by so many of us. You touched so many lives in your short life. I hope you are watching us all from above and live for the the day we will all be reunited again.

There isn't a day that passes that I don't think of Kevin.
I just keep wishing that he is looking down on us with a bottle of Corona in his hand and saying, I am in a much better place now.
I've known Kevin since he was a little baby and I miss him very much.

I knew Kevin through his cousin Dave who is my sister's husband.
I know that I can't feel the loss that his closets family and friends feel, but like everyone else in this state and country I feel such hurt for all the lives lost.
I never knew Kevin's mother or brother's very well but if he was a reflection of who they are then they are some very special people.
God bless all of Kevin's loved ones and friends. God bless everyone who was lost and their families also. I pray we never see a day as dark as September 11th , 2001

Jennifer

I dated Kevin at Palm Bay High School. He was a wonderful person, very outgoing.
I will miss him dearly. God Bless

Kellie Alexander

My heart goes out to Diane (Daniel's mom) every day for losing her 1st son and my heart and my prayers will always be thinking of you too for Kevin was also so young. Sometimes I ask myself why??? Why does God let these things happen??? You sound like a very strong person, I guess you have to be to experience something like this. I don't know if I could do it. I always ask Diane "How do you do it?? And she says pretend you lost your hand, you still have another to go on with but you always remember the other one is missing (she has 2 other sons and a daughter)But she is a very strong person and is a very strong religeous Catholic person. It helps her go on.

Anyone who knew Kevin, loved him. He was a gentle giant and his heart was filled with love for his friends and family. We had some good times together at the Palm Cafe "most I do not remember" but from what people told me, we had a blast.
"dam Martinis get ya all the time"
Although our friendship was new, I knew it was one that would last. Kevin and I never knew it, but we soon found out that we were friends when we were very young. My mother recognized the name and put 2 and 2 together. kevin you will be missed.

Joey Leggio

A couple of weeks ago, actually right near his birthday, I was in Brooklyn to get the train home. (I used to ride with Kev occasionally when he was still living in West Hempstead, and I usually go to the front of the train and if he was on it I'd see him and sit with him.) Anyway I was really tired and I was walking down by the WH train and glimpsed through the window and said to myself "Oh there's Kevin I'll sit with him." Then I realized and did a double take. It was a guy whose back of the head looked just like Kevin but the face was nothing at all like him. It got me so upset but then it kind of made me feel good too. Weird, right?

Love.
Dee

You are my boy. You are one of the real good friends I have out there. Though we didn't talk as much as we should when we left GCG, you were always at my shows in Manhattan even with your broken foot......you crazy bastard. Your death really hurts. You are one of the few good people out there Kev... I miss you terribly !!!

with love
Jay Reddy

My son Bill Godshalk worked at KBW. He was 35, single - just engaged three weeks. He was a VP of Equity Sales - 89th Floor.

I frequently go through the KBW employees list and just tonight found your e-mail. Your letters to Kevin are so loving - I write to Bill and somehow this morning I'm having a real bad time.

We live in Pennsylvania - Bucks County and there were eight people lost within one mile of us. Some of us get together weekly. There is only one other in our group who lost a Son. Some of those who lost husbands have been moving forward, one just remarried. I feel like you - we will never get over this heartbreak and loneliness.

I hope you don't mind my writing to you. My Sister lives in East Meadow. Have I met you? Did you go to Washington for a press conference outside the Capitol? I can't remember the date but somehow I remember meeting someone from L.I.

My thoughts are with you.

hello, I am a student at Marlborough and today, 9/11/02, we got together and lit candles and were handed little pieces of paper each that had a victim's name on it. I was handed Kevin N. Colbert's name and I decided to send an email or letter to the family of Kevin. The first thing I found was this site and decided that this would be the first step. So, I just want to say that his family will be in my heart and prayers every day. Thank you for opening my eyes to the world of tradegy,
MEGAN

I received this great email regarding Kevin, although I was not a close friend of Kevin's I was still a good acquaintance. I thought of Kevin as a very funny, sweet and kind person and also very friendly.

