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Dennis Moroney Date of Birth: November 7, 1961 Department: Accounting Position: Senior Vice President Charming, funny, adorable and sweet. These are just a few of the words that describe Dennis, the love of my life since I was 17 years old. I was privileged to have been his wife for 16 wonderful years. Dennis was an incredibly loving father to our two children, Elizabeth, age 11, and Timothy, age 9. He was a family man if ever there was one. Dennis’ interests were fairly common- golf, jogging, swimming, coaching soccer, eating out, washing the family cars- but he was certainly never boring. He was always so witty and made us laugh all of the time. Dennis was born in the Bronx on November 7, 1961, but spent most of his childhood in Freehold, New Jersey, along with his parents and six brothers. He graduated from Manhattan College in 1984 and became a CPA. He joined Cantor in November of 1993 and was proud to work there. We should have celebrated Dennis’ 40th birthday this November – an event we planned for all summer- but instead of celebrating, we are crying because we miss him so terribly. Dennis built a wonderful life for us. He filled our days with laughter and happiness. How unfair it is that he will not be here with us to enjoy what he worked so hard to build. I love you Den, Nancy
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I met Dennis’ house before I ever met Dennis. He, Nancy, Elizabeth & Timmy were living in England and his brother, JP, would periodically check on their house. I would go along and since it was summer, what better way to make sure things were okay than to have weekend barbecues there. I figured if Dennis was this good a host without being there, imagine how much fun he would be when I finally met him!
He turned out to be not only fun, but a very special person. Being with Dennis meant lots of laughter and good times. He had a talent for making you feel like you were part of his family. I consider myself lucky to have known him.
Dennis was smart, funny, kind and compassionate. He was the “Best” Boss a person could ask for.He was a like a brother to me. I knew I had the job after 10 minutes. We just clicked. That’s why every day is so very hard without him. He always did above and beyond the call of duty. He also was the most organized person I know. I truly admired him and learned so much from him. That’s also why so many people relied on his knowledge. He always knew the right way to do things. I always thought I would work with him forever.
Just as he was dedicated to his job, he was just as dedicated to his family. Whether it was coaching Tim’s Soccer Team, or going to see Elizabeth in a recital or play at school, or taking Nancy to see their favorite singer Johnny.
If it is so very hard for me each day, you can just imagine how hard it is for them. Dennis,
I miss you buddy! I know you must be in Heaven organizing everybody’s books and keeping the budget balanced. God must have needed his books cleaned up before year end. Alrighty then-
Adieu my friend, till we meet again. My thoughts and prayers go out to you Nancy, Elizabeth, Tim and the “Moroney’s
Theresa
If it werent for Classmates on AOL.I never would have been in contact again with Dennis..since we graduated St.Rose in 1975..I was blessed enough to have come in contact with him about a year ago and got to catch up on him and his life…Oddly enough it is with his wife Nancy that I learned the most about his life as an adult..
I remember Dennis as a fun loving young “boy” who, it seems, never lost that trait about him.
September 11th is a day that will be in our minds forever..but knowing that a memory from my childhood went that day also brings me great sadness!!
God Bless You Dennis, God Bless you Nancy and children..and God Bless America…who Dennis lost his life for with many other people that day!!
Karen Sweigart(Lange)
Dennis Moroney was the definition of a “father figure”. He set such a role that others will find hard to match. He was a wonderful husband to my cousin Nancy and a wonderful father to Elizabeth and Timmy. We will miss you and never forget those good times we shared as family.
Rest in Peace.
The Mangones
Dennis and I worked together as teenagers and became friends…we lost touch over these past few years, but I often thought about him and Nancy and his family. I always admired Dennis and the whole Moroney family. I want to say so many things, but I can’t. I wish I had made the effort to keep in touch with him. The picture that is posted of Dennis is pure Den…always that devilish smile and the funny laugh. May God bless his family. I am so sorry for his loss and ours.
When I first met Dennis, I wasn’t sure how to take his very dry sense of humor. Sometimes I found myself a little taken aback but in the end I was always laughing. My biggest regret with regards to Dennis is that I didn’t get to know him better. But I know with time, I will. His daughter, Elizabeth, is a good friend of one of my daughters and in my Girl Scout Troop. His son, Timothy, is a good friend of my son and is in my religion class. I see Dennis in them every time we are together, not only because of their physical resemblences to Dennis but because they possess his sense of humor, his love of life, his optimism and his love of their mother, Nancy. I have watched them in awe these last 11 weeks. One brief moment changed their lives forever but I will continue to get to know Dennis because I am fortunate enough to know his wife and children.
At Price Waterhouse, Dennis and I spent a month or two inventorying a refinery in Texas. There was an guy there who always used to say ‘ We’ll count that tomorrow,’ except that he spoke with a lisp, so it always came out ‘tomowwow.’ For years after that Dennis would get a chuckle out of me by calling me up and saying ‘We’ll count that tomowwow!!’
At Morgan Stanley, the systems staff took to calling Dennis ‘Iron Man Moroney,’ a reference to his hard working nature. He was always diligent, with a bulldog persistence at working through the knottiest problems we faced there.
