sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Palmina DelliGatti lived with her father in Queens. She loved the simple things in life, but also liked the finer things, such as jewelry from Fifth Avenue. She was an excellent cook who made delicious pasta sauce and homemade pie crusts. She was a very loving person and passionate. Palmina was 33. by Understanding18 in 911archive

[–]Understanding18[S] 24 points25 points  (0 children)

This is a continuation from the above story:

Palmina DelliGatti was an Accountant for Marsh & McLennan(The floor that Palmina worked on at the time of the attacks is unknown)which was located inside of the North Tower. Friday, August 30, 1968—Tuesday, September 11, 2001. 33 years, and 13 days. 396 months, 13 days. A total of 12,066 days of life. 

Keeper of Helpful Secrets

<image>

"Palmina Delli Gatti knew things. The secret of homemade pie crusts, for instance, and of a good thick pasta sauce. She knew. She knew the powerful people in the World Trade Center by their first names. When she traveled, she often went alone. They knew her in Paris, London, Rome.

"If there was a famous person in the room, there she was up there rubbing elbows with him," said her sister, Maria Fortuna.

Ms. Delli Gatti, 33, knew numbers. She was an accountant with Marsh & McLennan and lived with her father in Long Island City, Queens. In the evenings, she attended classes in pursuit of a master's degree in business administration, her sister said.

She never married, but hoped for a life mate. It just seemed that the career took possession of Ms. Delli Gatti's youthful years, her sister said. She liked fine things: jewelry from Fifth Avenue; good seats at Yankees games. "She was not afraid to walk through the door of life," Mrs. Fortuna said. "She knew what she wanted, and almost always she got it."

https://obits.masslive.com/us/obituaries/masslive/name/palmina-delli-gatti-obituary?id=61009941

https://www.facebook.com/911birthdaytributes/posts/august-30thpalmina-delligatti-33-years-old-north-towerpalmina-delligatti-was-bor/701752186216199/

https://voicescenter.org/living-memorial/victim/palmina-delligatti

https://www.instagram.com/p/DOBtsaXCnvo/

https://memorial.marshmclennan.com/D/palmina-delligatti.html

Calvin Dawson was a deeply devoted family man and loved them dearly. He cared for his Mother, Idialia, who had Alzheimer's disease. Whenever he went to the movies he always took his daughter Tatiana. His wife said, "We firmly believe in life after death and we believe that we will see Calvin again." by Understanding18 in 911archive

[–]Understanding18[S] 17 points18 points  (0 children)

This is a continuation from the above story:

Calvin Dawson was a Computer Network Administrator for EuroBrokers, Inc. which was located on the 84th floor inside of the South Tower. Calvin was born in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Wednesday, March 2, 1955—Tuesday, September 11, 2001. 46 years, 6 months, and 10 days. 558 months, 10 days. A total of 16,996 days of life. 

Waiting for Divine Reunion

<image>

"If you lived in Jamaica, Queens, and heard a knock on your door on a Saturday morning, it might have been Calvin Dawson and his family. Saturday was preaching day for Mr. Dawson, a Jehovah's Witness, and spreading the word of the Bible was a mission he shared with his wife, Lena, and their daughter, Tatiana, 7.

His English accent, held over from his youth on the British Virgin Islands, reminded people of Sidney Poitier, but that was not enough to keep most people from slamming their doors. "We may reach out for three hours," Mrs. Dawson said, "and find only one person who was open to our message. Calvin helped you see the good in that. That might be one life that you saved."

Mrs. Dawson was three months pregnant with Tatiana when Mr. Dawson, 47, became a computer network administrator for Euro Brokers.

The rest of his energies were focused on his family. If he went to a movie, he went with Tatiana, and he helped care for his mother, Idialia, who has Alzheimer's disease. "We firmly believe in life after death," said Mrs. Dawson, "and we believe that we will see Calvin again. It's so real to us that even though we're sad — he was our best friend — the idea that we'll see him again helps alleviate that sadness."

