South Beach on Staten Island in Richmond County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

"The Rescue"

Photographed by Larry Gertner, May 16, 2025

1. "The Rescue" plaque

Inscription.
Joseph Maffeo was a New York City Fire Fighter who lost his life in the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Since that day, he is considered a hero by all. To the people who knew him best, his family and friends, he was a hero long before that day, not for the way he died, but rather for the way he lived. Joseph Maffeo made the world a better place each and every day of his life, by giving of himself, extending a helping hand and displaying a smile. It is for this reason we celebrate his life, continue his legacy and keep his spirit alive through the "Joseph Maffeo Children's Program as Staten Island University Hospital." 101 "The Rescue," conceived by world renowned and celebrated artist, Gregory Perillo, pays tribute to all who were lost on that infamous day and homage to Firefighter Joseph Maffeo, and his colleagues. Perillo's vision of a fire fighter as a super hero in the midst of rescuing a young child stands proudly as a testament to bravery and self-sacrifice. You will notice the determination in his expression, his coat trailing behind him as the cape of Superman, and the steadfastness of his stance in the

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boots reminiscent of Batman. As "The Rescue" reminds us that hatred bears severe consequences, may it also inspire us to take a positive pro-active role to instill goodness and decency in out world so that all who were lost will always be our beams of light towards a better tomorrow.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: 9/11 Attacks. A significant historical date for this entry is September 11, 2001.

Location. 40° 35.051′ N, 74° 5.202′ W. Marker is on Staten Island, New York, in Richmond County. It is in South Beach. It can be reached from Seaview Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 475 Seaview Ave, Staten Island NY 10305, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New York City.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At

"The Rescue" image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Larry Gertner, May 16, 2025

2. "The Rescue"

least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: In Loving Memory of Faustino Apostol, Jr. (here, next to this marker); Memorial Wall (a few steps from this marker); Father Lt. Father Vincent R. Capodanno (approx. 0.6 miles away); Welcome to the Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier (approx. 0.6 miles away); Dongan Hills WWII Memorial (approx. ¾ mile away); Public School 11R (approx. ¾ mile away); General Douglas MacArthur Park (approx. ¾ mile away); Norway Triangle (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Staten Island.

Also see . . . Joseph Maffeo, 30, FDNY, loved spending time with son. Staten Island Advance Live website entry (Submitted on August 24, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Fire Fighter Joseph Maffeo image. Click for full size.

via Staten Island Advance, unknown

3. Fire Fighter Joseph Maffeo

"The Rescue" site image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Larry Gertner, May 16, 2025

4. "The Rescue" site

On the right of the Memorial Garden path near the entrance of the Staten Island University Hospital North Campus

Credits. This page was last revised on August 24, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 119 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 24, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.