We had a mutual boss who was always very pleasant in large groups but could also be very focused and demanding one on one. Dennis had less contact with her than I did, so he saw less of that side of her. He used to say to me – “I don’t know what you’re so worried about- she seems like such a nice lady!” One day we had a meeting with her that didn’t go too well and both of us walked out trembling. Dennis was sitting at his desk paralyzed from the scorching meeting. I walked up behind him and whispered in his ear- ‘She’s such a nice ladyyyyy…..’ He said, ‘well, in a year from now we’ll be laughing about this one!’ And we did.
These little stories remind me of Dennis most prominent qualities – his hardworking nature and sense of humor. He was a great friend and coworker and I feel honored to have known him.
I love my dad a lot. I used to and still call him “The Best”. He was my soccer coach in
2000-2001. We had the best record. My dad was very proud when I made the Eastchester travel soccer team. My dad was very funny. He used to call me Statman because I know A LOT about baseball statistics. One of his other nicknames for me was Timon. He called me that ever since we saw the Lion King movie. I used to like to go to work with my dad on school breaks. The last time I actually went in his office was over Easter break. But we went to the World Trade Center in August. My dad loved golf. He started to teach me it. He would go golfing a lot with his friend Jim Cavanaugh. I had a lot of fun. Now I’m very sad.
It was a privilege to work with Dennis at Cantor. Dennis was honest, intelligent and intensely loyal.
Most of the period in which I worked at Cantor, Dennis was an ex-pat in the London office. I remember with fondness the several phone calls we had while he was on the train going home after a long and usually frustrating day at work. Invariably I needed his assistance with some project and he was always had the answer. Most of our calls ended with both of us laughing, usually at each other’s expense.
Dennis, you were always there for me when I needed your help, for which I am eternally grateful. G-d bless and rest in peace. You are, and always will be, in our hearts.
I have known Dennis and his wife Nancy for the past 20 years, ever since we were at Manhattan College together. Dennis was my closest friend, godfather to my eldest son, golf partner and grilling buddy. We had so many good times together, too numerous to mention here; but the best were always when our families spent time together barbecuing at each other’s houses, teasing our wives and watching our children grow up together.
One of the remarkable things about Dennis was his patience. In all the years I have known him, I have never seen him lose his cool……not even when he played golf.
I will miss his wit, his laugh, his lobster barbecues and the way he said “JEEEEM ! Looks like we got us a situation !”. Most of all I will miss Dennis for being Dennis; however I will always be thankful for the memories.
Jim Cavanaugh
I met Dennis Moroney in the fall of 1980 a few weeks after I met my husband Tim Ryan. Tim & Den were best friends since first grade. I met Nancy at the same time and we have often commented on how we both fell in love with these two funny and smart boys who we watched grow up and into responsible, caring, loving husbands and fathers. I have so many memories of Dennis and Nancy and their children Elizabeth & Timmy. We had double dates at the K of C in Freehold-for years Nancy and I thought it was the only place in town! A first credit card dinner that had Dennis panicked when the bill arrived and yes he ordered shrimp cocktail, baked potato and prime rib. The Moroney wedding – Elizabeth’s Christening – I can still see Dennis dancing with Liz and I can still hear my Tim laughing when Dennis called to tell him he had a son and guess what his name is Timothy! Finding out that both Tim and Dennis were going to be transferred to London on the same day was both fun and an enormous relief we would have family away from home. Dennis and Nancy honoring us as Donaghs Godparents. I see Dennis in Elizabeth and when Timmy smiles Dennis is smiling at us. I know how much Nancy misses him every moment of every day I hear it in her voice when we talk. I know Tim misses his friend and confidant and the tragedy of 9/11 is never far from his thoughts – Nancy we will always be there for all of you. Dennis we miss you.
Mary Anne
My Uncle Dennis was very funny. He was the best godfather there is. I had a lot of fun when he played with me in the pool at Lake Isle. He liked to play golf a lot with my Dad and he also liked to tease my Mom.
I love him a lot. I miss him very much.
Christopher
My husband and I met Dennis and Nancy 21 years ago at Manhattan College. The rest, as they say, is history. The four of us became best friends and somewhere along the line we became family. We have spent countless hours together, all of them filled with laughter, because of Dennis’s witty comments and his wonderful sense of humor. Dennis had a knack for turning even the most difficult of situations into something amusing.
Dennis was the best friend anyone could ask for, and the most loving godfather to my son, Christopher. I am an only child but Dennis managed to give me a wonderful gift. He was the brother I never had. He teased me endlessly, just like a true brother would. I miss that terribly.
The four of us grew up together and I guess I always took for granted that we would grow old together. There is a huge empty place in our lives without Dennis. Nothing seems right; nothing will ever be as it should. Someone recently told me that someday the four of us will be together again and that our friendship will not have skipped a beat. I certainly hope that’s true.
I was blessed to have been a part of Dennis’s life. The picture that is posted here is truly the Dennis that I will always remember – always smiling, always laughing, always bringing happiness to everyone around him. I have a copy of that picture on my desk, another in my car, and one in my heart. I will carry it with me always. I miss you, Den.
Dennis was brilliant, hard-working and a wonderful human being. He loved his family and was very dedicated to Cantor. I remember many late nights that Dennis and I spent together at work. Fatigue and stress never got to Dennis. He always found a way to find humor in all circumstances.
