East Rockaway remembers Sept. 11 attacks 25 years later

Posted Monday, September 14, 2026 1:25 am

East Rockaway Mayor Gordon Fox salutes during the village’s Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony.

Juan Alzamora/Herald photos

East Rockaway Fire Department Assistant Chiefs Vanessa Torborg and Andrew Pignataro at the village’s 9/11 commemoration.

Scout Bella Katz placed a tribute beside American flags at the village’s 9/11 memorial.

East Rockaway Fire Department Assistant Chiefs Vanessa Torborg, left, Andrew Pignataro and Robert Bristol, and Chief Matthew Pignataro, paid tribute to the fallen at the ceremony.

Harlan Wank, a retired New York City firefighter who served with Engine 248, participated in East Rockaway’s Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony.

A student display commemorating Sept. 11 included a model of the twin towers and children’s artwork.

The Rev. Chuck Romano, of St. Raymond’s Church, spoke at East Rockaway’s Sept. 11 ceremony. From left were singer Peter Rapparano, Mayor Gordon Fox, East Rockaway High School teacher Donald Poland and Deputy Mayor Bruno F. Romano.

Seth Gonzalvo, of Scout Troop 332, took part in the Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony.

By Kayla Dechter

East Rockaway residents, first responders, Scouts and village officials gathered on Sept. 11 for the village’s annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony, honoring the lives lost in the terrorist attacks 25 years ago.

The ceremony brought the community together for a solemn evening of reflection and remembrance. Members of the East Rockaway Fire Department stood alongside local officials and residents, while Scouts participated in the observance and helped pay tribute at the memorial.

Among those in attendance were Mayor Gordon Fox, Deputy Mayor Bruno F. Romano, East Rockaway Fire Department Chief Matthew Pignataro and Assistant Chiefs Vanessa Torborg, Andrew Pignataro and Robert Bristol. Retired New York City firefighter Harlan Wank, who served with Engine 248, also took part in the commemoration. The Rev. Charles “Chuck” Romano, pastor of St. Raymond’s Church, East Rockaway teacher Donald Poland and singer Peter Rapparano were among the community members participating in the ceremony.

The gathering continued East Rockaway’s tradition of ensuring that the victims of Sept. 11, 2001 — and the sacrifices made by first responders and their families — are never forgotten.

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