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Justin McCarthy Date of Birth: September 19, 1971 Position: Assistant Equities Trader Justin was just one week shy of his 30th birthday. He graduated from The Harvey School in Westchester, NY and then from Hofstra University. He loved working at Cantor and his career was soaring. He planned to marry Megan Cromer next August. On the Sunday before September 11th, Justin played golf with his dad, Dennis, then picked up his fiancée and soon to be adopted son, two-year-old Matthew, and joined his mom at the ocean. He saw his family. Justin told me that day, “Mom, I have it all.” Justin’s family holds close to their heart his beautiful smile, sense of humor and creative mind. Justin loved golf, fly- fishing, shark fishing and sculpting. He was an artist as well as math wiz. The loss of this extraordinary man has left his family, relatives, friends and fiancée with broken hearts. His Mom, Bet McCarthy
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Justin was just one week shy of his 30th birthday. He graduated from The Harvey School in Westchester, NY and then from Hofstra University. He loved working at Cantor and his career was soaring. He planned to marry Megan Cromer next August. On the Sunday before September 11th, Justin played golf with his dad, Dennis, then picked up his fiancee and soon to be adopted son, two-year-old Matthew, and joined his mom at the ocean. He saw his family. Justin told me that day, “Mom, I have it all.” Justin’s family holds close to their heart his beautiful smile, sense of humor and creative mind. Justin loved golf, fly- fishing, shark fishing and sculpting. He was an artist as well as math wiz. The loss of this extraordinary man has left his family, relatives, friends and fiancee with broken hearts.
His Mom,
Bet McCarthy
I met Justin 5 years ago and my 1st impression of Justin was that he’s “Mr. tough guy”. But after getting to know him…I realized he’s one of the most extraordinary individuals that I’ve ever met. He’s a sensitive, caring, intelligent, funny, dedicated and creative person. He’s a simple man with big dreams. He understood the real meanings of life…like family and close friends. Unlike most “guys”, Justin loved to talk about his family…because they were his main priority.
I briefly spoke with Justin on Sept 10, to wish him an early 30th birthday. I was glad to hear that he was happy. Justin always knew what he wanted out of life. Behind his amazing sense of humor, was an ambitious man, who was destined for great success and happiness. He was doing well at work and was about to marry Megan, his high school sweetheart.
To the McCarthy and Keating family, Megan and Matthew…may the love and memories of Justin, give you strength…to surpass your loss. I am deeply sorry.
My dear friend, Justin…I miss you and will always cherish the times that we spent together. You touched me with your passion for the “real meanings of life”. I love you. Amanda.
We hit it off immediately, I guess because of our similar backgrounds and interests. Once we discovered that we both loved golf we were on a mission to get together and play. Finally, we arranged a date and met at a local course for a round of 18. We go inside to pay, I hand him my share of green fees but he won’t hear of it. He insists on paying. I said, “Fine, next time it’s on me”. Justin didn’t care about the money; he was more concerned that I had a good time.
We get to our cart to load up our things and I notice he’s got this large duffle bag that he stores in the back. I said, “What’s in the bag”, he says, “Ice cold Heinekens”. I knew I liked this guy; he loves golf and drinks my favorite beer. Well, those beers came in handy about 2 strokes into the first hole, when the largest thunderstorm of the summer rolled in. We didn’t care; we waited it out enjoying each other’s company and having a few laughs. I was thinking to myself, my sister Megan is engaged to a great guy, soon they’d be married and there’d be plenty of days like this one. Unfortunately, it would be the last time I would see him.
God bless you Justin, you’re missed dearly. We’ll all be together once again, in peace.
This remarkable young man was an inspiration to me. He was devoted to his family, worked hard for everthing in his much-too-short life and possessed a mulitude of talents. One of these talents was the game of golf. How I regret never having the opportunity to play together, as I know he would have had a good giggle knowing I was able to do something other then cook wierd food. I will miss dancing at your wedding, I will miss all the delightful stories your Mom would share with me, but most of all I will miss the inspiration I felt everytime I heard your name. God bless you.