I miss Dennis deeply. He was the perfect friend, the perfect human being.
We are next door neighbors to the Moroney family. We still call it “Dennis and Nancy’s house,” and will always think of it that way. Dennis had the greatest twinkle in his eye and always a witty comment for every situation. I cherish my memories of the last evening I spent time with Dennis and his family at a barbecue at their house. I remember looking at Nancy while Dennis teased one of us–I was watching her laugh and I was thinking, “That is so wonderful that after being together for so long, Nancy loves to hear his jokes!”
There is a terrible void in our lives–like a color is suddenly missing from the world. His two children, Elizabeth and Tim, are wonderful reflections of Dennis, and Nancy will always have loving and joyous memories of their years together, but we are filled with grief over the loss of what should have been. We miss you, Dennis. We will always love and care for Nancy, Tim, and Elizabeth.
Judi McCandless, neighbor and friend
Dennis was a funny and kind man. I remember the time it was Elizabeth’s birthday, we were going to get our nails done. Dennis and Nancy drove us all to Kelly’s Nails. Elizabeth and I were two of the people in his car. When we were getting out of the car, he kept saying he wanted to get his nails done with us, too. I will never forget you Dennis.
Dennis was a man with a great sense of humor and a heart filled with love for everyone around him. I met Dennis and his family a few years ago at Lake Isle, a pool we all attended. My parents became great friends with Dennis and Nancy and my brother, William, and I became friends with Elizabeth and Timmy. We would have barbecues and get togethers frequently. Practically every weekend, my dad, Dennis, and Jim Cavanaugh would go to play golf. That was the one sport they all fell in love with. I would always make a joke and say, ” You’re going to play golf again!” Two days before the incident occured, my dad, Jim, and Dennis went golfing together. That night they got the chance to have a drink and talk, not knowing that would be the last time they would see him. Being only thirteen years old, I am very happy to have known Dennis. Dennis, may you live in peace with the angels and saints!
Although I had never actually met Dennis, I heard so many great things about him that I wish I had met him. A dear friend of mine grew up with him and even before September 11th, he would tell me so many great stories about Dennis and the entire Moroney family. But you could tell Dennis held a special spot when he’d speak about him. About all the things they did, things they’d laugh about and just about the type of person he was. You could tell in his voice how special and wonderful Dennis was to him. So even though I never personally met him, I will always carry the memory of how special he was to my friend.
The open arms of angels
Are welcoming you now
Holding out their hands for you
And smiling through the clouds
Even though you’re gone now
Doesn’t mean you’re lost
To all the souls who loved you
And everyone you held close
In all your years here on earth,
You experienced so much
You taught a lot of people about life
And showed them so much love.
Your spirit has moved on now,
But your beauty will remain,
In the hearts of all your friends
And in your family’s name.
Dennis, you’ll be forever missed by so many.
I knew Dennis through his wife & his children. Nancy and I shared stories while learning to ice skate. I also knew him through his daughter, Elizabeth, my daughter Megan’s friend. They always had plans to do things together as a family. My daughter would complain that Elizabeth couldn’t come over because she was doing something with her family. Their home is filled with family pictures. Now when you enter their home you can feel the emptiness.
I wrote some thoughts down after attending Dennis’s memorial service. About a month ago, I forwarded them to Nancy. After a visit the other day, Nancy brought up how touched she was by what I wrote about Elizabeth’s flute tribute to her father at the memorial, and suggested that I post it here:
Sitting in a church filled with almost a thousand other stunned mourners listening to the poignant sound of a single flute, the sound so clear and pure in the melancholy silence, ending to an unprecedented standing ovation, was at the same time devastating and awesome. How this beautiful 11 year old, my daughter’s friend, could be so poised to play this amazing tribute to her lost father is beyond belief. It is a memory that will bring tears to my eyes and a chill down my spine for the rest of my life.
I only wish I had had a chance to get to know Dennis better; I did not ever think the opportunity would be denied to me in such a cruel and permanent way.
April Maron
Dennis, I don’t know where to begin! I miss you every single day. Having the honor of working for you, Jeff, Marty, Bob and Frank was the greatest. You guys were my family and now I am completely void and shattered. We used to joke around so much, I can’t even fathom where to begin; although you took my “throw you under the bus…” quote from me. Haha!!
I have so many fond memories of you and your sharp wit and intelligence. It’s no wonder why you were admired and relied upon so much – you were “the man”.
I remember when we fixed up your office, with the painting and the rearranging of furniture because you said “you didn’t like feng shui” – I was hysterical laughing. I never laughed so hard when you took out the famous Christams tree with the Hefty bag over it, and said “Done”; but, the pictures of Nancy and the children always stayed on your desk.
From that awful country music you used to blast in your “big cube”, to Soccer, to Yahoo, to “Mary” jokes and okay- get the boxes, I will always have the fondest memories of you and my guys. You will forever be in my heart.
Nancy- I never had the honor of meeting you, but we did certainly speak often. I never once had to remind Dennis of any soccer games or events, because he knew- you and the children were and will always be number one to him.
My sincerest thoughts and prayers are with you Nancy and the entire Moroney family.
