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  Michael Wittenstein

Date of Birth: February 1, 1967
Department: Global Lending and Finance
Position: Bond Trader

Michael Robert Wittenstein grew up in Seaford, Long Island. He graduated SUNY Albany in 1989 and immediately found employment at Cantor Fitzgerald Securities. The fact that Michael has worked for Cantor Fitzgerald for 12+ years shows how dedicated and loyal Michael was. Michael moved to New Jersey not long after returning from working in Cantor’s London and Los Angeles offices where he met his future fiancée Carrie. They were to have been wed on October 20, 2001. We are all so mad at this senseless act that took you from all of us. We are mad not being able to hold you, to touch you, to hear your voice, to see your impish smile, to watch you enjoy your game shows on TV. Your parents Barbara and Arnold are angry about not being able to walk you down the aisle to marry your fiancée Carrie, who you loved so much and who loved you. We mourn for the bright future you had in front of you that has been denied to you. We are angry about the children you would have had to love and cherish as you were. Your brother Jeffrey lost his best friend, your sister Caryn and her children Jared and Ilanna lost their protector and your brother in law lost his friend. The many cards and notes the family received only reinforced that special quality Michael had to bring a smile and warmth to all around him. His special qualities were evident to so many people that they all are keenly aware of the loss we have suffered. Words seem so inadequate at a time like this. The world is so much poorer with you gone. You have been part of so many and always will be. We know you are in a better place now, watching over us from above. There are not enough words to express how much you are loved and how much you’ll be missed. You will always be remembered and your love will carry on for us and our love for you will last an eternity.


Family,
  • Turtle you nut. I can’t recall my times with the NY Boys in LA without you being at the forefront. You came in as a worker, and left as a friend. The times @ Marina-del-Rey, the Buffet concert! and so many others stand out in my mind. You made me laugh so hard you were so crazy & yet so warm & sincere deep down. How many times did we play & yell & fight, and party by the pool-
    I won’t soon forget your sense of humor, and how much I learned from you as well.
    It was so much fun being one of Nimbley’s boys with you.
    God Bless your loved ones & family-I thank God they have an angel like you to watch over them now. I know you will have a smile for them each time they think of you.

    Dawn, co-worker
  • Mike(turtle) was always a kind hearted person. He would always look out for us. He was the one I would look up to for help. I was able to count on him. He was a perfect role model. I will never forget you mike.
    co-worker Jennifer

    Jennifer, coworker
  • Mike was one of the kindest and nicest people you could ever meet.

    Mike managed the Govt clearance area when I joined Cantor and we got to know each other. When Mike was in London and LA – it was great to be able to talk and work with him when I visited those offices. I was very happy and proud for Mike when he joined the Repo desk. Mike quickly became an outstanding and valued member of Ian’s team.

    Mike – you touched many of our lives in such a positive way by just being you – you will be very missed my friend. G-d bless you and your family.

    Craig Mondschein, Former Co-worker
  • Turtle was such a great guy, one of Andy’s absolute favorites on the desk. It gives me peace to know that they were together.

    Sally Cohen Alameno, Colleague's wife
  • Turtle, The first person to welcome me and make me feel at home when I started at Cantor Fitzgerald in the Securities Lending Dept. 8yrs ago. I will never forget your wit, smile, great sense of humor and most of all, your days of teasing me.

    You will be in my heart and prayers forever. You are and always will be a special friend to me.

    Karen (KC)
    Coworker

    Karen Costagliola (KC), Coworker
  • Life is so unfair. How can it be right that someone as kind, as caring, as funny and as generous as Turtle gets taken from us? I remember Mike’s time in London with the Equity guys and he became everyone’s best mate. We had some great times. He was one of life’s ‘good guys’.
    My thoughts and condolences are with Mike’s family and friends.

    Jared Harris, Co-worker, Cantors London
  • Michael, I miss you more than words could ever express. Thank you for being such a great brother to me and thank you for being such a loving uncle to Jared and Ilanna. You will always be in our hearts and thoughts. Rest in Peace, Michael, I love you.

