To Steve’s family and friends, my heartfelt condolence. I wish I could say I knew him better. I talked to Steve a few times on the phone. I had e-mailed him for help on my stickball league in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, and he was such a gentleman, having called me back right away and give me advice on many things. I was truly impressed and knew this was a good man, for anyone that goes out of their way for a stranger truly is good people in my book. Little did I know he was a fireman and not till today did I know that he went out of his way for 30,000 people the day of Sept. 11. I guess my hunch that he was a good man and gentleman was understated to say the least. Just makes me so mad and sad to know that these people, if you can call them that, took more than just the buildings away from N.Y.C. They took Steve, a very special man. All my sorrow to his family and friends.

-Vinny Ponzo from Bath Beach Stickball League, Brklyn