Dennis was a caring husband, father, son, brother and friend. He was also a terrific nephew. He had a wonderful sense of humor and always brought joy and smiles to those in his company. From the time he was a small boy he greeted everyone with a happy grin. He loved to tease. Just this past year I was preparing a dinner for a few guests, Dennis, Nancy, Elizabeth and Timmy were among the guests. As it turned out I had a mishap in the kitchen (I believe I burned something!) My reaction to this happening was witnessed by all. Dennis loved to tease me about it. He knew I enjoyed this teasing as much as he did! This is is just one of many fond memories I will have of him. I will miss him dearly – with love
Aunt Peggy
Dennis always made us laugh. Whether he was poking fun at himself, or us, whenever we got too serious with ourselves, he’d have us laughing. Even when he teased us, his love for us was evident in his smile and the twinkle in his eye. He was probably the only one of my brothers who could get away with calling my wife, Debbie, “Mrs. Whiner.”
When Dennis was about 7 years old, there was a TV superhero who wore a belt that gave him superpowers. So Dennis wore a belt day and night, even to bed. He wore it so tight that he almost couldn’t breathe. He wanted to be a superhero. In the person he became, as a husband, father, son, uncle, brother and friend, he was.
Dennis, I love you.
“Pandelerium” was one of Den’s original words. It perfectly described our often chaotic work environment. There would be requests for multiple work products coming from all directions simultaneously. At these moments–his red hair mussed, eyes rolling and everything looking pretty bleak–he would blurt out the word and just begin to grin. Pretty soon he would just start laughing at the whole situation, thereby removing whatever feelings of despair existed within the group. He could always see the humor in any situation. He was great with people, incredibly competent and persistent about problem solving. No problem was too great.
I met Dennis at Morgan Stanley where we supported several of the domestic fixed income division trading desks. We joined up again at Cantor where he played almost every role in the finance division. He was indispensible and he was always there to tackle the most challenging problem. We often worked late at night when he would unveil the country music. For a long while I resisted liking this kind of music. As of 3 years ago I became hooked and now I can’t not think of Den whenever I listen to a country tune.
Dennis’ number one priority was his family. His whole objective in working was to provide well for Nancy, Elizabeth and Timmy, the lights of his life. He often spoke proudly of all their achievements. The world has lost a great man in Dennis. I miss him very much.
Dennis was a friend and coworker of my husband for many years. I will remember him fondly for his good humor, his abiding sense of friendship, and his devotion, especially to his wonderful family. I cannot hear a twangy country tune without thinking of Dennis or pass by his favorite eatery–the dark, smokey, and dingy Piper’s Kilt where–just as Dennis promised,they serve the world’s best hamburgers. Dennis was a wonderful, decent and honorable man. It was a privilege to have known him.
Dennis was the sixth in our family of seven boys, an incredibly cute kid with a wonderful sense of humor. I remember when Dennis was a young boy, maybe five or six years old, all we had to do was look at him a certain way and he would begin to laugh. At first just a chuckle, but soon he was laughing so hard he could not stop. Of course we could not help but laugh with him, at how easy it was for us to send him into one of these laughing fits. Dennis carried his gift of humor with him throughout his life. A gift that he would kindly share with others to make them feel comfortable. More than just a funny guy, Dennis was a fantastic brother, a devoted son, a loving husband, an adoring father and a true friend.
We love you Dennis, you are with us always, every minute of every day.
My little brother, Dennis, was always a happy kid. When he got a bit older, maybe 13 or 14, he began to surprise me with a more serious side. Whatever the activity — from lawn mowing to weight lifting — he threw himself into it with an intensity that I never expected from my happy-go-lucky brother. We laughed at him sometimes when he overdid it. But all along we were really laughing with him. He always made us laugh. In college, he showed his intensity again. He was a stellar student, and was invited to join honor societies that never invited me. Most important, he met Nancy in college. This is what his life had pointed toward. His true love — a friend and partner with whom he could raise a close, happy family. Much like the family he had as a child.
Dennis approached his job with his typical intensity. And that didn’t surprise me. Because now all his hard work was for the true passion of his life, his family — Nancy, Elizabeth and Timmy.
We seven Moroney brothers had so much fun together. Which is why we’re in such pain now. We had so much. So we’ve lost so much.
My little brother, Dennis: you were the best of us. I love you Dennis. I’ll miss you always. But I thank God for your life. You were such a gift.
When we think of Dennis, we are reminded of bright smiles and laughter. Dennis had a way of seeing the best in any situation and relating some very funny stories along the way. We met the Moroneys as ex-pats in England. They were our first friends and neighbors. They invited us to our first American style barbecue away from home, and we were quick to realize how much we enjoyed the company of Dennis, Nancy, Elizabeth and Timmy.
When we think of Dennis, we think of “The Stag,” and how much he will be missed by the lads at the “local”. One of the more genuine moments occurred after Dennis returned to England on a business trip, having moved back to the States the previous year. He stopped by the Stag for an evening drink, and it was as if a year had melted away to minutes. The same friends greeted him as if he had never left Ascot. They will certainly miss him.
His love of family was obvious. Oftentimes, they would be out riding bikes, swimming at the leisure center, or attending a school event together. Family came first for Dennis.