    Caryn Hinson, sister
  • Michael, my brother:

    I can not begin to tell you how much I miss you. I miss our daily talks. I miss everything about you. I miss the fact that you are not with us anymore, but I do know that you are watching over us. All of your family and friends miss you dearly. Rest is Peace and G-d Bless.

    Love Always…your brother

    Jeffrey Wittenstein, Brother
  • I knew Mike for over 8 years. He was a very nice person, always smiling and always willing to help. I knew him from the time he worked in Operations. I will be missing one of my very good friends. May his soul rest in peace.
    Venkateshan Pundi

    Nenkateshan Pundi, Co-Worker
  • Turtle, we miss your sense of humor and your smile! Why did you have to leave us?? We just don’t know. Jill and I speak of you regularly; neither can understand your passing. Turtle, you were the best! We admired your zest for life and your carefree and loving spirit. Jill and I will never forget when you and the “boys” came out here to live (Pam, too). We had the best time getting you all relocated. We had no idea it would be our last time together. Turtle, our hearts break by your passing. We know that God has a special “heaven” just for you. Hope to meet you there, someday. We’re counting on being with you again. Even if we have to meet you in eternity. That’s okay with us. Shine on you crazy diamond!!! Much love, Peg and Jill

    Peggy Chappell (nee Lownes), friend and co-worker
  • Michael,
    We miss you so much. There isn’t a day that goes by that we do not shed tears. We relive Sept 11th over and over, wishing it was a dream. How we wanted so much to be at your’s and Carrie’s wedding. We will never ever get over this. We can just get used to it. The pain we always be there.

    It’s been almost 3 months and the hurt and anger are still there.
    Love you … you will always be in our hearts.

    Uncle Mark, Aunt Ingrid, Anna Liya and Billy

    Mark Hershkowitz, Uncle
  • Dear Michael,

    Thank you for being my best friend for over 25 years!!!! You are deeply missed. It’s unacceptable that you’re not in my life any longer, but all I have are hilarous memories of the times we spent together…. You were the best running back/goal tender/super-hero on Maple Street. Thank you for your dear, warm friedship, for hiring me at Cantor, and starting my career. Your wit/charm lives in me everyday, as you were a GEM.

    Your best friend,

    Zac

    Michael Zacharia, Friend
  • MICHAEL WAS MY FRIEND AND MY MENTOR WHEN I WORKED WITH HIM AT CANTOR 1991-1997. HE TAUGHT ME EVERYTHING I KNOW AND I THANK HIM FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART FOR HIS KINDNESS AND FOR ALWAYS LOOKING OUT FOR ALL OF HIS CO-WORKERS. HE WAS A VERY HARD WORKER AND I THINK HE DESERVED THE BEST OUT OF LIFE. UNFORTUNATELY, HIS LIFE WAS CHEATED TOO EARLY AND NOW WE JUST CARRY HIS MEMORY AND I AM VERY SORRY THAT THIS HAD TO HAPPEN TO SUCH A NICE GUY. I SEND MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FIANCEE. TO HIS FAMILY, KEEP HIS MEMORY IN YOUR HEART ALWAYS AND HOPEFULLY THAT’LL HELP YOU DEAL WITH THIS TERRIBLE PAIN. TO HIS FIANCEE, I AM SO SORRY-I JUST DON’T KNOW WHAT TO SAY TO YOU. I THINK ABOUT EVERYONE FROM CANTOR EACH AND EVERY DAY AND THE PAIN I FEEL IS JUST TERRIBLE. GOD BLESS YOU MICHAEL, GOD REST YOUR SOUL.
    ALL MY LOVE MARIA
    P.S TO MIKE ZACHARIA, YOU WERE A WONDERFUL FRIEND TO TURTLE AND YOUR MEMORIES WITH HIM SHALL GO ON IN YOUR HEART FOREVER. HE ALWAYS SPOKE GREAT THINGS ABOUT YOU AND I WISH I CAN GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU JUST TO SAY SORRY. MAYBE YOU CAN EMAIL ME AT [email protected]. ALL MY LOVE MARIA

    MARIA ALFANO, FRIEND, EX-COWORKER
  • I had the pleasure of woking with Mike for 7 years. Mike was a warm and caring person and he had an easy-going style that made everyone feel comfortable. I had a great deal of respect for him and I know he is sorely missed by anyone who knew him. I will never forget Mike and I keep his family, friends and Zack in my prayers always.

