Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My Dear Brother...I pray that you...Mom...Dad...and my Salvatore...are spending a joyous Christmas Day together.

Sal...watch over my son...keep him close...and hug him for me. I love and miss all of you...so very much.

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

Anita

December 25, 2007

Today I decorated the outside of my home for Christmas with all blue lights. One of those lights has been assigned to you and will be lit every night beginning tonight up until New Years as a tribute to you and the hero you are. You have not been forgotten. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones.

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

November 25, 2007

My Dear Brother...today is Thanksgiving Day...and I will give thanks to God for giving me...You...Mom...Dad...and
Cookie.

Our family bonds were strong...they were forged by two loving parents. We all felt their love...and knew it was ours...unconditionally...and for that I will be eternally grateful.

I have tried to be the kind of mother that Mom was...but sometimes...if you ask my children...I have fallen short. I can't change what has been in the past...I can only go forward...with the hope of doing a better job.

We had a wonderful Mother...and I need to keep trying to emulate her...although that is no easy task...all I can do is pray for her guidance...as I try.

I hope You and my Son are at peace...along with Mom and Dad. I love and miss each of you.

Keep my Salvatore close to you...and both of you watch over your nieces and nephews...and keep Chris safe.

I hold you in my heart and thoughts...always.

All my love...prayers...and gratitude...you were the best.

Anita

November 22, 2007

My Dear Brother...I just got back...from the All Souls Day Mass...that was offered this morning...at St. Michael's...in remembrance of all those souls...who have been called back home by God.

I prayed for You...Mom...Dad...my Salvatore...and all of our loved ones...extended family...and friends...who are now living in eternity.

Father said...that life is changed...not ended...that love lives in the soul...and the soul never dies.

I have to make myself focus on that truth...love is the connection...love makes us all one...a part of each other forever...because it is the only comforting way...to accept all the pain...that comes from no longer having those we love...present...in our physical lives.

I know that part...of our finite...human condition...is to live in the moment...and so we bear the hurt...of being separated...from those we love so dearly.

It is nearly impossible...to be objective...when subjectively...we are devastated...by the crosses we carry...and only with faith...in God's promise to be reunited again someday...are we able to continue on...one day at a time.

I love you my Big Brother...Mom...Dad...My Son...and I miss all of you...each and every day.

May God bless each of you...for sharing with others...all that was good in you...while you were here among us.

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

All My Love

Anita

November 2, 2007

I was thinking of you and your sister this morning and thought I would stop at your page and leave a reflection. Continue to watch over all of your loved ones, especially your sister as she continues her fight for justice. I know you are proud of her just as she is of you. Let her feel your presence to let her know you are near and watching over her.

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

October 4, 2007

i didn't miss thinking of you yesterday, and mentioned that my son sal, was the one and only to share a birthday with his uncle, sorry he's nothing like you, except, in mannerisms, he has heart but not too much else. look over all of us till we meet one day. cookie

sister

October 1, 2007

My Dear Brother...the last birthday…we celebrated with you…was your 29th…in 1960. It is hard to believe…that forty seven more birthdays…have come and gone…without you…physically present with us.

How wonderful…it would have been…for all of us…to have had you…in our lives…all these years…being able to wish you…many more…happy and healthy returns…right on through…all of the milestone birthdays...that you were not here to experience…and enjoy…with our family.

All of them taken from us…as July 6th…changed all of our lives forever.

It saddens me to this very day…that we had to live on without you.

We will be at the 8:30 Mass…that is being said for you…this morning…and we will receive Communion...in memory of this…your 76th birthday…and feast day of the Archangels…Michael…Rafael…and Gabriel. Maybe you are all celebrating…this very day…together…in a far better place…than you left behind.

I sent birthday flowers...to the Trooper Memorial…in Tarrytown…and to St. John’s…in Middle Village…to commemorate the day…on which our family received…a very special blessing…in the form of…YOU.