My thoughts are always with you and your family and there isn't a day that I don't think about my friend Kevin and others that were close to me that I lost.

Kevin is a great Kid and remember that you did a great job.

Sincerely,

Erica Mele

It was another fun day at 626, summer of 2001. Bob and Dee had a truckload of people over as usual. It seemed like kids were running everywhere, up and down the hall, and then into the now spare room which is where Linda and I were with our babies. Kevin was standing in the doorway and we were chatting about the only subject we know, our children. All of a sudden Lauren came busting through the doorway tripping over Kevin's tremendous foot. I looked down at his feet only to notice that his toenail was sticking straight up, still attached by a small thread. It was the biggest darn toenail I have ever seen! I said, 'Oh my God Kevin. Your toenail. Look!'. He glanced down and just plucked it off. Completely shocked I said, 'Didn't that hurt?'. With that grin he is famous for he responded, 'I guess not', while shrugging his shoulders. Well, if you know me, I couldn't stop laughing about that for hours. There were a lot of good times that day and it's one bbq I will never forget.

Way back when.....When Kevin lived here in Florida, He would love listening to all my techno tapes always hounding me to make him copies. The county fair was coming up and you could bet anything that no matter what it was if you asked Kevin if he wanted to go he most certainly would always say yes. Now I decided it was time Kevin heard some new music besides techno, (lol), so my boyfriend and I asked him if he wanted to go to the fair and to the concert there. He was so psyched that was all he could talk about. I will never forget that night. It was a beautiful clear night with an enormous full moon, and on that moonlit stage Kevin got to attend his first real concert.......GEORGE THROUGHGOOD AND THE DESTROYERS . Well that rocked his world and mine jsut enjoying the excitement with him and how much he enjoyed the band. I can't remember exactly how old he was then maybe 13. When I think of Kevin I think of that night and feel good I got to give him that experience. You are so loved and missed kevin.

It's taken me awhile to post on this website. But tonight I was thinking back to all the great times we all had just a few years ago, at the Palm Cafe. Most of the best nights there, either Kevin or his brother Andrew were bartending. Pouring out drinks and great times. I'm sure we can all agree that West Hempstead will never be the same again. I always tell this story as one of my best memories of Kev, so I'll tell it here as well. Michele, Kevin, Louie and I went to a Met vs. Braves game. We were sitting behind third base, closest to the end. Kevin and Loiue started waves almost throughout the whole game that went from one side of the stadium to the other. I remember there were two Brave fans sitting in front of us. Everytime they cheered for the Braves, Kevin would scream at them to sit down. And they would! He was, without a doubt, the best person to see a Met game with. The ga! mes will never be the same either. Everytime I think of Kevin, I picture him with his tan shorts and open toed sandles. We always made fun of his toes.

To his family, I love you guys. Sue, you are one of the strongest people I know, although you may not feel that way. You have been through so much, yet you continue to strive. And you are a great mother. I don't know what I would do without you in my life, and am proud to call you my friend. I never thanked you for hiring me at the Palm. If you didn't, I may have never gotten the chance to know Kevin the way I did.

Kevin, WOW!!!! I am here in a local recruiting station for the Navy and realized HOLY GEEZ! I remember you in English Class and Math Class at Palm Bay High. I read the entries in this Memorial and it brings tears to my eyes! GOD BLESS YOU and I hope that you know that we are all blessed for the time you spent here with everyone and that your memory and Spirit WILL ALWAYS LIVE!!!!!! You are and have always been a Wonderful person! GOD BLESS YOU and YOUR FAMILY! : )