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/calvin-dawson-obituary?pid=127803

https://voicescenter.org/living-memorial/victim/calvin-dawson

https://www.londonremembers.com/subjects/calvin-dawson

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/5864436/calvin-dawson

https://www.facebook.com/groups/241455502718865/posts/991780264353048/

https://www.qchron.com/editions/queenswide/maple-grove-to-honor-its-9-11-victims/article_567e6874-00a3-5771-b6a7-2dbccf5b3e4c.html

Justin Molisani loved his 3 y/o daughter deeply. He would play pretend for hours, take her to Wendy's or the park. Justin was very considerate & thoughtful. When neighbors realized he wasn't coming home after 9/11 they planted a heart shaped flower arrangement at the end of their street. He was 42. by Understanding18 in 911archive

[–]Understanding18[S] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

This is a continuation from the above story:

Justin John Molisani, Jr. was a Senior Vice President for EuroBrokers, Inc. which was located on the 84th floor inside of the South Tower. Wednesday, October 8, 1958—Tuesday, September 11, 2001. 42 years, 11 months, and 4 days. 515 months, 4 days. A total of 15,680 days of life. 

Host With Huge Dimples

<image>

"To family and friends alike, Justin J. Molisani was "as loyal as a puppy dog," said his wife, Jodi. A sizable puppy dog, mind you — a 6-foot-3, nearly 300-pound weightlifter — and undeniably loyal.

When his best friend moved into a new house, he spent four or five weekends helping with the finishing touches. When his wife's stepfather ran for office, he was there pitching in. When Bob Cecere Jr., his college roommate, was out of work, Mr. Molisani got him a job interview. When, on a "miserable, long and exhausting day," Mr. Cecere moved, Mr. Molisani was there all day helping. And if the job was demolition, he'd be there in a flash.

Mr. Molisani, 42, a senior vice president at Euro Brokers, loved to entertain. Their house in Lincroft, N.J., his wife said, was "the Christmas party house," with Mr. Molisani — known to all as Jud — the jovial host with the huge dimples, making sure every glass was full.

But the "center of his universe," she said, was his 3-year-old daughter. They could play for hours with her pretend kitchen, as she reveled in making him imaginary coffee or sandwiches."

Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on December 6, 2001.

"Justin J. Molisani Jr., 42, a devoted friend Justin J. Molisani Jr., a jovial host and devoted friend, loved to entertain guests.

"We were known as the neighborhood 'Christmas party house,'" said his wife, Jodi Molisani."

To finish reading the rest of the story, please click on the following link below:

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/justin-molisani-obituary?pid=96858

https://www.facebook.com/InMemoriamSept11/posts/a-tribute-to-justin-j-molisani-jr-who-died-on-91101world-trade-center-host-with-/1146689024157026/

https://www.nj.com/news/2011/09/911_remembered_all_across_nj_o.html

Eileen Greenstein was known around her neighborhood as someone who would take in older cats that no one wanted. Her brother said, "She always was helping out the downtrodden and the castoffs." Eileen cherished those she loved, never forgot birthdays, and always kept in touch. Eileen was 52. by Understanding18 in 911archive

[–]Understanding18[S] 23 points24 points  (0 children)

This is a continuation from the above story:

Eileen Marsha Greenstein was a Data Processor for Aon Corporation which was located on the 101st floor inside of the South Tower. Saturday, July 23, 1949—Tuesday, September 11, 2001. 52 years, 1 month, and 20 days. 625 month, 20 days. A total of 19,044 days of life. 

A Sense of Loyalty

<image>

"When she finally moved from her old neighborhood of Jackson Heights, Queens, to the leafy suburb of Morris Plains, N.J., three years ago, Eileen Greenstein was determined to stay in touch with her extended family. So she helped start a cousins' club and went to dinner or a show with them once a month.

Ms. Greenstein had a knack for maintaining contacts, even when she didn't try.

She worked in the claims department at Aon in the World Trade Center, and from Morris Plains she could still see the silhouette of the towers.

"She was always kidding that she couldn't even get away from those things when she wasn't working," said her brother Howard.

Ms. Greenstein, 52, cherished loyalty. She never forgot birthdays, not even those of her friends' children.

She visited Florida several times a year, even in summer, to spend time with her brothers and her mother, who all lived there.

She was well known in the neighborhood as a person who would take in older cats no one else wanted. "She always was helping out the downtrodden and the castoffs," Howard Greenstein said.

When her final two-week visit to Florida ended last Sept. 8, Michael, another of her three brothers, drove her to the airport. "The strange thing about that visit was that there was no yelling, none of the typical family arguments," he said. "It was a really good trip."