Like everyone else who knew Dennis, we feel that we were short changed when he was taken from us. In the short time we knew him, we were privileged enough to witness his love for Nancy and the kids, his great wit, and his friendship.
We will miss you, Dennis and will never forget you.
I only knew Dennis for a few years. He is a golf buddy and a friend. He is quite simply, “a good man”. I can’t think of a better compliment to give.
See you on the back nine.
Steve
I first met Dennis when my future husband Brian took me to his family home in Freehold, N.J. With a family of 7 brothers it was rather difficult to keep straight everyone’s name. Dennis was easy–he was the one with the great laugh. He took right away to my southern accent with a “How y’all doing?” He even loved country music–I knew I had found a friend.
When Dennis’s daughter Elizabeth was born, I again visited the Moroney home and was awestruck. Never had I seen a father more in love. When Dennis laughed, Liz laughed. When Dennis made a funny face, Liz made a funny face. When Liz cried, Dennis came running to wipe her tears and make her laugh again. They looked so much alike it was unbelievable and when he held her, they glowed. It was the purest love I had ever seen.
Since September, our 4-year-old always has the same prayer–“Dear God, please tell Uncle Dennis that we love him”. Even though she doesn’t understand completely what has happened, she feels our sadness and pain. I tell her that God will surely give Uncle Dennis our love and a big hug.
Dennis, we miss your smile, your laugh, and your friendship. You touched our lives in so many ways and we will keep you in our hearts forever. You are the Best.
Dennis hired me right out of college in 1995 to work for him at Cantor. In the year that I worked for him, his ambition, relentless dedication and winning sense of humor in the most stressful instances never ceased to amaze me. He was the the perfect model of what I wanted to be at work; efficient, energetic, and most of all attainable. I could ask him any question, no matter how trivial, and even in his busiest hour he would sit me down and explain it.
On many a late work night one could hear country music coming from Dennis’s office. He’d be tired, but optmistically deal with the “pandelirium” he coined around him & the “NOW” that was Cantor’s motto. One hilarious memory stands out in my mind; it was right before the holiday season and we were all dressed casual. It was post-5pm and Dennis was sweltering in his big Irish sweater as we worked on a project…he took the sweater off to reveal a white t-shirt with a big mug dripping with beer on the front…as I left the room I read the back of the t-shirt. It read “I LOVE YOU MAN!” in huge black letters. I laughed my head off. Dennis, I love you man, and will never forget the exceptional employer and human being you were.
Dennis and I became friends in our senior year of high school. I never felt like I fit in at SJV, but with Dennis around, it was impossible to feel uncomfortable. That crazy grin… after 22 years, I can still see it. They say as long as one person remembers you, you’re not really gone. Dennis might not have even realized how many lives he touched with his warmth and kindness, but he will be missed and he will never be forgotten. Until we meet again, my friend…may God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
I am Dennis’ brother and for that I am proud. As a man he was loving, affectionate, caring and funny. As a husband, he shared his partnership with Nancy with an abundance of love, charm, kindness, and affection. As a Dad, doting, playful, involved, protective, supportive and very, very proud of everything Elizabeth and Timothy achieved. Nancy, Ziggy and Timon were his world and he let everyone know it. As a son, he brought smiles of joy to his parents that let them know they had raised a fine young man and could themselves be proud of his accomplishments. As an uncle he was interested, teasing, a barrel of laughs and warm. As my brother, I would need a lifetime to express the beauty of his impact on my life. Family and friends have written testament to Dennis on this site. Read each one and they tell you why I am proud that Dennis is my brother.
As kids, Dennis and I shared a bedroom. At night we would kneel and pray, asking God to Bless our family and friends. Now, before I sleep, I pray to God to take care of my brother Dennis. I ask Dennis to watch over us and make us laugh and love, as only he could. I ask him to walk by my side, each day, and help me to be as good a person as he. In my prayers, I assure him that I will always hold him close, never let him go. Dennis you are SIMPLY THE BEST.
I miss you Dennis, every moment of every day. J
Dennis had an aura that radiated love and laughter. He was filled with the kind of ambition most of us wish we could’ve had. From the stories I’ve been told I realize that Dennis was always a man that knew what he wanted, and even when he didn’t, he was content with what he had. Not that he ever stopped throwing himself into everything, even washing the car. The rules for washing a car with Dennis were as precise and strict as rocket science. But I, for one, was rarely intimidated by his drive because no matter what there was always a part of him that would grin and laugh that infectious laugh of his. I remember him and my father attempting to use power tools in Dennis’s back yard–Nancy, Tim, Liz and I standing as far away as possible, watching Dennis laugh so hard he had to turn the tool off or risk dropping it. No matter what he was doing he was always able to stop for his family. Like I said, he knew what he wanted. And he loved his family more than anything in the world. He built them an empire.
Dennis was one of the nicest guys I’ve ever been privileged to meet. These tributes are such a wonderfully eloquent reflection of his warm heart and gentle spirit. I met Dennis in 1981 on vacation at the mountain cabin of our friend, Tim Ryan, in Rock Hill, NY. While the cabin lacked certain amenities (heat, water), Dennis cheerfully kept up the wisecracks the whole time we were all there. He had a wry, quirky sense of humor that sometimes took me off guard and always made me laugh. As the years passed, I came to know Dennis not just for his sense of humor, but also for the other qualities that defined his life: his remarkable work ethic and, most importantly, his devotion to his family.