      Danielle Pastorius(Scarbrough) (Melbourne, FL )
May 21, 2004

Aw, c'mon. What we need to do is realize the error of our ways. We need to
apologize to the French, Germans, Russians and Kofi Annan, free the
illegally held freedom fighters at Guantanamo Bay, reinstall Saddam Hussein
as the rightful President of Iraq (he did get 100% of the vote in the last
election), make Osama Bin Laden on honorary citizen of the United States(his
followers would, of course, be immediately eligible for welfare, food
stamps, and social security provided the REAL president of the US, Al Gore,
reverses the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy), carve Bill Clinton and Mullah
Omar into Mount Rushmore( you know, kind of bookend T.R. and the boys), sell
off all of Halliburton's assets use the proceeds to distribute condoms in
Africa(gotta prevent AIDS, ya know), dismantle the military, pull all
support from Israel, sign the Kyoto Agreement, send more money and food and
nuclear technology to the North Koreans, present George Bush, Dick Cheney,
Condi Rice, Colin Powell, Paul Wolfowitz and Don Rumsfeld to the
International Court of Justice for crimes against humanity, appoint Jacques
Chirac Minister of US foreign policy, appoint Michael Moore director(he's
good at directing) of Homeland Security, break up Standard Oil( sorry,
that's already done, oops), I'm on a roll here, return to an agrarian
society, legalize gay marriage, polygamy and bestiality ( don't want anyone
to feel left out, after all, hurt feelings are grounds for a lawsuit),
speaking of lawsuits, make the ACLU arbiter of all that is right and good,
free Mumia, make smoking punishable by exile to Cleveland, can you tell I'm
not working today, rewrite the Constitution ex the second amendment, feed
the Christians to the lions, burn Santa Claus in effigy, recycle all SUVs
into windmills, try all US generals(except Wesley Clark) at the Hague, clear
the Rosenbergs of all wrongdoing, disband the Boy Scouts, rescind all
property rights (can you really OWN the earth?), make Islam the national
religion , extend a warm greeting to Fidel Castro, nationalize health care,
make reparations to the descendants of slaves and Native Americans, make it
law that group rights trump individual rights, bow at the altar of the UN, I
am rocking right now, destroy all corporate oppressors, disband the WTO and
World Bank, forgive all foreign debts (hell, we're still waiting on WWII
payments), save the spotted owl, ban all honey products(wouldn't want to
exploit the work of bees), for all of you who think this is one long run-on
sentence, get hip, it's a stream of thought, Kerouac, On the Road kind of
thing, back to the "we need to", provide Osama and pals seventy one
virgins(if you can find them) before they get to Allah, give the Chinese all
access passes to NORAD, ban all meat and animal products, buy Heinz ketchup
for your tofu burgers, save the whales, allow women into Augusta as members,
allow for retro-active abortions(you know, the "I brought you into this
world, I can take you out" thing), raise taxes for those who work, give tax
refunds to those who don't, and finally we need to take responsibility for
all that is wrong in the world, from the slavery in the Sudan and genocide
in Rwanda to the destruction of the Amazon Basin and the broken down '57
Chevys in Havana. Have a great weekend, all you infidels!

Mike

I couldn't believe my eyes when I read that Kevin was gone. I actually sent an email to his boss to make sure that it was the right Kevin. I know that I haven't talked to him in many years but that doesn't mean he wasn't ever thought about...I can remember going to Palm Bay Greens, playing "flag" football in the backyard with Kevin, Andrew, my brother Jason, and myself, (Matt was never far, trying to play with us) it was always fun when you were around him! Out of everyone I knew in Florida Kevin's family has always been in my memories. His smile was always enough to brighten anyones day! I hate that he's gone, but he's with God now and we'll all get a chance to see him again one day!