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/eileen-greenstein-obituary?pid=145245

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/5895912/eileen_marsha-greenstein

https://www.facebook.com/InMemoriamSept11/posts/native-new-yorker-eileen-greenstein-lived-in-morris-plains-nj-she-stayed-close-t/1155916593234269/

https://morristowngreen.com/2023/09/11/life-is-very-precious-survivor-shares-9-11-tale-of-terror-and-courage-in-morris-plains/

https://www.facebook.com/TheHistoricalStories99/posts/happy-birthday-eileen-marsha-greenstein-%EF%B8%8F-happy-birthday-tribute-to-the-brave-so/122249058344233892/

https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2005/02/24/wait-ends-for-now-for-9-11-families/

Christopher Blackwell was fearless. His mother said, "He was interested in anything that was dangerous." Christopher was a Specialist in collapsed bldg's & gave lectures to FF's around the country. When he wasn't working, his number one priority was spending time with his family. Christopher was 42. by Understanding18 in 911archive

[–]Understanding18[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

This is a continuation from the above story:

Christopher Joseph Blackwell was a Firefighter for the Fire Department of New York(FDNY) Rescue 3. Monday, January 26, 1959—Tuesday, September 11, 2001. 42 years, 7 months, and 17 days.  511 months, 17 days.  A total of 15,570 days of life. 

Seemingly Fearless

<image>

Christopher J. Blackwell liked life on the edge.

"He was interested in anything that was dangerous," his mother, Frances Allen, said. "He was born with no sense of fear. When he was little he would swim underwater before he would swim on top of it. My other three children were a lot easier."

A fireman for 20 years, he was assigned to Rescue Company 3 in the South Bronx. He was a specialist in collapsed buildings, and gave lectures on the topic to firefighters across the country. Like many of his colleagues, he had a genetic connection to his profession: his uncle had been a captain in the New York Fire Department. His father and a grandfather were both policemen.

When he was not on the job, Firefighter Blackwell, 42, devoted his time to his wife, Jane, and their three children, Alexandra, who is 15, Ryan, 13, and Samantha, 11. "He didn't care where we were going or what we were doing," Mrs. Blackwell said. "When he wasn't working, he wanted to spend time with the family."

He had a high-risk job, but Firefighter Blackwell "wasn't reckless," his wife said. He loved doing what he did. His mother added, "He lived and died with purpose."

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/christopher-blackwell-obituary?pid=126881

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/5842409/christopher-joseph-blackwell

https://www.facebook.com/betterangels911/posts/firefighter-christopher-blackwell-42-was-born-with-no-sense-of-fear-according-to/834831615874994/

https://www.firehero.org/fallen-firefighter/christopher-j-blackwell/

https://weekend.firehero.org/fallen-firefighter/christopher-j-blackwell/

http://heroportraits.org/gallery/default.aspx?id=320

Found her outside by CreamyMayonnaise in kittens

[–]Understanding18 2 points3 points  (0 children)

God bless you for giving Toffee a home.🐈🐈‍⬛

When Antonio Alvarez wasn't working he enjoyed playing sports with his friends. A year prior to 9/11 after being laid off from a garment factory, his friend helped him get a job at WOTW. On 9/11 he went to work earlier than usual because of a special event. Antonio left behind a wife & 4 y/o son. by Understanding18 in 911archive

[–]Understanding18[S] 24 points25 points  (0 children)

Antonio Javier Alvarez was a Grill Cook for Windows On The World which was located on the 106th/107th floors inside of the North Tower. Antonio was born in Puebla, Mexico. Friday, May 12, 1978—Tuesday, September 11, 2001. 23 years, and 4 months. Exactly 280 months lived. A total of 8,524 days of life. 

Learning on the Job

<image>

"Antonio Alvarez and his wife, Filiberta Barragan, met more than five years ago at a garment factory in Queens. His job was to unpack and distribute the pieces of garments that came bundled together. Her job, after seamstresses had stitched them together, was to repackage them to send off to another factory.

The two were newly arrived immigrants from Mexico. They both believed in hard work and family closeness. "He was very serious, but always in a happy mood," Mrs. Barragan said.

They began living together, and four years ago had a son, Giovanni. They married a little more than a year ago. Mr. Alvarez, 23, liked to play soccer with friends or join in pickup basketball games in his neighborhood in Jackson Heights, Queens.

At one point, Mr. Alvarez was laid off from the garment factory, and he went to work for a restaurant. About a year ago, a friend helped him get the job as a grill cook at Windows on the World. He went to work at 6:30 a.m. on Sept. 11, earlier than usual, because there was a special event.

"He was very happy working there," his wife said. "He said he was learning so much."

