Peter was a wonderful husband to Regan and a terrific dad to Ruby. He was the best son and brother anyone could ask for.
He spent 6 years in the U.S. Air Force and was a veteran of Desert Storm. After being honorably discharged‚ Peter became an ironworker with Local 40 in NYC. He became a firefighter in July 1995. The entire time Peter went to night school and graduated with a B.A. in Liberal Arts in the spring of 2001.
He will always be in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
– Regan Grice-Vega
Peter was a NYC firefighter for 6 years‚ assigned to Ladder 118‚ Brooklyn Heights. He and 7 other members of his firehouse were lost on 9/11.
He was born in San Juan‚ Puerto Rico‚ and was very proud of his Puerto Rican and Irish heritage. He was raised in Brooklyn from the age of 3. He was dyslexic‚ thankfully diagnosed at an early age‚ but managed to overcome his handicap. He graduated with honors from high school at LaSalle Academy‚ New York City. He proudly served 6 years in the Air Force‚ serving as support during the Gulf War. On return to New York‚ he worked as an ironworker until he was called to the fire department.
At the age of 36‚ he had reached goals he set for himself. He had finished his college degree from City College of NY‚ found the work he loved‚ married‚ purchased a home‚ and had a daughter Ruby‚ who was 2 years old on August 8. He was a loving‚ kind‚ and generous son‚ husband‚ brother‚ grandson‚ and true friend to all who knew him.
– Maureen Rosenberg (his mother)
That day, 9/11, is coming up again so quickly. It seems like yesterday and then again a thousand years since we have seen our beloved Peter. Last night, there was a program on PBS, “Object and Memories”. A batallion chief who ended up in the Marriott and the crush by Tower 2 was on the program. I had never seen this program before, originally broadcast inh 2008. To think, he was there in the lobby of the Marriott and survived. He said he lost his helmet and dug around until he found another helmet to protect his head while he was digging out of the debris and chaos. I like to think perhaps that helmet belonged to Peter or Bobby, Joey, Vernon or Leon, who were all together and perished. We love and miss Peter more and more every day. God bless those who remember and keep him in your prayers. We will all be together someday in Heaven. Love, Mom XXX
– Maureen RosenbergWas talking about Pete with Gary Evans and Tony Proger this past weekend. I miss my friend!
– Jill White-MaffetoreWas stationed with Pete at Beale AFB in California. He was a great guy quick with a laugh and a smile. Sad to know he’s gone. Definitely a hero.
– Charles PrenticeToday I had the honor of carrying the memory of FF Peter Anthony Vega during the National Capital Region 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. As I prepare to move onto my enlistment into the USAF I was surprised to learn that Peter served as an Airman. It felt as though fate paired us up for today and I feel honored to have carried his memory. May he rest in peace.
– Patrick NunezI chose Peter Anthony Vega’s rock at the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial in Murfreesboro, TN. The rock led me to this page and the story of his life, told by his friends and family. May he rest in peace.
– Brandy DishnerI was stationed with Pete at Bentwaters in 1991 and served with him in the CRS shop… he taught me AVTR and i doubt i taught him anything about Pave Penny! he was always a special friend. #Neverforget.
– Vicki (Zimmerman) SchmidtI had the pleasure of working with Maureen “Mo” a long time ago. Even though I never met Peter personally, Mo spoke so lovingly of him so often. I see pictures of him and how he was always smiling , that is how I remember Mo. The love she has for her son was something that I’ll never forget.
– RaeWhen I arrived at Lowry AFB near Denver as a wide eyed kid, Pete befriended me immediately and we became good friends for the short time we spent together during our training. Recently I came across a photo of Pete and I that I hadn’t seen in years. The smile on his face brought back so many memories. I was saddened when I learned that he made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11 – but not surprised to learn that he died a hero. Rest in peace Pete! Thinking of you today 9/11/18
– Todd RobertsI just climbing the NFFF New Hampshire 9/11 stairclimb and got Peter was my person to carry. I did not see this page until after I finished but I definitely left like a military guy was there pushing me when things got hard! So glad I could honor him today!
– Megan MoodyI just climbed the NFFF New Hampshire 9/11 stairclimb and got Peter as my person to carry. I did not see this page until after I finished but I definitely felt like a military guy was there pushing me when things got hard! So glad I could honor him today!
– Megan MoodyAs my dad and I are listening to the names of the fallen victims of 9/11, it’s pretty spine chilling to hear the name “Peter Vega”. Growing up with a fireman as your dad is something I’ll always be proud of, and lucky that he always made it home safely. Although this man was someone our family never knew, we have all always thought about the man with the same name as my dad. To know that two completely different beings with the same exact name were both fire fighters is amazing. In our house we will always remember everyone who was as affected by 9/11 but always save an extra prayer for this man. #neverforget
My dad’s name is Peter Anthony Vega, he was a fireman for 37 years out of northwest Indiana, and we want the family of Fallen Fireman, Peter Anthony Vega, to know that you all will always be in our prayers.
– Catherine VegaI knew peter from a very young age around 10 years old even do I was 5 years older . As a young kind we hang out together with my friends who were my age or younger. Came to my birthday party with my friends and was having a time of his life. God bless him.
– Anthony BarbaroWe will never forget.
– KCRespect
– Ken milesI picked up Mr. Vega’s badge
– Fritz Hubertpicture off the wall for our community 9/11 tribute walk/ climb.
I hope it keeps a rememberence of Mr. Vega in our hearts .
Although I never met Peter, his aunt Ana Vega is married to my brother-in-law Angel M. Colon. I got to know Peter through all the wonderful stories they told us about him. I thank God for his life that was and still is a blessing to all of us who witnessed this horrendous act against innocent people.
– Sylvia ColonMy name is Henry Minutillo I was on a motorcycle ride with a group of people from Wilmington, NC that were honoring the firefighters from 911 each of us was given a dog tag of the firefighters who passed away on the day Peter Vega was the one I was giving I just want to let you know his dog tag is hanging in my car and my thoughts will be with him every day God bless you
– Henry MinutilloToday I had the honor of walking in remberance of Peter at the OKC9/11stair climb memorial. I have read many things about him but what I connect with him on is I’m a father. Ruby your dad is a hero and I will think and pray for your family often.
– Leonard WelchMom (Hldelisa Cheo) and I were just talking about you Petie (You will Always be Petie to us) . We spoke about how good you were when Mom took care of you when you were a little boy. We remembered how you’d leave your backpack downstairs after coming back from Holy Name, and you’d go out to play with your friends on 17th Street. You grew up to be a wonderful man!! We spoke about you too Maureen. What a wonderful, hard-working mother you were and how much you loved him. We were all Blessed to have been a part of his young life. We also got to see him when he was older and what a Fine Man he had become!! God Bless you Petie!! God Bless the Hero You Are!! We Remember You Always and We Love You!! We Love you also Maureen!! God Bless Petie and Family Always!! God Bless All Our Heroes That Day!! WE WILL NEVER EVER FORGET!! 🥰♥️🇺🇲
– Olga Cheo-IglesiasI carried Peter’s picture with me on the Charleston Memorial Stair Climb yesterday. As a Ground Zero worker- this event was difficult emotionally. I had my own personal loss of loved ones to carry alongside Peter. My prayers of love strength and support go out to all of Peter’s family and loved ones…. I certainly will Never Forget… those that we lost, those that survived but are still fighting demons and illness from that day.
– Mary MickiewiczI climbed in your honor on 9/7/2024 at Lambeau Field, Green Bay Wisconsin.
– Jamie