Richard Allen Pearlman is one of the youngest people to die as a victim of 9/11....on the day of his death, he was only 18 years old. The amazing thing that I have learned about Richard is that he wasn't what you expect when you think of an 18 year old male.....not at all. According to all of the posts and message boards dedicated to Richard, he was hardworking, kind, had a smile for everyone and a great sense of humor. He was also an active member of the Boy Scouts of America as an Assistant Boy Scoutmaster of Troop 106 in Middle Village, New York. He also was employed by a law firm in Queens and was a young man who wanted to not only succeed, but to help others by doing so.
In fact, he was so driven that he had told his mother many times, "I'm going to be a famous person one day, Mom. I'm going to help save the world. You'll see."
Unfortunately, he died living by those words that he spoke so often. Richard was a volunteer medic and dispatcher for the Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps and had hoped finish school and become an EMT. He did not have to go to the World Trade Center at all, but while running an errand for his law firm in Queens, he heard what had happened and decided that he had to help. Although his employer begged him to get back to work and not go near the towers, Richard felt that it was his duty to make a difference and help others in need. It was there that he was last seen, in a picture depicting him and others trying to work through the utter ruin and chaos in order to help others who here injured and scared.
I leave you with the picture above.....Richard posing with the Volunteer Ambulance Corps of Forest Hills, NY (pictured top right). Anything else that I could write at this time would be plagiarism, so you are invited to read a tribute by a coworker from the VAC of Forest Hills here as well as messages left in tribute to Richard at this site.
Richard died because he felt that it was his job to help others, according to various quotes by his sister, Lisa. He had a choice to go back to Queens after hearing the explosion first hand, but put others before himself and for that, I admire you Richard. Wherever you are, I hope that the Lord is watching over you and keeping you close as you deserve it for being one of his true angels. Thank you for your love and bravery; my prayers go to you and your family on this day and every day.
As the day goes on, I will add links to other sites that pay tribute to Richard, especially one from people who knew him well.
*ETA: Pile Of Dog Bones
I served with Richard and took EMT classes with him. I volunteered with the Middle Village Volunteer Ambulance Corp. and worked with Richie several times. He was a great guy and had a bright future ahead of him. Thank you for honoring his memory.
Posted by: Cris | Monday, September 11, 2006 at 03:51 AM
Thank you for writing your tribute to Richard. His selfless sacrifice will be remembered always.
Posted by: Joe | Monday, September 11, 2006 at 05:28 AM
This is a beautiful tribute to Richard, Hilly.
Posted by: Leslee | Monday, September 11, 2006 at 05:45 AM
18 and so brave...amazing tribute Hil. I find myself following all of the links and I feel so overwhelmed with the amount of loss...seeing photos and reading loved ones thoughts and comments from people that really knew them is heart breaking.
It was because of you that I signed up for the project and I'm so glad I did. Love ya!
Posted by: Foo Diddy | Monday, September 11, 2006 at 06:24 AM
Wow, what an inspiring man. Most people can only hope to be able to do that kind of good.
Here's my tribute.
Posted by: kapgar | Monday, September 11, 2006 at 07:22 AM
Thank you for this very touching tribute to Richie... it would have definately brought a smile to his face.
Posted by: NYC Watchdog | Monday, September 11, 2006 at 07:29 AM
Such a lovely tribute, Hilly. Richard sounds like a wonderful guy, and a genuine hero.
Posted by: SJ | Monday, September 11, 2006 at 08:56 AM
Very, very inspiring. So young yet so brave.
Posted by: Elaine | Monday, September 11, 2006 at 10:58 AM
What an amazing young man he is. Thank you for sharing his story with us.
Please stop by to my tribute to Gilbert and leave a link and comment so that others can come here to read.
Posted by: Brian | Monday, September 11, 2006 at 11:51 AM
This is a moving tribute - thank you for writing it.
Posted by: K | Monday, September 11, 2006 at 06:32 PM
I cried when I read his age, especially. So young to have made such a difference with his life.
Posted by: sheryl | Monday, September 11, 2006 at 08:09 PM
What a great tribute. Come and read about Al Kappelman on my blog if you get a chance, and be sure and leave a comment so people can come back to read this one. It is on inmyjammies and not on chubbytoes.
Posted by: ...jus me | Monday, September 11, 2006 at 09:18 PM
That was sooooooooo good. Thank you. Very touching.
Posted by: Dayngr | Monday, September 11, 2006 at 10:31 PM
Awesome post to a great guy!
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