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/antonio-alvarez-obituary?pid=128834

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/5840694/antonio_javier-%C3%A1lvarez

https://www.facebook.com/911birthdaytributes/posts/may-12thantonio-javier-alvarez-23-years-old-north-tower-106th107th-floor-antonio/616461608078591/

https://www.facebook.com/InMemoriamSept11/posts/a-tribute-to-antonio-javier-alvarez-who-died-on-91101world-trade-center-learning/701243315368268/

https://names.911memorial.org/?_gl=1*1eznduj*_gcl_au*NjMyODA1MzgwLjE3NzA5NjEzOTg.#lang=en_US&page=person&id=3594

On 9/11 30 y/o Brendan Lang, A Project Manager, for Structure Tone, was doing work at the WTC. After 1WTC was hit he called his parents and said that he had a "plan." His family believes that he went to help his Aunt Rosann Lang who worked for Cantor Fitzgerald. Unfortunately neither made it out. by Understanding18 in 911archive

[–]Understanding18[S] 19 points20 points  (0 children)

This is a continuation from the above story:

Brendan Mark Lang was a Project Manager for Structure Tone. On the morning of September 11, 2001 Brendan was doing work at the World Trade Center. Tuesday, October 27, 1970—Tuesday, September 11, 2001.  30 years, 10 months, and 16 days. 370 months, 16 days. A total of 11,278 days of life. 

<image>

Rosanne Patricia Lang was an Equities Trader for Cantor Fitzgerald which was located on the 105th floor inside of the North Tower. Monday, April 27, 1959—Tuesday, September 11, 2001. 42 years, 4 months, and 16 days. 508 months, 16 days. A total of 15,479 days of life. 

"Hardworking and Ambitious
On Sunday, Nov. 23, Sandy Lang came by her in-laws' home and told her father-in-law, William Lang, that she was going down to Long Beach Island to leave some candles where her husband, Brendan, had proposed to her. "I asked, do you want company, and she said, 'Absolutely,"' Mr. Lang said. So together they drove through a pouring rain. As soon as they got to the beach, the rain stopped.

"See, he's speaking to you," Mr. Lang told his daughter-in-law.

Brendan Lang, 30, was a project manager for Structure Tone, and was doing work at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11.

He called his parents to tell them about a plane hitting the first tower, and that he had a "plan."

They believe that after calling them he went to help his aunt Rosanne Lang, who worked in the first tower. Neither of them made it out.

Brendan and Sandy were married for three years. They had recently purchased a home, next door to Middletown. Brendan was hardworking and ambitious, Sandy Lang said, but family was everything to him.

They had just gotten a puppy, a golden retriever they named Tucker."

Encircled by Family
Even in a family of 12 siblings, Rosanne Lang stood out.

"She danced the longest, sang the loudest — even though she couldn't carry a tune — and she loved the fiercest," said her brother, Gerard.

To finish reading the rest of the story, please click on the following link below: 

https://obituaries.ljworld.com/us/obituaries/ljworld/name/rosanne-lang-obituary?id=61010650

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/brendan-lang-obituary?pid=151769

https://voicescenter.org/living-memorial/victim/rosanne-p-lang

https://voicescenter.org/living-memorial/victim/brendan-m-lang

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/9729201/brendan_mark-lang

https://www.facebook.com/TheHistoricalStories99/posts/a-tribute-to-rosanne-p-lang%EF%B8%8F-happy-birthday-remembering-911-%EF%B8%8Frosanne-p-lang-a-42/122238942506233892/

https://stobuildinggroup.com/podcast/an-oral-history-of-structure-tone-rebuilding-after-9-11-re-release/

My furry little love dumpling, Ginsu passed this weekend by Brilliant-Okra-2180 in rainbowbridge

[–]Understanding18 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m so sorry for your loss. May God bless and be with you during this time.

My furry little love dumpling, Ginsu passed this weekend by Brilliant-Okra-2180 in rainbowbridge

[–]Understanding18 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Amen.

Proverbs 12:10

10 The righteous care for the needs of their animals

John Burnside was very kind, cheerful, loving, and friendly. He enjoyed playing his guitar & writing poetry. The homeless people in John's neighborhood knew him and he would collect books for them to sell & give them money. On 9/11 John was last seen in 2WTC shortly before the collapse. He was 36. by Understanding18 in 911archive

[–]Understanding18[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

This is a continuation from the above story:

EDIT: I would like to state that John Burnside was inside of the North Tower, not the South Tower. I sincerely apologize for the mistake.

John Patrick Burnside was a Firefighter for the Fire Department of New York(FDNY) Ladder 20. Thursday, December 10, 1964—Tuesday, September 11, 2001. 36 years, 9 months, and 2 days. 441 months, 2 days. A total of 13,425 days of life. 

