Please, if you are busy and can’t do it now, I understand, but come back later today, and let us know what your thoughts and actions were upon hearing about how you found out about the Fire of 1973, as we commemorate the 50 year anniversary of this horrible/memorable event in all our lives!
I have 2 stories to start with, and those are from Mario Garza, and Bob Kicmal who were there that night and have already written their accounts for you to learn more about the event and the lives that were lost! Both Mario and Bob, have given me their permission to post their stories in the hope of letting you know some important points to the story!
As we commemorate 50 years, it lets us remember the 4 boys who died and remember that they were just like us! Living at the same address we called “Home” for a few or many years. And then see how we are living our lives today in their honor! Maybe you’ll want to take a drive by 2001 W. Devon, and Remember, this weekend! And go and read the words on our Memorable Monument at the front door, “dedicated to all the children who called AGO their home”.
Rest in Peace Abel, Trinidad, Bill, and Michael! Peaceful reading and writing AGO Homekids!!! Don’t forget we want ALL your stories!!! Tell us how you were living your lives 50 years ago!!! Please add your story under this one and by clicking on. Post a Response, so we can keep all the stories together!
And…
…..THANK YOU AGO Homekids for considering and writing your stories!! They all matter, and are all important to the whole story!!! We will treasure them all!!!
Here’s Mario’s and Bob’s:
• Re: AGO Fire �Posted by Mario Garza on 10/26/2023, 8:52 am, in reply to "Re: AGO Fire"�
• It was the early Saturday morning of November 10th 1973 at about 1:20 am. At least thats what Abel’s melted clock in the room by his bed was stopped at when i went up to my room to gather all of mine and Abel Garcia’s personal items that were in the closet and packed his personal items in a box for his family.
• You see i stayed that night in the girls gym with Tony Gasiororski and our dog Shaky. Father Tilford had called me at 1030 pm the previous Friday night to sleep in the gym as a kinda security to prevent theft of all the prizes staged there for the Saturday festival event that was to take place. Tony and I were awaken about 1am when we heard and could see the reflection of light from the fire engines. Of course we had no idea what was happening till out houseparents Carl Rapp and Andy Kontos woke us up at 6am and tearfully explained the horrific event that took place in our high school cottage 62. Old 29 & 30 building. It was then that Carl asked me to go up to our room as no one else wanted to do it. Also it was mine and Abel’s room after all. There but for the grace of God and Father Jack Tilford was I spared. This i truly believe. Rest in peace my brothers
• Posted by Bob Kicmal on 10/30/2023, 10:35 am, in reply to "Re: AGO Fire"�
• I was there that night. I saw Mike Antonello come out of the room with his clothes on fire. I was one of the boys who helped put out the flames. We all worked together to prevent him from going into shock. Then Bill came out also with his clothes on fire. He was more alert then Mike. We then set off the fire alarm. Me and Ronnie Randoplh went back to the room to try and open the door, but it was locked and super hot to the touch. Ronnie went to the room opposite of the fire room and crawled out the window on the ledge and went outside to get to the windows of the room, but they were engulfed in flames. At his point I knew Able and Trin were not going to make it. Bill died a week later in the hospital. Rest in peace guys. Mario thanks for sharing.
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