When Megan and Justin were in high school, he was a fixture in our home. Always polite and always with a smile. He never changed. Justin was devoted to our daughter Megan and grandson Matthew. They were a “perfect family”. As parents, it was heartwarming to know that Megan would always be happy and secure in her relationship. It saddens us to know that this wonderful young man won’t be here to help her raise Matthew. In spite of all this tragedy, Megan has come to know and love Justin’s mother Bette and Uncle Jack. They’ve been wonderful to both Megan and Matthew and I know that Justin would be so happy to know that they are there for them both. We will miss you, Judy and Ken Cromer
Justin was the first grandchild in the Keating and the McCarthy families. So, from day one Justin was special. He had the bluest eyes, and the greatest smile. From a very young age Justin could fix anything and put together anything and he knew everything about computers. He took that great ability and he went to work at Cantor. He loved his job, he loved golf and “Winged Foot”, and so proud of himself when he became one of the youngest members. He loved shark fishing on Bill’s boat and sculpting and he loved his mom and dad. He was a great big brother to Lauren and Chris. He teased his grandmother and was her best buddy. And he loved Megan and Matthew.
We are all struggling as we remember his shy smile, his great laugh and all the things he did for everyone. We miss him so much, but we know he is up there smiling at us and helping Bet and Megan find their way without him!
I have been friends with Megan since Jr. High School. I have seen her through many ups and downs, but have never seen her as happy as she was when she was reunited with Justin. I could see it in her eyes and hear it in her voice. They came down to visit one day; it was my birthday, 8/24/01. My boyfriend, my niece and I met them at Sesame Place, where we spent the day. It was the first time I had seen them back together. We enjoyed the day with the kids, and Justin later treated us all to dinner. I could see he was the type of person who took pleasure in being generous to others. He was so warm, friendly and easy to talk to. The love and joy he brought into Megan and Matthew’s lives could be felt in the smiles and laughter. He completed her in everyway. I wish I had the chance to know him better. But I am thankful for that time I spent with him and will always remember that day. Thank you, Justin, for all you have done for my dearest friend.
On September 19th, 1971 a beautiful 9 pound baby boy entered the Keating/McCarthy families. Everyone who passed by the nursery commented that he was the prettiest baby! Justin has always caught the attention of those around him with his outgoing personality, contagious smile, wonderful wit and unselfish kindness. He will be deeply missed by those who knew him. Although the light has been extinguished, your spirit will live on in our hearts forever.
We love and miss you and know that you are with us now and always. We pray for you everyday
(spiritual hugs to you 😉
Love,
Aunt Barbara, Uncle Mike, and your cousins Kendra, Ethan, Jonathan, and Cate.
I will never forget the time we hung out for a week in the summer of ’99. Trying to be helpful, Justin gave me his train pass to go to the city on Saturday. Neither of us realized that the
“M & F” on the ticket didn’t mean Monday-Friday, but Male or Female. Needless to say Justin wasn’t very pleased that the ticket guy wrote MALE across the front of the pass when I tried to use it.
Later that week I got to see what a normal work day was like for Justin as we rode into the city together at the butt crack of dawn. While he worked, I went shopping and site seeing with my girlfriend Joanne and later met him and his friends for drinks (which of course he paid for) at Windows. They seemed so excited about their futures at Cantor. On the morning of my last day in NY, Justin woke me with his goofy smile singing “Good Morning Sunshine!”, as I sat up and sleepily hugged him good-bye for the last time.
You were my big brother, bought me my first underage drink and backed me up against all the teasing from Aunts and Uncles at family gatherings. We will always have that bond. Rest assured, as you watch over your family and friends, we’ll be telling the funny stories about you until we meet again. I love you.
My husband, Matt, worked with Justin in the Program Trading Group at Cantor. We always enjoyed getting the desk together for either drinks upstairs at Windows or a round of golf. Over the summer, we had everyone over to our home, where our 2 young daughters fell in love with “Daddy’s Friends”, especially Justin, who showed them so much attention. Every night, we say our prayers for Daddy and “Daddy’s Friends” and we mention everyone’s name from the desk – we miss you all and we will never forget you.
On September 11th, Justin 29, Chris 18 and Lauren 15 were looking forward to Justin’s 30th birthday. As brothers and sister, they enjoyed and loved each other in special ways, and were always supportive of each other’s endeavors. They spent weekends and vacations together playing golf, skiing and fishing. Birthday celebration dinners at a fancy New York restaurant were annual events that they all looked forward to, including the chocolate souffles. We always felt good about the bond that the children had created. Justin’s handiness, artwork, playfulness and interest in music fit well with his younger brother’s and sister’s interests. When Justin was with Chris and Lauren, he was more child than man and that was nice.
Chris and Lauren, like all of us, have no idea what to make of September 11th. This tremendous loss can never be replaced but good memories of Justin will be with us forever.
