NEWS

Fire victims look to community for help

Posted 6/21/22

By PAM SCHIFF

As the Matracia family learned in May, life can change in literally the blink of an eye. For Charlie, his wife Angela, their three sons, and his brother Michael unfortunately lost …

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NEWS

Fire victims look to community for help

Posted

By PAM SCHIFF

As the Matracia family learned in May, life can change in literally the blink of an eye. For Charlie, his wife Angela, their three sons, and his brother Michael unfortunately lost everything in a matter of minutes.

When their house went up in flames, no one thought of or cared about the aftermath. The main concern and focus was to get everyone out safely.

Unfortunately, the Matracia family lost their precious pets, but neighbors were able to alert Michael about the fire and help get him out to safety.

Now, the family is trying to rebuild their home. And, their friends and Michael’s and Charlie’s work family the FOP of Providence are joining forces to help them do just that.

On Sunday, June 26, from noon until 7 p.m., there will be opportunities for everyone to come out and support the family, at the St. Mary’s Feast Society Hall.

For the family, it is a humbling situation.

“Throughout the years I have seen and been a part of many fundraisers for different causes and different issues. I never really gave it much thought because when someone is in need, we normally just step up and do pour part,” said Charlie.

He realizes that when faced with a terrible tragedy that is beyond your control, and you’re unable to tell what the future might hold with financial ability to rebuild or put your life back together it is then you realize how important fundraising can be.

“We do have family and friends and brothers and sisters of the Providence Police Department that have taken matters into their own hands to make sure we cab get back to our lives and return to what we once had,” said Charlie.

Charlie wants everyone to know how much he and his family acknowledge all the help, support and generosity shown to them.

“Family and friends have been tremendous through this whole tragedy, and it is so appreciated by all of us, and it will truly never be forgotten,” he said.

Trying to grasp the immense damage to their family and belongings, Charlie recognizes what’s truly important.

“We must look ahead and be grateful for what we have, and that is being together with our loved ones, which is truly irreplaceable,” he said.

For Charlie’s brother, Michael, the situation was very different as he was actually home and in the house at the time of the fire.

Seven years ago, Michael and Charlie built an edition onto Charlie and Angela’s home, to help him navigate life with MS.

“The day of the fire I was in my bedroom watching the news when the smoke detectors began to sound. As I was transferring from my bed to chair someone began banging on the windows, yelling that the back on my house was on fire,” Michael said.

He heard people trying to kick in his door to help him get out,

“I was now heading to the living room when (neighbor) Gene kicked in the door, sending oxygen to the fire. Flames shot under the door separating my apartment from Charlie’s house. All the black smoke that was in my living room began to rush through the house,” Michael recalled.

When the door opened, Michael could see a silhouette of light where his neighbor Geno was standing and yelling.

“I turned on my headlights, set speed to high and off I went through the dark, black smoke. At this point, the smoke was now rushing through the house,” Michael said.

Neighbors Gene (whom Michael had never met before) and his father in-law, David, were standing outside the opened door and helped to guide Michael down the ramp and to safety.

The fundraising team is comprised of Cherie Bordeiri a lifelong friend and neighbor of the family, Diane Fargnoli who is a good friend of Angela’s, Officer Michael Imondi, Officer Danny Hernandez, Matthew Volpi, Ryan Nardolillo and Theo Papigiotis.

“While the list is quite extensive the committee sends its deepest gratitude to all donors, entertainers and supporters for their help,” said Bordeiri.

There will be musicians, food, face painting, and balloon animals. They are asking for a $20.00 donation at the door for attendees with all funds going straight to the family.

fire, victims

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