Sal…if only we could have...“do over’s” in life. How different…things might have turned out…for everyone…if that was possible…and how I wish…we all could have had…more time together.

I am sorry my own Salvatore…could not be here longer…to carry on your name.

I pray that…Mom…Dad…and my Salvatore…are celebrating this day with you.

Stay close to each other…I miss all of you.

You are always in my heart…and prayers…keep us in yours…as we continue on.

You were…and are…the best…

All my love…always.

Anita

September 29, 2007

Thank you for your dedication & sacrifice. Until one day in Heaven we meet, keep walking your beat on the Golden Street. To Anita: You have been a great sister and have grieved for over 46 years. Please take comfort in the fact that Sal will FOREVER be a hero and will NEVER be forgotten! You will be reunited - one day - in Heaven. May God continue to bless us all.

DET SGT, Retired
AR

September 20, 2007

Sorry I missed your EOW date, sometimes I have my mind somewhere else. Every time I see your sister's name, I think of her, you and her son Sal. Continue to keep watch over your sister, stand at her side and give her strength as she continues her fight against the injustice that has been brought down on her. You are a true hero and have not been forgotten.

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

August 10, 2007

To My Beloved Brother…months ago when I was scheduling Masses for our family for their special days throughout the year…July 6th was already taken…but I was able to have a Mass said for you on the very next day, Saturday, the 7th…so in addition to going to Mass this morning and receiving Communion for your intentions on this 46th anniversary, I will also attend the Saturday Mass and again receive Communion in remembrance of marking another year of mourning your loss.

I remember your last words to me…and my memory holds the picture of what was to be the last time I saw you…as you went down the stairs…you looked back...with that amused scowl…as only a big brother would…when deciding what words of wisdom or admonishment he should give to the kid sister on any given occasion…and you said with brotherly authority, “Help Mom.” Over the years, in wanting to recall the sound of your voice…those are the two words I hear as though you just spoke them.

Sal you were the promise of our family…and when you were taken from us…how could we have known then…that it would be just the beginning of so many more heartbreaking events that our family would have to endure.

I guess lightning can strike the same place more than once…without reason or warning….I find that bad things happening to good people a first time…doesn’t protect against or give immunity from future occurrences…life is a fragile gift and how it unfolds…joys…sorrows…is an unbalancing act…maybe in time…God’s time…we get to understand…for now…no answers…explanations…reasons…just blind faith that someday maybe it will all be made clear…for now though…I am being tested beyond my comprehension…hang in there with me Sal…I need your brotherly insights…and prayers.

I sent flowers to St. John’s and to the Troop T Memorial in Tarrytown today…I wish I could have been to both places in person to offer my love, prayers and respect for you... since you have the advantage now from that far better place...you know how much I care and that you are never far from my thoughts.

I love you as always…I miss you…I hold my memories of you deep in my heart…and I cherish them.

Keep watch over our loved ones there and here… and stay close to my son.

May God continue to bless you.

Anita

July 6, 2007

Sal,
On your birthday with Jesus, I wanted to let you know that you are not forgotten, nor will you ever be forgotten.

From the letters your sister leaves, you must have been a GREAT brother. I hope that I can be the type of brother to my sister that you are to yours.

Anita... I will pray for you and your family every day. Your thoughts and reflections are a wonderful insite to your brother's life. Thank you. I promise that I will remember him and YOU.

God Bless you and your family..

Phil

July 5, 2007

My Dear Brother…today in observance of Memorial Day, my husband, daughter and I attended a Memorial Mass that was offered in remembrance of all those military men and women who lost their lives while defending our country and our freedom.

The Mass was celebrated at the Catholic cemetery where my son is at rest. The Bishop who officiated at the Mass also offered intentions for the repose of the souls of the faithful departed interred at this sacred site…as well as for the intentions of those present for other deceased family members interred at distant sacred sites. I prayed for you, your fellow servicemen, your fellow law enforcement officers, Mom and Dad, our extended family whom you all have joined, and for my son.