Justin was my best friend’s son. I loved Justin not just because he was the light of my friend’s life but he was my friend ,too. Justin grew to be a smart ,funny and generous man. Most times I don’t know what we would have done without him-it was always “let’s ask Justin about that “,or “Justin can put that together (or fix it)” He was also our chief bar-b-que chef! Lord knows we try not to cook too often!and so he spoiled us with his good humor and generousity. We missed him very much when he did his stint for Cantor in California-but he was the kind of man who flew back home for Christmas even if he could only spare a couple of days. When he finally came home for good -all was right in the world! AND that wonderful world kept exanding!Megan and Matthew entered Justin”s circle of love,he was at the top of his form and destined to have a fabulously successful year at work culminating with his marriage to Megan. but he was taken from us too soon. We will miss him forever,but I know he is still with us because I hear his laugh every day………love ,linda
Justin is a guy who everyone knew and liked. With his outgoing personality and easy laugh – who couldn’t like Justin. I would always run into him at the Cantor kitchen and chat and saw even more of him on Thursday night happy hours down at Moran’s and the other Financial Ctr watering holes. I am glad to hear that he was happy in the time before this tragedy and my heart goes out to his loved ones.
Erik
Justin’s parent’s wedding was the first one I ever attended. When Justin was young he was always active and happy. When he and his Mom came to our house for Christmas, Thanksgiving and sometimes in summer, I would corner Justin for a chat. He always met my eyes, always answered with a smile and straight-on eye contact, saying that things were going good. This was a fine young man who cherished his family and his future at Cantor and we all will miss him deeply.
Not a day goes by that I don’t think of Justin. It took me months to write about him in his memory, maybe because I still think of him as if he’s just a phone call away.
I can say how wonderful of a guy he was with his famously sarcastic humor, but everyone who knew him knows that. I remember random things about Justin that makes me laugh or cry while driving in my car or taking a shower. I enjoy sharing stories with friends and family because it feels as if he’s still very much a part of us right now.
I remember the fun barbeques at Mom’s house on late summer afternoons listening to Shark fishing stories with Bill. I remember stories about the gym, about friends, girls, and about work.
Who would have thought that the boy who sat behind me in Finance 101 at Hofstra would become one of my best friends? I consider myself very honored and blessed to have Justin as an important part of my life. He’s taught me so much in his own unique way. I liked that he always told it how it was, without sugarcoating anything. I respected that even though he didn’t care if you hated him for what he had to say. He was always looking for your best interests. I miss his persistent teasing about my love life when we’d talk on the phone too, believe it or not.
Justin’s the type of guy who you can joke around for hours when playing “who’s got the better come-back?” (You can’t say he wasn’t witty!) And when you get into that occasional argument you could call him again as if nothing happened. That’s because you always knew that nothing petty could destroy a true and loving friendship.
Justin, I miss you terribly. You were the last one who rode my bike that still sits in my garage. I feel you around me sometimes (and I swear you were with me in Hawaii too!). I just wished we could have spent more time together before you were taken away from us. I want to thank you for so much. I don’t ever want to say good-bye, just that I hope to see you waiting for me in Heaven. I love you forever………..
Love always,
Lisa
Justin was my oldest friend and my husband, Bill’s best friend. We had alot of good times together, alot of laughs, beers, making fun of Bill, fishing, late night talks on the telephone, and every year, I looked forward to the angel calendar he would give me for Christmas. I remember the year he sent Bill steaks from Omaha Steaks for his Birthday, and when our son, Daniel was only 3 years old, Justin got him a tool box with real tools for Christmas! In all the years I’ve known Justin, I have never seen him as happy as he was when Megan and Matthew came into his life.
There are no words for the way we feel right now, and our lives are forever changed. We miss Justin so much, but we know that he is with all of us who grieve for him, and that someday, we will all be together again. Rest in peace Justin, we love you.
If there is ever a story on fate, it was the love Justin and I shared together. He was my first crush at nine years old, a tease in the ninth grade, and the love of my life by the time I turned 16. We entered college, and you know how it goes, we drifted apart. For the next four years we stayed in touch, and then five years went by. In April of 2000, Justin and I reunited and we were engaged by New Years Eve. He was my “other half” and a teriffic father to my son. I really enjoyed watching Justin’s priorities change from a single guy to a family man. I finally had everything I could ever ask for. Then I lost you sweetie. I miss your sexy, reassuring smile that I looked forward to seeing everyday. I loved everything about you, your adorable laugh, creativity, funny sense of humor, and most of all our conversations. Every night after we put Matt to sleep, we would spend atleast two to three hours a night talking and laughing. I think this was the most special part of our relationship, our friendship. We were really looking forward to spending the rest of our lives together. It has been fourteen months Justin, and you are “still the one”. For most of my life you have always found your way back to me, I promise to wait patiently for that moment again. I love you, always, Meg
Peace