    Kerry Ferrara, Former co-worker
  • Oh Turtle – how everyone loved you so. Jimmy talked about you constantly and loved you very much. He always knew things were ok when you covered for him – you were so hard-working and dedicated. More than that, you were a good friend. I miss talking to you everyday. Rememeber how much we both loved Match Game and thought Gene Rayburn was such a creepy guy? I’ll miss your smile and Finn will miss his friend “Quasimoto”. I know you and the guys are all looking out for us and please know we love you and miss you so. God Bless, Trish

    Trish Straine, Colleague's wife
  • Mike, there is too much you can say about him.
    He was funny, caring and all around great guy.
    God Bless

    Judi (Marino) Brehm, former co-worker
  • DEAR TURTS, I’M SURE YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I MISS YOU. WE HAD SOME GREAT TIMES TOGETHER AND I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU AND ALL THE GUYS AT CANTOR. I LEFT CANTOR IN 94 BUT ALWAYS FOUND THE TIME TO KEEP IN TOUCH. YOU KNOW I LOVE YOU—SO YOU TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF.

    JOHN FERRARA [DOG], FRIEND
  • M-I-C-H-A-E-L THANK YOU FOR THE HAPPINESS YOU BROUGHT TO MY BABY. THANK YOU FOR THE SHORT, BUT MEMORABLE TIME YOU WHERE LIKE A SON TO ME. I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY AND MISS YOUR TALENT FOR THE GAME SHOW QUESTIONS. MAY YOU BE AT PEACE. LOVE MR.B

    BOBBY BERNSTEIN, FATHERINLAW 2B
  • I happened to come upon Michael’s picture and upon recognizing his face, saw it was Turtle. It’s such a shame that I couldn’t remember him earlier – we all had silly nicknames and I still look for people according to face, not name because there is no Alf, Dog or Turtle.

    My condolences, tears and prayers are with you now and always

    Macungie, friend
  • AND MY MOTHER AND FATHER , HOW THEY WOULD LOVE HIM. AND HOW MICHAEL WOULD LOVE THEM. HOW GOOD HE WAS TO THEM, HOW GOOD HE WAS TO ALL OF US. JUST ASK ANYONE. HIS HEART IS SO BIG AND BEAUTIFUL I JUST FIND IT HARD TO REALIZE JUST HOW BIG AND BEAUTIFUL IT REALLY IS.

    MICHAEL, OUR NEPHEW, OUR COUSIN, OUR FRIEND, IS A PERSON OF LOVE AND OF GOODNESS, OF LAUGHTER AND OF WIT, OF CLEVERNESS AND OF CHARM, OF SUCH BEAUTY, GOD, OF SUCH BEAUTY.

    SO WHAT WE WANT TO SAY MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE IS HOW LUCKY WE ARE WITH MICHAEL AS PART OF OUR LIVES.

    HE WAS, HE IS, AND HE WILL BE SOMEONE THAT WILL NEVER, EVER LEAVE US.

    LOVE YA MIKE

    BARRY, ELAINE, SHAI, CHANA, ROCHELLI (& FAMILY)

    HERSHKOWITZ FAMILY (JERUSALEM, ISRAEL

    Barry/ Elaine Hershkowitz, Aunt/Uncle
  • Michael was truly a wonderful, I am so grateful and find such peace in knowing Michael knew how much I (we) loved him and I know how much he loved me (us), I have no feelings of “if only I said this”. Michael was a wonderful brother and a spectacular uncle. My kids will surely suffer for not having their uncle Mikey in their lives anymore, but he will forever be in their hearts as well as mine. I just ask all who knew Michael to remember him, remember how he lived, how he brought joy, life and love to all who knew him. Rest in Peace Michael, we will see each other again.
    Caryn

    Caryn Hinson, sister
  • To My Brother:

    Michael, words alone can not express what I am feeling. It is so lonely without you. You will always be remembered and cherished in my life. I am a better person for having you as my brother and as my best friend. I know that one day we will see each other again. I know that you are in a better place looking down, and watching over all of us. My life will never be the same without you in it.