Your loss still is and always will be felt deeply within my heart. I cannot think of you without remembering what a wonderful big brother you were and how very proud we all were of you and still are. How Mom felt about you...I felt about my son...and now I know her pain. You both are loved, missed and will not be forgotten.

Please remember to intercede for us, as we keep our promise to our son…your nephew and namesake…to be his voice…as we seek in his behalf...accountability and justice… which thus far has been denied to us.

I pray that God blesses You, Mom, Dad and my Salvatore as you all rest peacefully in each other's company...I love and miss each of you.

Anita

May 28, 2007

My dearest brother, today, May 15th, is National Peace Officers' Memorial Day... and the United States flags on all government buildings are at half-staff in recognition and memory of all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting their communities.

I said a prayer before the Blessed Mother statue for you...and many of your fellow officers who have joined you. I am and always have been so proud of you.

I check this site daily and I continue to be hopeful that days may pass without the addition of new names...but it never takes too long an interval before my hopes are dashed.

The circumstances for loss vary slightly...there is the evil that men commit in the taking of an officer's life...accidents involving natural disasters that cause the loss of life of those that are trying to aid citizens in areas that are hit...there are airplane, boating, motorcycle accidents...vehicular assaults on officers, automobile accidents due to DUI's, chases, trying to avoid animals, rushing to the aid of a fellow officer in need of assistance...officers' weapons discharged and hitting other officers presumably accidentally while the weapons are either being cleaned or handled in some way...any and all of the reasons are devastating.

I know each individual was a special breed of human being...motivations for wanting to be a leo are mostly universal...well intentioned...honorable men and women who are concerned for others safety...some may be otherwise...but nevertheless each is willing to put himself in harms way for the protection of another.

I only know that each of us who has lost a leo... shares the grief, pain and sadness that this ever growing number of what we call "survivor families" feel as we continue to become united by our common loss.

All of you were taken much too soon, much too young, and much too needed by your families...and oftentimes for the most unnecessary of reasons.

Time does not heal our broken hearts...we are parents, siblings, spouses, children, family...we go on because we have no choice...but we never forget...we always remember...loved ones memories are carried in our hearts forever...you are our heroes and may God Bless each of you.

I love you Sal, you were the best big brother...I miss you still...and I count on you to stay close to my other Sal... your wonderful nephew...and too...along with Mom and Dad...watch over us as we fight the good fight for justice for my son.

You are in my prayers...always

Anita

May 15, 2007

Today is National Law Enforcement Memorial Day. I salute you for your heroism and dedication to law enforcment. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones, especially your sister Anita. Wrap your wings around her and protect her and help her with her grief. You have not been forgotten.

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

May 15, 2007

Sal, today marks the 20th year that Mom is with you, so Happy Anniversary Mom.

We were all very blessed by God when He gave us to such a phenomenal mother...how fortunate we were to have been her children.

I know she loved all of us, but YOU were her pride and joy and such a good son.

Although she continued on for the rest of us, a part of Mom went with you when you were called home and she grieved for you the remainder of her days...she loved you so very much.

I know she was happy again when she finally joined you and that is the only comfort I was able to take in coping with her leaving the rest of us so unexpectedly...I knew how she longed to be with you once again, her beloved Sal.

I know she is watching over my Salvatore for me until I too can join all of you someday. She was a wonderful Nan to her grandchildren and I know God has blessed her for all that she sacrificed, suffered, and endured before she went to her final reward.

Kiss her for me and let her know how much I love and miss her.

God bless all of you...my loving family.

Anita

March 23, 2007

My dear big brother, since today is the feast day of St. Joseph, I hope and pray that my two, very loved, Salvatore Joseph's are celebrating and sharing each other's company with all of our other loved ones.

I miss all of you so very much. You all are always in my heart and prayers.

Anita

March 19, 2007

I have another request of you my dear brother...please give my "sweetheart" of a son, a hug and a kiss for me on this Valentine's Day...

