DeRubbio, David

David DeRubbio, Eng.226 David P. DeRubbio was born on March 9‚ 1963‚ the fifth of seven children born to Albert and Marion DeRubbio. He grew up on 48th Street in the Sunset Park part of Brooklyn with his six brothers and sisters‚ Marylee‚ Dominck‚ Anthony‚ Albert‚ Robert and Angela‚ and with his niece Leah‚ who lived upstairs. He attended St. Agatha’s Grammar School and graduated from Aviation High School. David married Lori in February 1989 and their daughter Jessica was born later that year. The DeRubbio family continued to grow with the addition of his in-laws‚ Steve‚ Mario‚ Cathy and Terri and his cherished nieces and nephews (his godson)‚ Anthony‚ Joseph‚ Dominick‚ James‚ Leah and Danielle. David successfully completed training at the New York City Fire Academy at Randall’s Island on August 12‚ 1998 and was assigned to Engine Company 226. David now joined the ranks of the DeRubbio Firefighters: his brothers Dominick (Battalion Chief‚ 22nd Battalion‚ Staten Island)‚ Anthony (Firefighter‚ Engine Company 235‚ Bed-Stuy)‚ and Robert (Firefighter‚ Engine Company 248‚ Bed-Stuy). He soon went on rotation and spent a year at Ladder 20 in Manhattan and Engine 290 in Brooklyn. David was an extremely loyal New York Rangers fan and wore the team logo on his Fire Department issued helmet. He was also an avid player around the neighborhood. He played on a few teams with friends and also with the guys from the firehouse. It was as if he was born on skates! He was also a devoted New York Yankees fan and a NASCAR follower. Bill Elliot was his favorite driver and Dave followed him religiously. Dave was the ultimate pack rat. There wasn’t anything he didn’t collect‚ from stamps to baseball cards‚ his daughter’s baby and toddler toys‚ cards that she made for him‚ pictures and mementos. Dave was always willing to help‚ no matter what the job entailed. He could take anything apart and have it together in no time. Most times‚ when Dave wasn’t at the firehouse‚ or playing hockey‚ he could be found under a car. Whether with his friends‚ or with his Dad‚ he was always there when you needed him. He was ñbuilt like an ox. To know Dave was to love him immediately. His family is heartbroken and remains so to this day. He is missed so very much‚ not for what he could do for you‚ but for what he brought to your life. David was the funniest person alive. His presence‚ his smile and laughter could brighten the darkest of rooms. There was never a time when he wasn’t laughing or sharing a story. No one did it better than Dave. There will never be words adequate enough to express our loss. We miss him terribly and love him more than we could ever say. We know heaven has the best now. David Paul DeRubbio Forever in Our Hearts 3-9-63 to 9-11-01 The tide may erase our footprints‚ but only for a moment‚ for having walked here once‚ we remain always.