I was fortunate enough to see Dennis at a party on September 8th when the picture in this tribute was taken. This is the way I will always remember Dennis – laughing and enjoying life.
That Dennis made a truly positive impact on the lives of those who knew him is poignantly evident in the profound effect his loss has had on his family and friends. We are all diminished with his passing. Rest in peace, Dennis. I know we will all meet again in a better place.
It is a few days short of the sixth month anniversary of that day that forever changed so many lives. I miss Dennis more and more each day. I always loved pulling up in front of his house. He was always so glad to see me and my daughter as well as friends I may have had with me. He genuinely loved being around family and friends. Always a smile or a laugh. My favorite memories of stopping over just to say hi are those of Dennis teasing me. It never failed. I might have a new haircut and he would yell out the front door something like “hey did you join a cult?” or “hey Mr. Jones, I haven’t seen you since high school” referring to some teacher who was notorious for his bad hair days. If it wasn’t my hair, it was my shirt or shoes but he always had a line and they were always dead on and funny. He’d been doing it for almost 40 years and I loved it. Growing up, within the Moroney family, our names were paired together. DennisandJP or JPandDennis. Always said quickly and without pause and often yelled in anger but always with love. I miss knowing he is there to tease me, talk to me, comfort me and love me so unconditionally as I, too, love him. There are lyrics to a Sondheim song that run through my head every day. They say it best…
“Not a day goes by, not a blessed day,
where your somehow, not part of my life
and I want you to stay, as the days go by…”
I’m sorry it has taken me so long to post this tribute. To this date I’ve only read Nancy’s and when I did I started weeping. On the other hand, writing this testimonial to Dennis is the easiest thing in the world–because there are only good things to say. He was deeply in love with his wife. He was completely dedicated to his children. He was a devoted son and brother, beloved by all–a really wonderful guy–and I shall always miss him greatly.
With love,
Albert
My husband Jim read this poem at The Dennis Moroney Memorial Golf Outing and Dinner, a tribute to our dear friend. It says so much.
“We Will Remember”
In the rising of the sun and in its going down,
We will remember him.
In the blowing of the wind and chill
Of the winter,
We will remember him.
In the opening of the buds and the rebirth of spring,
We will remember him.
In the Blueness of the skies, and the warmth
Of summer,
We Will Remember Him
In the rustling of the leaves and the beauty
of autumn,
We will remember him.
In the beginning of the year, and when it ends,
We will remember him.
As long as we live, he will live,
For he is now a part of us,
As we remember.
Dennis, you are in our thoughts every moment of every day. We miss you.
Karen, Jim, Christopher & Michael
This past year has been so painful because of the immensity of what we lost when your life was so brutally ended. It is unbearable to not see you. You were completely charming, lovable, so funny, kind, and dedicated to your passions. We miss everything about you. September 11, 2001-life as we knew it, ended that day.
I love you Dennis, I love you Daddy, I love you Daddy.
Love, Nancy, Elizabeth, and Timmy
Dennis,
It is difficult to believe that a year has passed since you were taken away so senselessly. We are thankful for all the wonderful memories you gave us. It is those memories of all the good times we shared that keep you close to us.
We miss that smile. We miss that laugh. We miss the long summer days at the pool, your backyard barbecues, burgers at Pipers, weekend rounds of golf and all the fun we had just being together. You took a little bit of all of us with you that day and we miss you more than words can say.
You will live forever in our hearts Dennis, because a friendship like ours can never die.
Love,
Karen & Jim
Uncle Dennis,
We will always remember all the fun we had with you and how you always made us laugh and smile. You will always be the best Godfather in the world.
We Love You. We Miss You.
Christopher & Michael
Dennis,
I hear you laughing and see you smiling all the time but it is just a memory. I love these memories but miss you more.
J.P.
Dennis,
When all around you flustered I always found your calmness reasurring. Your office door which always felt like it should have had a friendly “welcome” mat outside due to your ever present welcoming smile and listening ear, seemed to radiate a genuine warmth which made me feel like I could talk to you about anything, like a friend rather than colleague. I will never forget the sense of being amongst family at Cantor, and every year I will think about you, hear your growly voice and laugh, and remember the happiness that I felt working with you and our other colleagues.
Richard Willcocks – 11th Sepember 2003
Our thoughts and prayers are with Dennis and his family especially today on the second anniversary of September 11, 2001. May God bless you and watch over you, and always keep you close to His heart. Dennis, we will never forget you.
Dear Dennis:
There is such a huge emptiness in our lives since that awful, tragic day. It seems to become more evident as the days go by. Wishing things could be as they were — the smiles, the laughter, the fun — if only wishing could make it so. We miss you more than you could ever imagine my dear friend, more than you could ever imagine. . .