    G-d Bless You, Michael – All My Love, Always.

    Your brother, Jeffrey

    Jeffrey Wittenstein, brother
  • Not all angels get wings:
    When a loved one of age uses up thier time on this earth and has done all that they have been sent to do they pass to a better place to get there wings and serve another purpose.
    When a loved one is stolen from us there is still too much to do.They dont get there wings,they dont go away.They stay here closer to our hearts and souls than ever imagined.They protect there youngest and guide there oldest freinds and family to get the most out of our time here in our world.they are here to say hello every morning and at the end of the day to say good night and I love you.

    You are missed by many

    Benjamin Hinson, friend
  • MICHAEL

    Your eyes filled with care and happiness.

    Your smile filled with joy and laughter.

    Your heart filled with kindness and love.

    How does one say “Goodbye” to a person like you?

    You – a friend , a cousin, a brother who was always there for me

    How do I say “Goodbye” to someone who became such a part of my life?

    Michael,

    You are in a better place now, watching over us from above.

    There are not enough words to express how much you are loved and how much you’ll be missed.

    You will always be remembered and your love will carry on for eternity

    Farewell Michael

    Love

    Chana

    CHANA HERSHKOWITZ (JERUSALEM, ISRAEL

    Chana Hershkowitz, cousin
  • Michael:

    Tomorrow was to be your wedding day – one of the happiest days in your life. But because of a senseless act, you were denied this day and also denied a bright future. I was so looking forward to sharing your wedding day with you and Carrie as your best man. When you had asked me to be the best man, I took it as an honor of being your brother but most of all as being your best friend. People often say that time heals all wounds, but the wounds that this tragedy has caused will never end. You will always be cherished in my life and you will always be remembered.

    May you rest in peace – your brother and best friend,

    Jeffrey

    Jeffrey Wittenstein, brother
  • Michael,
    When you were 12 years old I moved into the house next door to you. I watched you grow up and become a man. You were my friend. You were also like the brother I never had growing up as a kid myself.
    Wrestling in the snow in front of the house in the winter, water fights in the summer chasing each other around our houses, the time you dumped a bucket of ice water on me when I was sleeping in the backyard, stickball games behind the Harbor school with you and Jeffrey, Zack, Mark, Gary, just to name a few of the fun times we had.
    Michael, I will miss you more than words can express but I will always have wonderful memories of the good times we had. You were more than a friend, you were a part of my family. There is much sadness and anger still filling my emotions. I can only hope that will subside with time. I will always be so proud of your courage, and the love I feel in my heart for having known you will never subside……
    Now that you probably have some pull, can you do something about the Mets…..

    Micky Biuso, neighbor
  • The following excerpt is from our Rabbi’s (Rabbi Ira Korinow, Temple Emanu-El, Haverhill, MA) Kol Nidre sermon:

    This, after all, is the season for confronting our mortality, for facing up to the unsettling truth that none of us knows how long we have to live. B’ROSH HASHANAH YIKATEVUN UV’YOM TZOM KIPPUR YEHATEMUN, it is decreed on Rosh Hashanah and confirmed on Yom Kippur, MI YICHYEH UMI YAMUT, who shall live and who shall die, who by sword and who by fire. I don’t think the prayer asks us to believe that God decided last September that these thousands of people would not live to see another autumn, and that the terrorists were doing God’s will. I think the prayer comes to warn us that, because life is precarious, make sure you start doing the things that really matter, the things that will ultimately win you your immortality. How do we make our lives matter to the world? The answer is, as Rabbi Harold Kushner says, we do it by loving the people around us and by helping the people around us. If you do just that little bit, you have changed someone’s life and by so doing, you changed the world.

    Michael definitely loved and helped the people around him and in doing so achieved immortality. He will continue to live in our thoughts and memories.