I love and miss all of you...you are all in my heart, thoughts and prayers.

God's blessings on each of you as you rest in His peace.

Anita

February 13, 2007

Dearest Brother...It is one year today, Jan. 24, 2007, that my precious son has been in your company as well as Mom and Dad's. I ask all of you to hug, kiss and squeeze him tight for me...I miss him and all of you so very much.

Please stay close to him...I'm counting on you...believe me he has done you proud in so many ways in carrying your name...I wish it could have been for so many more years.

I pray for all of you and hold your memories in my heart...until we meet again.

God Bless you...my big brother.

Anita

January 24, 2007

Dearest Sal,

Please if it's in your power help
Sis over her heartache. She is hurting so, for you and her Sal. The comparisons are too much for her and the
hurt is overwhelming. Please watch over us here on this
unjust earth, until another time when we are together. Cookie

sister

December 25, 2006

Merry Christmas Sal. You are being thought of today by your loved ones, I have also lit a candle in your memory. Watch over your loved ones, especially your sister who needs your guidance and protection. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon

December 25, 2006

My dear brother, this has been a very difficult year and this holiday season has added immeasurable sadness to our already broken hearts.

My prayer is that you, Mom, Dad and my Salvatore are experiencing the joy and peace of a heavenly Christmas.

I cherish my memories of you, I love you and I miss you.

I ask that you continue to keep my son close to you and our family and I will always keep you in my heart and prayers.

Merry 45th Christmas in Heaven....

Anita

December 24, 2006

Sal, I'm counting on you today to give my son a big hug and a kiss for me. It is young Sal's birthday and he would have been 38...to your 75...but now you both will forever remain 37 and 29...incredible losses to our family, then and now. You were both called home much too soon...both in your prime with so many years that should have been left for each of you to accomplish the goals that were once only your dreams.

I love and miss both my Sal's and I pray that a nephew and uncle, my brother and son, are reunited and enjoying each others company as well as Mom and Dad's who are Nan and Gramps to Salvatore.

We have only just begun what will lie ahead of us...I'm counting on all four of you for your guidance and support in getting us through this difficult time...

You are all always in my heart, thoughts and prayers.

Until we meet again stay close to each other and watch over all of us as we try to cope one day at a time.

All my love always...

Anita

December 17, 2006

Hi Sal...I visit your site daily although I don't always write...I pray...I think...and memories come flooding in.

Thanksgiving was extremely difficult although I did remember to send flowers to Saint Johns...I miss you, mom, dad and my sal.

I need you to do the big brother thing... some wisdom...guidance...and a watchful eye would be good as you watch over all of us as we are under a lot of pressure and stress...I know you know why...we had some disappointing news re my son's loss and so it was an exhausting and heartbreaking week.

I guess some things and some people are pathetically unconscionable.

I will continue to keep you in my thoughts, prayers and heart...always.

May God bless and keep you.

All my love...

Anita

November 26, 2006

Just wanted to drop in and leave a short note to let you know that you have not been forgotten. Today I am putting up Outdoor Christmas lights, all blue bulbs of course. One of those lights will be lit in your honor every night until after New Years. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones. You are a true hero.

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

November 25, 2006

My dear brother – I wanted to write something sooner but time keeps getting away from me.

We were in NYC this past weekend to attend two memorial services. There was a Mass offered by Cousin Anthony at Most Precious Blood Church in memory of all of the deceased relatives on Mom’s side of the family. It was followed afterwards by a reunion luncheon at Cousin Perry’s restaurant that he named in honor of Grandma Olimpia.

We attended the Mass in memory of you, Mom, Dad and my Salvatore, in addition to remembering how many wonderful relatives…grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins…our family has lost.

Cousin Anthony gave an insightful homily and as each name of a departed loved one was read aloud, a candle was lit in their memory.

