Firefighter Michael Elferis, of Engine Co. 22 on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, was laid to rest yesterday (November 27, 2001) at the tender age of 27 after his body was recovered last week in the rubble of ground zero.
Several hundred friends and relatives crowded narrow 124th Street in College Point, Queens, to pay tribute to a fallen hero who was remembered for making the ultimate sacrifice – “to save others,” said the Rev. Ronald D’Antonio.
Accompanied by the solemn music of bagpipes and drums, Elferis’ coffin was draped in the American flag and carried aboard a firetruck to St. Fidelis Roman Catholic Church, with his parents, sisters and brothers following on foot.
Inside a church packed with tearful mourners, the Rev. John Delendick said, “Our brother Michael did what he loved – to be where his fellow New Yorkers needed him. His service brought him great joy.”
The fallen hero’s sister, Nancy Elferis, said, “We need to remember how fortunate we were to have him in our lives. He lived his life to the fullest.
“Michael is here in spirit. He is, and will always be, our hero. We give thanks to him, the New York City Fire Department and the NYPD.”
Gus Ladato, a fellow firefighter and friend, said Elferis epitomized College Point.
“He made the most of life. He treated life like a game,” said Ladato. “Whoever had the most friends and fun always won. He appreciated every moment.”
Elferis played softball and hockey and coached junior sports teams.
He joined the FDNY five years ago, after serving as a cop in the NYPD for two years. He attended John Jay College. (New York Post, 2001)