Love,
Karen, Jim, Christopher & Michael
Dennis,
Boy do I still miss you, still half expect you to call and see if I want to go for one of those ‘English’ beers while you are on a trip to London…
I can still remember the first time we met in your office on the then 32nd floor in NY back in 1996. You with your desk side on.. less intimidating you said. You made me feel so welcome and were like a mentor to me, more so when you came to work in London.
There seems to be a common theme in how much you were loved and respected by all who came in contact with you. Oh.. apart from your taste in music which you used to inflict on me when we worked those month end Saturdays…
It was an honour and a pleasure to know you…
It been two years since the tragic events of September 11, 2001 and unfortunately it took me till now to write a tribute to Dennis and give my condolences to the family of Dennis Moroney and the whole Moroney family of Freehold, NJ.
What has been written about Dennis is truly a testament to the love, affection and guidance that surrounded Dennis in his up bringing as one of the Moroney boys. For 35 years my parents lived across the street from the Moroney’s in Freehold, they raised 5 children while Mr. & Mrs. Moroney raised 7. I was fortunate enough grew up with Dennis’ youngest brother Patrick, so in a small way I was present to the love within the Moroney family. I know and remember the Moroney family being very close, as were most of the families in our neighborhood, and I know the loss of Dennis has hurt them tremendously.
Despite the fact that two years have past, I wish to send to the family of Dennis Moroney and to the whole Moroney family of Freehold, my sincere condolences and prayers. You have lost a dear family member, taken way to soon. May you all find comfort in knowing that Dennis is at peace and now watching over all of you as you continue to make the most of your lives, knowing that you all shared in the joy of having Dennis, albeit for a short time, in your precious world.
Kenneth Schlegel, Freehold Neighbor
JOHN AND MIKE ARE THINKING ABOUT ALL OF THE MORONEYS ON 9/11/04. GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU WELL.
I wonder if you realized just how many lives you touched. How many lives were made better because you took the time to be a friend, to give support, to just be you. How many lives would never be the quite the same without you.
I know that you had such an incredible impact on the 20+ years of our friendship. I could never have imagined our lives without you in them. . .
I can still see you smiling, still hear you laughing. I can close my eyes and remember how the four of us would sit around and laugh for hours. . . Oh, to feel that way again.
The one thing that I will remember most is what a loving husband and father you were. I can remember always smiling to myself as I watched you with Nancy, Elizabeth and Timmy. . .the depth of your love always evident in everything you did. I know in my heart that you walk by their sides every moment of every day, watching over them as you always did.
You are always in my heart Dennis. Always in my thoughts. You were such a big part of our lives that so many things are a reminder of you. Sometimes they make me laugh, other times they make me cry. But then I try to remind myself that the last thing you would ever have wanted was to make people cry when you spent your whole life making them laugh and smile.
Until we meet again my friend…
Karen
I wonder if you realized just how many lives you touched. How many lives were made better because you took the time to be a friend, to give support, to just be you. How many lives would never be the quite the same without you.
I know that you had such an incredible impact on the 20+ years of our friendship. I could never have imagined our lives without you in them. . .
I can still see you smiling, still hear you laughing. I can close my eyes and remember how the four of us would sit around and laugh for hours. . . Oh, to feel that way again.
The one thing that I will remember most is what a loving husband and father you were. I can remember always smiling to myself as I watched you with Nancy, Elizabeth and Timmy. . .the depth of your love always evident in everything you did. I know in my heart that you walk by their sides every moment of every day, watching over them as you always did.
You are always in my heart Dennis. Always in my thoughts. You were such a big part of our lives that so many things are a reminder of you. Sometimes they make me laugh, other times they make me cry. But then I try to remind myself that the last thing you would ever have wanted was to make people cry when you spent your whole life making them laugh and smile.
Until we meet again my friend…
Karen
SEPTEMBER 10th, 2003 (Dennis)
Two years ago today
Was our last day safe
And I remember how it rained
Two years ago tomorrow
Everything changed
Naïveté fueled the flames
Dennis, last Saturday
I finally went to your grave
Where they’d buried
As much of you
As had been saved
And I stood there
Not knowing what to do
Or say
So a dropped a few prayers
With the flowers, and went on my way
During your funeral
As they buried their son
Your parents looked out at the hills of Valhalla
And said it looked like Ireland
And standing there, looking out
I could see all that beautiful green
And I agree, it does look like Ireland
I can see what they mean
And the one thing that hit me
That got me upset
Is that your grave is as close
To Ireland as you’ll ever get
Thinking about tomorrow
I go back to that day
I remember what I wore
And what the teacher was about to say
We were defining civilization
As we were defaced
By a jealous rogue nation
And I think of sitting there
Frozen and terrified
Stuck to my chair
What a way to start
My first year of high school
One of the stricken
One of the fooled
And I think of all you left behind
And how young you were
Only thirty-nine
And how that weekend
my dad had been saying
how you were getting in shape
and losing some weight
so you’d be healthy
to be with you family
and then you went to work
and were stolen by tragedy
and I tried not to think about it
for so long
all of those pop stars
writing wretched songs
and all I wanted to do
was to walk into your house
and see you sitting in your living room
Dennis, I know you look down
I felt you one night
Come down out of those clouds
And sit near me and I lost my breath
And tears traced my face
And I knew you were at rest
During your funeral
As they buried their son
Your parents looked out at the hills of Valhalla
And said it looked like Ireland
And standing there, looking out
I could see all that beautiful green
And I agree, it does look like Ireland
I can see what they mean
And the one thing that hit me
That got me upset
Is that your grave is as close
To Ireland as you’ll ever get
The closest you’ll ever get
Oh you’d be surprised
I still think of you, yet
I can hear you laughing,
Laughing away
All those long nights
And hot summer days
I can hear you laughing.