    Brian Helman, cousin
  • This is not the easiest thing for me to do, so please bare with me. Never would we have dreamed that such a horrific accident could happen, never dreamed that we would be doing this for you dear Michael. Mike you were so in love with Carrie and she with you, how we dreamed of walking you down the aisle. How Jared and Ilanna were mad about you, Jared now knows you are in heaven. So Michael our darling son, rest inpeace, we love you and we always, you will always be in our hearts. Our love to you always, Love and Kisses Mom

    Barbara Wittenstein, Mother
  • Brian and I will remember Michael always, but our thoughts will turn to him especially on October 20 each year since he and Carrie’s anniversary date was to be the same as our own. The Torah portion on their wedding day was to be the same as ours as well.

    The senseless acts of September 11, 2001 occurred just before the ten holiest days on the Jewish calendar-the days of awe. Rabbis everywhere scrambled to rewrite their sermons to try and help their congregations make some sense of the tragedy.

    Richelle Helman, cousin
  • Turtle – that’s what they called Mike at work, that’s what my 5 year old son called Daddy’s friend who almost broke his nose at Paul’s house a few summers ago… Andy and I were so happy to be going to the wedding, in fact it would be the very first time in five and a half years that we would sleep away from our kids…what an unbelievable shame. I have great memories of Andy calling in to the office from vacations and just chatting away with Turtle for far too long … they enjoyed each other so much! Carrie, he was a wonderful man and no one can take those memories away from any of us. I will always be here for you.

    Sally Cohen-Alameno, friend
  • I went to elementary, jr. high, and high school with Michael. We had the same initials, both had glasses and braces, saame teachers, the works. I must admit however, Michael had the better sense of humor. Everything was about sports (the Mets) or current events of some sort. Many of his jokes were under his breath so that only the lucky few of us sitting near him could hear. I don’t imagine Michael changed much since those wonderful days. I am sure he became a wonderful man with a bright smile and a brighter future. I am so sorry for the loss his family, fiancee and friends must endure. I am sorry we all have lost such a wonderful person from our world. God bless all of you, you are in my prayers constantly.
    With love,
    Michelle (Williamson) Henson

    Michelle Henson, friend
  • Your family while small in number, all had nothing but love for you. Your Aunts, Frances, Eleanor, Elaine, Ingrid , Joanne and Elizabeth, and Uncles, Barry, Warren, Philip and Mark, and brother-in-law, John. Your cousins and of course and your nephew, Jared and niece Illana all will miss you terrible. How I look forward to you marriage to Carrie, who I truly adored. On a selfish note, I looked forward to having grandchildren from your marriage. A happiness that I shall not know, now. Michael, if I failed you in any way, I am truly sorry and would have done anything to trade places with you. Your last phone call on that terrible day plays over and over again in my head, I can’t bear to see that picture of the North Tower collapsing knowing you were in that building. Michael, my only consolation, shall be my belief in the immortal soul and the resurrection of our body so that I will see you again and touch you, hold you and tell you how much I love you. This loss and hurt will always be a part of me for as long as I may live, but, my love for you will endure for eternity.
    Michael, rest in peace and be assured of all of our love.

    Arnold Wittenstein, Father
  • Dearest Michael,

    I never would have imagined I would have to write something like this to one of my children. However events of September 11th have altered our lives and world history forever.
    I fully realize that at times I may not have shown to you the affection and love I have for you, however please be aware that I truly loved you from the day you were born – your mother’s and my first child. You brought love and happiness to us all. Your achievements in school were a source of pride to us. We were fortunate to be able to share in your achievements, class trips and joys of childhood. You were a source of love and enjoyment to Grandmother, Dorothy, Grandmother, Isabel, Grandfather, William, Grandfather,
    Milton and I am sure to Grandfather, Paul and Grandmother Sylvia.. The additions to our family of your brother, Jeffrey and sister, Caryn, brought a fullness to our lives. The three of you were a source of happiness and pride. Your special ability to put a smile on faces and joy to us was oh so natural for you.

    Arnold Wittenstein, father
  • Every Day a Casual Day

    Michael R. Wittenstein loved game shows, the Jets and Mets, and good (or, truth to tell, bad) jokes. When he graduated from the State University of New York at Albany 13 years ago, he told friends he planned to be a proctologist or a game show host. Don’t ask.

    Instead, he became a bond trader for Cantor Fitzgerald, working in London and California, as well as New York. He was delighted when the firm did away with its dress code; ever after, he was sighted only in khakis and polo shirt.