      Leanne Gaston (Holly Springs, NC )

I knew Kevin as an infant and very young child and even then, knew he had such a great, warm personality. I would have loved to have known him as an adult but am glad to know that he touched so many lives in so many wonderful ways.
I know he made his mom proud just as he did upon his birth. She had the son that I hope my son can be like. My special friend, Sue, is always in my heart and my love and empathy for the pain she feels daily is with her. As others have stated, this was an evil doing and just knowing that Kevin is with our wonderful Lord Jesus (Yeshua) is comfort for me. With all my love and that of my family's, I say God Bless you all.--Laurie

      Laurie Kramer (Hallandale Beach, FL )

Kevin, I didn't know you or your family, but i was touched to remember how proud your mom was of you, when she posted how wonderful and successful you were on "classmates" a few years ago.
i grew up in west hempstead, and have kept in touch with some people, and everyone says what a sweet boy, and later, man you were.
i am an email friend of your mom's friend, laurie, and she sent me this link.
in my church, we had a prayer/ rememberence book for 9/11, and i inscribed your name in it last october.
i know you are sharing everlasting joy in HIS house, and are beyond pain and fear. nan

      Nancy Walters (Mineola, NY )

Kevin was my friend, he so many people's friend. I write this for him and for Susan.
His mother is my friend and I hurt for her loss. As I sit and think of what her life is like without her son, her friend ... I can't even imgaine the void and the loneliness.
What I see is her STRENGTH. I see everyday she is strong for everyone else. She is strong his friends, and for her sons. She keeps everything together. I admire that strength !!! So ... as we remember the lives of those who are no longer with us, we must also acknowledge the strength of those they left behind.
Let's take a moment:
When I take one brief moment to stop and remember the "Simple Things".
Laughter
A wave hello
A quick conversation
Sometimes I wonder why those who LOVE THE MOST can no longer have the ability to love, to live and to laugh. Why Kevin ? He laughed "SO HARD" and loved "SO PASSIONATELY" and Lived "LIKE THERE WAS SOMETHING WONDERFUL TO LOOK FORWARD TO EVERYDAY" Why would his life be taken, a life that yurned to live?
His laughter would carry through the trees ... and make me smile.
It would make me stop and think for just one moment. It would make me smile. For that was one brief moment in time that came and went so quickly... without thought.
So as I sit here and remember the "Simple Things" I realize it is those moments in time that matter, it is those moments in time that we must all never think are "simple" again.
It is those moments in time that we treasure.
How I wish I could hear the laughter through the trees.

BF (West Hempstead, NY )

I don't know how to truely express my sorrow. From what I knew of Kevin he was a young, bright, and whitty person. He was strong willed and backed by a most loving family. His brothers are some of the most wonderful people I know. His mom has strengh and courage unlike I have ever seen before, witch is supported a great guy, her husband John. I now think back to one specific Labor Day playing Catch Phrase out in the back yard of Eagle until a crazy hour. There were a bunch of us sitting around the table and of course, Kevin with all of his wize cracks and jokes had us in stitches. This was most of the time when I saw Kevin. I wish I personally could have gotten to know him better, as an adult. I knew him better when he was kid. The time I did have was always a pleasure. It is easy to see what everyone loves in him. Kevin, David misses you dearly. Hey, he never got to beat you in Monoply. He was king until you challanged him, you still owe him a game. May you smile down and watch over all that you love and all that love you.
J A (Lynbrook, NY )

I will always remember you Kevin from the days of Stone Jr. High and Palm Bay High School.
I SHALL NEVER FORGET

I have talk to Kevin in my own little way to tell him how much he means to me and how special our friendship is. I miss him but have lots of memories of Palm Bay Greens, babysitting, rec dances and him hanging out with all the girls. We started as boyfriend and girlfriend and became the best of friends. We talked once and awhile when he moved back to NY. I wish I could of seen him while I lived there but time ran out. I will always remember you and have the pictures and memories to go by. Your family will always have a place in my family's heart. I miss you and think of you all of the time. You are a great friend and I will see you again some day!

      Brooke Luppino (Melbourne, FL )

I did not know Kevin personally but, have met and become friends with his Mom. As a parent I cannot imagine the feelings his family and friends deal with everyday. His Mom should be commended for the strength and love she has out-poured to others to keep her son's memories alive.