Dennis – turn off that darn country music!
I think of you so very often and fondly and miss your amazing sense of humor.
Life in my “big cube” will never be the same.
I think of you every morning when I wake, all through the day and until I close my eyes at night. We all miss you and remember you in every little thing we do. After all this time, I still keep waiting for you to come walking through the door.
Dennis,
How is it that after all these years I still hope that if we went for a beer and I told you about what I was up to and how my career was going you would smile and tell me I was doing ok….
…I hate that I can’t do that… tell you about the house I am buying… how my son, who you always had time for, was accepted at the London School of Economics to study Politics and Government. Tell you of how I still live with the “What would Dennis do” mantra ringing in my ears…
.. but I do know you are there, and I do know you are smiling like you always did…
…you really were the best example of what I hope to be
It is Easter 2007 and we are all still struggling. No day, holiday nor Holy Day passes without the pain of missing you. You gave us LOVE everyday and the warmth of your smile still radiates. Thank you for being with us everyday.
Love your devoted brother,
JP
Thank you for being my friend too.
Dennis and the Moroney family are especially in our prayers today, 9/11/07. God bless you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Moroney family especially today, September 11, 2008. God Bless You Dennis.
It’s 9/11/08, and seven years later, I do not think that I could miss my dad more than I still do. He was the epitome of what a real man should be, and I cherish the fact that I seem to grow more and more like him each day. I will continue to love him and keep him in my heart for the rest of my life. His spirit eternally thrives within his friends and family. My father is the best man that I have ever known, one of the only things that can still bring me to tears, and is a glorious angel in heaven. I love you Dad and I miss you.
It is September 11, 2009. Tonight I was looking at a photo of Dennis that his brother Michael posted on FB. The photo had captured such a typical Dennis expression, which was sure to be followed by some witty remark. It brought back a flood of wonderful memories. It made me smile and cry at the same time.
Nancy and Dennis, Karen and Jim; the four of us went through so many things together over the 20+ years of our friendship. We were college students. We were newlyweds. We became parents. We were best friends. We were family. Dennis had a way of making the happy times happier, the fun times a lot more fun, the difficult times a little easier to handle.
Yesterday, JP pointed out a word on Dennis’ memorial at The Rising at Kensico Dam. It was the word silly. So many of us forget how to be silly once we become adults but not Dennis. It was one of the many things I admired him for. I have so many memories of Dennis being silly and making us laugh until we cried. Wow, I would give anything to have just one of those moments back.
Dennis was my silly, funny, caring, wonderful, and dear, dear friend who is missed terribly.
Now my son Christopher and his son Timmy are best friends; “bros” they tell me is the correct term these days. As I watch them together I see Jim and Dennis all over again. . . it’s nice.
Dennis,
The eve of the 9th year since we lost you. It is unbelievable that so much time has gone by. You are still missed by all and loved even more.
JP
On September 11th, 2010, I’ve lived about half of my life without my dad. I am sure my mother and my sister are honoring dad amazingly today at home, as I do so from 500 miles away in Quebec City. As a young expressive person I often ponder the idea of getting a tattoo, but when the idea approaches reality…I notice a slight fear of the permanence. I then realize the thing that I am comfortable holding onto my entire life – the love for my family, and especially my awesome dad 🙂 IMAGINE. )3 Dad I love you so much, and I will carry your love in my heart forever.
Ten years have gone by, but not one day goes by that I don’t remember..
You are missed beyond words..
I am writing on September 11, 2011. Of the thousands of names I’ve heard in today’s televised memorial, Dennis Moroney was mysteriously singled out and I felt compelled to write. I never met Dennis. I grew up just outside NYC and lived in Manhattan for several years. I purchased all the major news magazines just after 9/11 but could not bring myself to read them. I tucked them away and finally, after 10 years I pulled them out. As I flipped through TIME, published 9/24/01, I saw a picture of a missing man on a wall of prayers. His name was Dennis Moroney. My first thought was, he was missing, maybe this man was able to return to his family. Maybe they just didn’t take down his picture, maybe, maybe, maybe. Then, at that moment I heard his name announced during the memorial.
After 10 years, I opened a magazine, saw Dennis Moroney’s picture, then heard his name. I couldn’t help but think his spirit is still present somehow. My heart goes out to his friends and family, and I hope they find comfort in this somehow. I am a stranger who never knew him, but now I will never forget him.
11 years have gone by and there are truly no words to convey the sorrow that this horrific day brought upon us. You are missed dearly and will never ever be forgotten.
12 years have passed since that horrid day, but not a day goes by that you aren’t missed.
You will never be forgotten.
I knew Dennis from Morgan Stanley. Dennis got along so well with everyone. He was funny, kind and smart. An overall wonderful guy one would be so lucky to work with.