    He was on the phone with a client in California when an explosion rocked the skyscraper. He called back to apologize that the phone had been disconnected.

    In April, he moved out of his parents’ home in Seaford, on Long Island, to live with his fiancée, Carrie Bernstein, in Hoboken, N.J. They were supposed to be married this Saturday. Ms. Bernstein went to a Devils- Rangers hockey game the other night with his brother Jeffrey. “She seems all right,” he said.
    Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on October 21, 2001

    Jeff Wittenstein, brother
  • Michael, I miss you everyday
    GOD is blessed yo have you by his side

    your pal

    Zac

    michael zacharia, friend
  • A MEMORIAL TO MICHAEL.
    JERUSALEM , ON THIS DAY OF ATONEMENT 2001

    SHOULD WE SAY HOW WONDERFUL AND GOOD MICHAEL IS???
    WHY? EVERYONE KNEW THAT.

    MAYBE WE SHOULD WE SAY THAT HE IS PERFECT? BUT NO WAY, BEING PERFECT IS TO BE A BORE AND MICHAEL IS ANYTHING BUT A BORE.

    SHOULD WE SAY THAT HE IS HANDSOME OR OF GREAT WIT OR THAT WHEN HE LAUGHED, HIS SPECIAL LAUGH, YOU JUST HAVE TO LAUGH WITH HIM. THAT CERTAINLY IS THE TRUTH.

    OR MAYBE WE SHOULD REMIND YOU ALL OF HOW HE WALKED AROUND JERUSALEM AT THAT EARLY AGE AND WOULD GET ALL EXCITED AND POINT AT THE CEILING AND SAY THE FAN UNCLE BARRY THE FAN LAUGHING AWAY AND PUTTING US ALL IN HYSTERICS (YOU JUST HAD TO SEE THAT FACE). AND TO THIS DAY WHEN WE SEE ONE, OR EVEN THINK OF A FAN, IT COMES WITH THE FAN UNCLE BARRY, THE FAN.

    OR MAYBE, JUST MAYBE, I SHOULD LET YOU IN ON THE SECRET OF HOW I LET HIM BEAT ME AT BOWLING. ASK ANYONE WHO WAS AT THE ALLEY THAT NIGHT AND HE WOULD TELL YOU. (YOU KNOW WHAT. MAYBE WE SHOULD JUST FORGET THIS LITTLE INCIDENT)

    YOU KNOW WHAT , I THINK , MAYBE , WE SHOULD REMIND YOU, THAT
    MICHAEL IS THE OLDEST OF MY MOTHER AND FATHER S GRANDCHILDREN, AND HOW MUCH HE WAS ADORED WHEN HE WAS BORN. HE COULD HAVE TAKEN ADVANTAGE AND BEEN SPOILED BEYOND BELIEF, BUT HE WASN’T. ON THE CONTRARY I AM SURE THAT HE DIDN’T EVEN KNOW THE MEANING OF BEING SPOILED.

    Barry Hershkowitz, Uncle
  • I was trying to organize my photographs when I came across photos of Michael. This was several years ago when Roy and I visited with our boys. Do you remember the GIANT plastic dinosaur?
    It also brought to my memory when Michael was out here in Los Angeles and we went over to Aunt Eleanor’s house for dinner. And, Michael, being Michael was so patient with Matthew, Christopher and Jeremy, he didn’t show one bit of frustration. He literally was on the floor playing and wrestling with the boys. Matthew remembers him.
    I have my entire Church (almost 3,000 praying for Michael and for you both, Jeffrey, Caryn, John and Carrie. Our Priests also wanted to send you their condolences. (Father Mike and Father Blaise)
    We wish we could give you hugs in person, but for now, we’ll have to send it e-mail. Take care and hopefully, we’ll be able to visit N. Y. soon.
    With all our love,
    Roy, Cindy and “the boys”

    Cindy Guthrie, Cousin
  • Yesterday Paul told us of the memorial Service to be held today for Michael. Though we cannot be there in person, our hearts and thoughts will be with you and the family as you share memories of Michael. I am so thankful for the many happy memories he gave us, especially , when after his Bar Mitzvah, he chose to spend his summer with us in California. We had SO much fun: Rodeo Drive, searching for the perfect Stetson, the most colorful Hawaiian shirt and souvenirs for the family; Universal Studios, Knotts Berry Farm; card games and Mexican dominoes with the Buttefields; and the nightly ice cream marathons between him and Harry! Will always remember that summer fondly — so
    thank you for giving us those months with Michael. You both, Carrie and the family will always be in our prayers.
    Love,
    Aunt Elle and Joe

    Eleanor Kane, Aunt
  • Turtle- what could I say about Mike? He was smart and kind, sweet and corny, but a dear friend whom I will miss dearly.

