New York City Fire Department
Line of Duty Death: January 7, 2018
FDNY Lieutenant Joseph “Joe” Stach, Jr. of Valley Cottage, NY, passed away on January 7, 2018, after a hard-fought battle with 9/11-related pancreatic cancer.
In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, Stach spent 72 straight hours at Ground Zero, searching for survivors. He continued to work at the site for weeks, hoping to bring closure to victims’ families.
He was appointed to the FDNY on October 21, 1990. He retired in 2010 as a Lieutenant with Ladder Company 6, after 20 years with the FDNY.
Lt. Stach Jr. is survived by his wife JoAnn, and their 5 children.
Tunnel to Towers paid off the mortgage on the Stach family’s home in 2021.
In 2022, the Foundation unveiled renovations made to the family’s home in honor of Giving Tuesday.
“This has truly been the most incredible experience of my life. To become a member of this incredible family…chosen family. Taken in, protected, and loved by a group of amazing humans is overwhelming. I will be eternally grateful for everything T2T has done for us,” said JoAnn Stach.