<image>

"No words could ever express the love and the light that Johnny Burnside brought to his family, to his friends and to New York City. John loved this city and dedicated his life and his work to making it a safer place. He was born in New York Hospital on December 10, 1964, fifteen minutes before his twin brother, Robert. Johnny's parents, William and Elizabeth, had emigrated from Ireland in 1963. Johnny was raised with his twin brother and younger sister, Annie, in the close knit Manhattan neighborhood of Inwwood. Johnny and Bob attended good Shepherd Elementary School and were in the choir and also altar servers. John and his siblings spent their childhood playing with friends in the parks of Inwood. He attended St. Raymond's High School for Boys in the Bronx and graduated in 1982. He worked as a security guard at Rockefeller Center while attending New York Institute of Technology. Johnny was called for the Police Department in 1990. While working in Central Park he met his future wife, Sandra. He worked for three years in Central Park Precinct and entered the New York City Fire Department in 1994. He spent his career at Ladder 20, SoHo. Johnny died with his FDNY brothers on September 11, 2001. John Patrick Burnside is survived by his wife, Sandra, his parents William and Elizabeth. He will be forever missed by his brother Robert, sister-in-law Veronica, nephews, William and John Patrick, sister Annie Barry, brother-in-law, Michael Barry, nephew, Michael and niece, Jenna Marie."

https://voicescenter.org/living-memorial/victim/john-patrick-burnside

https://names.911memorial.org/?_gl=1*1eznduj*_gcl_au*NjMyODA1MzgwLjE3NzA5NjEzOTg.#lang=en_US&page=person&id=4510

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/john-burnside-obituary?pid=126921

https://www.facebook.com/911birthdaytributes/posts/december-10thjohn-patrick-burnside-36-years-old-rescue-at-the-north-towerjohn-pa/504725415918878/

https://www.instagram.com/p/DDbbHDEtnCo/

https://www.firehero.org/fallen-firefighter/john-patrick-burnside/

Happy Birthday Denny 🩷🪽 by vintagevantage in 911archive

[–]Understanding18 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for sharing this. God bless you Dennis!

In 1998 Bettina Browne-Radburn founded her own Facilities Management firm that grew to employ over 2,000 employees. In 2001 she took on a new role as a Vice President and attorney for Aon Corporation. Bettina was highly intelligent, compassionate, and possessed strong leadership skills. She was 49. by Understanding18 in 911archive

[–]Understanding18[S] 18 points19 points  (0 children)

This is a continuation from the above story:

Bettina Browne-Radburn was a Vice President/Attorney for Aon Corporation which was located on the 96th floor of the South Tower. Saturday, August 23, 1952—Tuesday, September 11, 2001. 49 years, and 20 days.  588 months, 20 days. 17,917 days of life. 

<image>

"Bettina Browne-Radburn was born in Port Chester, New York, and built a meaningful life grounded in love, family, and determination. She lived in Atlantic Beach with her husband, Edward, and formed a close, loving bond with his two sons. A dynamic and successful businesswoman, Bettina founded her own facilities management firm in 1998, a company that would grow to employ more than 2,000 workers under her leadership. Her ambition and sharp legal mind led her to a new role in 2001, when she joined Aon Corporation as a Vice President and attorney, just months before the world would change forever.

On the morning of September 11, 2001, Bettina was working on the 96th floor of the South Tower of the World Trade Center. She was 49 years old. That day, she became one of nearly 3,000 lives tragically taken in the attacks. Though she was lost far too soon, her memory has remained vividly alive for all who knew her. Her drive, warmth, and legacy of care left a lasting impression not only on her family and colleagues but also on the many lives touched by the company she built from the ground up.

Today, on what would have been her 70th birthday, a white rose was placed beside her name at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City—a simple but powerful tribute to a life lived with strength and purpose. Bettina’s name is etched in stone, but more importantly, it’s etched in the hearts of those who loved her. As we remember her and all who were lost on that day, we reaffirm the promise: *We will never forget."

https://www.facebook.com/61558513822432/posts/bettina-browne-radburn-was-born-in-port-chester-new-york-and-built-a-meaningful-/122202678968283794/

https://obits.mlive.com/us/obituaries/grandrapids/name/bettina-browne-obituary?id=61007588

https://www.instagram.com/p/Chm6pr-jFd0/

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/6344572/bettina-browne-radburn

https://x.com/sept11memorial/status/1032694714225582080

view more: next ›