    Jose Pichardo, Friend/Co-worker
  • “Turtle” is how I met you and how I will always remember you. Though I haven’t known you for long, you have made a lasting impression on me. You worked with Jeff at Cantor and he loved his job there mainly b/c of you, Andy, Jimmy, and Rob. He talked about all of you endlessly. After he left Cantor, you guys all kept in touch and that is something he forever cherishes. I won’t forget the Mets game both Jeff and I went to with you and Carrie. Carrie and I didn’t watch any of the game b/c we were too busy talking and laughing at you and Jeff. There are many similiarities between the two of you even down to meeting Carrie and I within a few weeks of each other. Over the last few months, I have learned that you laughed with everyone and touched their lives in someway. I know you will always be close to my heart b/c of your relationship with Jeff and all that you two shared. He really loved you and all the good times you guys had. For him, there is so much sadness yet he is glad that you guys are all together. I know you are deeply missed!

    Kim Kennedy, friend
  • Michael,

    It is hard to believe that six months have passed since the tragic events that took you away from friends and family. For me, it seems like the events of 9/11 happened yesterday and not six months ago. There isn’t a moment that goes by that I don’t think about you, but I know you are listening when I talk to you.

    Jeffrey Wittenstein, Brother
  • Mike was a great guy. He was good friends with my husband, John and worked closely with him, sitting side by side. I was really looking forward to going to Carrie and Mike’s wedding. It was always fun to get together with everyone. These guys were very close and that always made you feel very comfortable being with all of them.

    My friendship with Carrie has grown through these past months and I want her to know that she is always in my thoughts and prayers and that I will always be here for her whenever she needs me.

    Love, Nancy

    Nancy Badagliacca, friend - husband was co-worker
  • Remember the day Carrie, You and I were at the South Street Seaport? We were waiting for Kim to meet us at the Pizzeria Uno on the way to that Mets game. You and Carrie hadn’t met her yet, and so you pointed at every guy that walked by and said “Is that Kim?” You were always so quick with the one-liner; that’s what made being your friend so much fun. I miss calling you to tell you that “Alf” was on Nick at Nite, only to have you tell me you were already watching it. I miss going to professional wrestling matches with you. I miss you calling me a loser. I miss Balthazar. I miss gambling. I miss your Joanne Wirly impressions. I miss having hot dog eating contests. I miss you getting kicked in the nose by John Casazza, and using the Egyptian cotton hand towels to mop up the blood.

    Kim and I got engaged the other day, and I really missed not telling you. The wedding is going to be August 17th. I hope you will be there in spirit because I don’t want to miss you there as well.

    Jeff Miller, Friend / Former Co-worker
  • Buddy,

    you’re on my mind every moment… I miss you, There are so many little things that take place, and I think of you front and center…… remember the time we went on a dbl date to OTB…. and we won and the girls lost…. than you lost it on that crazy ride at the Wantagh carnival….. I miss you, I think Vinny is coming back to the Jets… and the Mets are in 1st place….

    PS, you would have loved Spiderman… I saw it with Jeff

    I miss you, and I hope I see you again in Heaven.

    Zac

    zac, friend
  • Mike-
    It has been 8 months since you’ve been gone. We all miss you more than ever and the pain and emptiness is overwhelming. Our only comfort is that you are at peace, because none of us are. The anger and disbelief over the events of 9/11 consumes us. I love you Mike, you were a great brother and a terrific uncle. Always know you are in our prayers.