Uncle Pat and Aunt Anne must be looking down from heaven feeling very proud of the fine children they raised…Anthony and his siblings are a true reflection of the goodness of their parents. I am ever grateful for all the times our families spent together after we lost you. We would visit St. John’s to bring flowers and say a prayer for you and then drive to Uncle Pat’s and spend the better part of the Sunday afternoon with his family. Aunt Anne would always have a delicious meal prepared and was always gracious and welcoming in extending herself to us. Father Anthony, who is lovingly referred to by our entire family as Dom DeLuise, is a very compassionate priest who still maintains a fantastic sense of humor along with an endearing personality. I understand he is truly loved by his parishioners as pastor of St. Bridget’s in Minnesota and his fellow friars have again re-elected him to be the minister provincial of his order, The Friars of the Immaculate Conception. He is a very busy, respected and valued man of God. What we always referred to as a “good priest.” And he is a part of us…ours.

It was great to see extended family again and to meet Mom’s cousins, many of whom I vaguely remember as just “names” from the past but did not recognize and only made the connection when Cousin Betty explained the relationships. Unfortunately, we couldn’t stay for the luncheon as we were heading up to Albany for the Trooper Tribute Weekend.

This is only the second time we were able to attend. The first time, which was the 10th Anniversary Tribute, we also had to be at Sal’s 40th West Point reunion. I remember we left right after the Cadet Parade and drove to Albany in time for the Memorial Wall ceremony, got a rubbing of your name, attended the Saturday night dinner and the Sunday candle ceremony; we missed the 11th entirely, and now the 12th found us juggling our time once again. We were only able to arrive in time to go to the Saturday dinner and the Sunday morning candle ceremony in honor of all fallen troopers
.
I would like to be able to spend the entire weekend at some point so that I can get to know other families and experience the entire program. All I can do is hope there won’t be any more conflicts in the future.

We did meet a few families, and although it was briefly, I sensed instantly that these were families not unlike our own … close, supportive, caring, loving, coping…and understandably heartbroken. I was also fortunate enough to share a few moments with the family of Trooper Ambrose.

I will pray for all of us as we continue to deal with our grief and get through our loss one day at a time. It is never easy.

I spoke with several admin/officers from other states who attended to observe how this type of weekend is put together. Their intention is to offer a similar program to survivor families in their own communities. It is quite evident that the NYS Police have the best and most successful program for remembering and honoring the sacrifices of their fallen brothers as well as the families that continue on in grieving the loss of all you fine troopers…our loved ones.

In speaking with Superintendent Bennett he told me that whenever he visited the Tarrytown barracks and looked at your picture that was on the wall, he always thought you were a very impressive figure in your trooper uniform. I wish he could have had the privilege to know you because he would have recognized that your physical appearance was well matched by your intelligence, integrity and empathy. You were a dedicated trooper who would have gone far in law enforcement. You were blessed; you had it all.

I also told him about the recent loss of my other Salvatore. He offered me his condolences, was in disbelief of the circumstances and offered his assistance if I thought he could be of any help in regard to the tragic killing of my son. He is a very kind, caring and decent human being. I appreciated his sincerity and thanked him.

At the candle lighting ceremony, as surviving families sit watching the screen showing the faces of all of our lost and loved ones….son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, nephew, cousin, grandchild, son/brother-in-law, godfather, friend…all titles held by most of you troopers in being part of a family…there is an overwhelming sense of pride and sadness that is recognized and honored by everyone in attendance. It does not matter if the ultimate sacrifice was made many, many, years ago or just recently...in the willingness of each of you to put your lives on the line in protecting and serving your community, we your families have become united by a common bond, have walked in each other’s shoes, and our individual and collective sorrow is felt deeply “by and for” each other in our loss.

I will keep your memory alive for as long as I live... I carry you in my heart…thoughts… memories…and prayers…you are not forgotten. You and your fellow troopers are all heroes.

You are loved…my wonderful, loving, big brother and it was an honor to light both candles in your memory this weekend.

Sal, watch over all of us here, and stay close to my other precious Salvatore.

All my love always…

Anita

October 28, 2006