St. Francis GradNews Fall 04 - YourMembership.com

34 • GradNewsStackpole Family Takes “Center Stage”on August 30 Under Remarkable Circumstances(excerpts taken from the New York Daily News, August 31, 2004Monday, August 30, 2004 was a very inspirational dayfor members of the St. Francis Prep community as thefamily of the late Fire Captain Timothy Stackpole, SFPClass of 1977, made headlines for very different yet relatedreasons, and certainly “all in the line of duty.”On that Monday evening, Tim Stackpole’s widow, TaraStackpole of Brooklyn, along with the wife of a passengeron a hijacked 9/11 plane and the sister of a slain pilot,addressed the Republican National Convention at MadisonSquare Garden in New York and reminded America of theSeptember 11, 2001 attacks, urging us all to “never forget.”In her emotional tribute, Tara Stackpole first broughtthe delegates to tears and then to their feet. “America mustnever forget the sacrifices of September 11 or those thatare made every day by our sons and daughters in the militaryservice,” said Tara, whose husband Tim died fightingto save others from the burning twin towers.“Timmy is my hero, I am honored to share him withyou,” she said, drawing tears at the convention. “Just as Iam proud to lend America my oldest son, Kevin, who isheaded to Iraq in December with his Navy unit.”The crowd thundered its approval and gave her astanding ovation. She then called for a silent prayer ofthanks and remembrance.Little did she know, however, earlier in the day, Tim’sbrother Mike Stackpole, SFP Class of 1983, had performedheroically himself when, in the midst of a raging arson firein a Brooklyn apartment building, he and a fellow firefighterclimbed a fire escape and broke through a windowto be the first inside a smoke-filled fourth floor apartment.There they discovered five family members, including fourchildren, and they helped to rescue them.“They were trying to get out and they couldn’t,” saidMike. “You’re just thinking about getting them out as fastas you can.”The rescue came just hours before his sister-in-law,Tara, addressed the Republican Convention.All in the line of duty.If you wish to contribute to The Timothy M. Stackpole’77 Memorial Scholarship Fund that is being established atSt. Francis Prep, please call the Development Office at(718) 423-8810 ext. 269.