Patricia Locurcio (West Hempstead, NY )

Well Susan, another year has quickly gone by and it is that time of the year you probably dread the most. You will never be able to understand how sorry I am that life turned out this way. I hope that with the passage of time and the wonderful new things that life has given to you your heart aches a little bit less. I could not imagine your pain, and the pain the boys must have but please know that I think of you all often and pray for you all. I just recently came across pictures of Kevin and Andrew when they were younger I was so happy to be a part of their lives, how strange that things just go crazy sometimes. I love all the pictures you have sent of the boys and your grandsons, please keep them coming. I have on a couple of occasions tried to email Andrew but never got any response, I can totally understand. Just let him know that I think about him a lot and I always have. I am glad that Matt and Alex are moving on; they are growing up to be such handsome young men. I hope you have plans for Kevin’s Birthday and you will not be alone. I believe he will be having a party and celebrating his life in a much better place. I know I just seem to be rambling on and on but I still can not believe that he was taken away so young. Please hug the boys for me and know that I have always loved them even though I haven’t been part of their lives, I still cherish the memories of the times I did spend with them. You all will continue to be in my prayers. Take care and I will be thinking of you as you go through another of Kevin’s birthdays.

Good Morning Kevin just wanted t let you know that I am thinking of you,today is your birthday.
I remember every year how your mom would always make yor favorite meal for you guys on your birthdays.
I saw Matts,prom and year book pictures this week and can not believe how much you look alike or how grown up he has become.
Well have to go but remember you may be far from our arms but never far from our hearts.
Now have a nice cold CORONA...

      Deborah Mulhern Simone (Garden City Park, NY )
August 26, 2004

Kevin,
Happy Birthday in Heaven. May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. REST IN THE PEACE OF THE LORD.

      Michael Iezzi (Brookhaven, PA )
August 26, 2004

Just wanted to let you know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers all day. I wish I could be there with you. We've included Kevins name into the local mass here, so lot's will be praying for him on Sunday.

Stay strong, I know you are well protected by big muscles in the sky. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to call me. Try not to get overwhelmed Sue. I know its the day your remmeber Kevin's death, but it can also be a day you celebrate his life :).I love you and your family.

Well - I've been meaniing to do this for 3 yrs now after realizing you were gone Kev - I met u playing Slingo one night on aol - we used to talk on the phone all the time - I then was in VA - now I'm in CA - I moved here for another job - U helped w/part of this decision of me moving to the west coast - whether you know it or not - we kept in close contact for a few yrs - strictly online or on the phone - I never had the pleasure to meet you in person - something always came up - But I today have finally gotten up the nerve to post here - you know how I am! - that's why u were always a good friend to me - helped me out w/advice on life love and work and everything - Miss u Kev and I know from readin this post every year your Mom and family and freinds miss u more than I could ever imagine - Stay w/us Kevin!! Love ya ... Christine

      Christine Spruill (Orange Co, CA )
September 11, 2004

Your unwarranted and unneccesary death is something that touches me so much. It makes me realize that if you love someone, if you care about someone, dont ever stop telling them, because you never know when the last time will be. Terrorists have taken your life, but they can never take your memory coach. I hope somehow, someway, you can get my message Kev, and that you know I'll never forget you. How can I? I mean I see your crazy Uncle Bob all the time, haha. Remember how I always used to make fun of behind his back to you? Your mother is a wonderful person, and thanks to her, no one will EVER forget you. Ok? Later buddy, and I hope one day I can see you again.

Love, John Diaz Jr.

Kevin, a close friend of mine, is always in my prayers. We played on the little league baseball team together here in West Hempstead as early as I can remember. Kevin always liked me and I always liked Kevin. I'd like to be added to the list of appreciative stories if I may have your permission. Here's my brief yet appreciative story.

At the Palm... sometime in early 2001.

Kevin, how the fuck do you stay so big. What's your secret?

"4 cans of tuna fish and a head of lettuce every day"

Hey Kevin... "May the wind be always in your sails. And may the winds of change bring you swiftly back home".

Keith Walsh