    Caryn, Jared and Ilanna, sister, nephew and niece
  • Dear Wit, I was going through a shoebox full of old memories which I like to do every once in a while and I found an old folded up rolodex card. It had your name, address and phone # from Suny Albany on it. I must have been in that box at least a hundred times over the years and I’ve never seen that in there before. I can’t recall ever even calling or writing you in college. I told Zac about the card and he said it was there because you were there. He was right. Mike, you and your family will always be with me in my heart and in my prayers. G-d bless you.
    Love, Isaac

    Isaac Zacharia, Friend
  • I will never forget the horror I felt as I came up the stairs at Penn Station and saw your face on a “Missing” Poster. I cannot even begin to imagine the pain your family and friends are going through. Although I didn’t really know you and haven’t seen your brother in years, you and your family remain in my prayers. God bless and be at peace.

    Kerry Brennan, One of your brother's old friends
  • Mike had this impish grin. It was infectious. Carrie and Mike were such a vivacious couple, always giggling and lovingly teasing one another. Juan and I loved spending time with them.

    One night a couple of summers ago, we all went out dancing at Culture Club. After sharing a couple saki bombs over dinner, even Mike and Juan were on the dance floor. Carrie and I decided to sit one out and watch the guys work the crowd. While Juan attempted to seduce me back onto the floor, Mike was belting out the words to some old 80’s hit. He was having a blast and so was everyone around him. This is not a summarization of all that Mike was – just a snapshot from a wonderful evening we all shared.

    Mike would be so proud of Carrie. She will carry him in her heart forever.

    Love,
    Stephanie

    Stephanie Albert, My Fiancee Worked with Mike
  • Michael-
    It is inconcievable that you are gone a year, it seems as if just yesterday you were here. Your bright future was stolen from you, and we all grieve your passing. Mike, you were my brother, my friend, and a wonderful uncle. I admired you and loved you dearly. Jared and Ilanna miss their uncle so much. Jared asks God to let you come back to us in his prayers each night, I only wish it was that simple. I am so grateful for all the wonderful memories I have of you and I will treasure them and your memory for the rest of my life. I love you Mike.

    Caryn, sister
  • Mike:

    It is so hard to believe that one year has passed since you were taken away from us. One year does not feel any different that one month, one day or even one minute, it all feels the same. There is so much pain and anguish that still exists since this horrible tragedy. It is your one year anniversary in heaven with all of your friends, that along with you were suddenly and senselessly taken away from their friends and families. I think about you and all your friends at Cantor everyday, and will continue to do so for the rest of my life. We all miss you so very much. Love Hilary, Jeffrey, Ashley and Sara

    Jeffrey, Brother
  • Dear Witt,

    I like to think that your presence is still with the people that loved you, with that you realize that you are missed and thought of every single day and night. You are a class act, and the best friend anyone could ever have… thanks for all of your laughs and memories

    your buddy Zac

    zac, friend
  • Mike- It seems unreal that it will be three years that you are gone. I miss you so much, so much is different now. You have a new nephew(named for you), Ilanna is starting kindergarten and Jared is going into the 2nd grade. I can not believe that all this is real, you had such a bright life ahead of you and you had so much left to do and give, You are always in our thoughts and prayers and you will forever be in my heart. Your family loves you more than ever.

    Caryn, sister
  • Mike, it seems unreal that you have been gone over six years. I miss you still so much it hurts. I can not believe you are dead. I can not believe how times have changed, Jared will start Middle School, Ilanna will be in 4th grade and my baby Michael will start Kindergarden. You were robbed of a life that was to be great, you had so much left to show the world and do. You are loved, you are missed and you will continue to be for the rest of my life.

    I love you Michael, you were a great brother to me, a spectacular uncle to my kids and a true friend. I love you.

    Caryn Hinson, Sister
  • I lost my friend Tommy on 9/11 and today is his 30th Birthday, so I visited this website to leave a note. I then came across your page because someone on his page referenced you.

    And as I scrolled down and read the notes from your family and friends over the years, I was very touched.
    My uncle Lou worked at Cantor but we lost him to cancer years before the 9/11 tragedy. My extended family also lived next door to you and although I did not know you well, I do remember thinking what a lovely family you were a part of.

    I recall summer afternoons on Maple Ave, seeing such a nice family next door having a barbecue, when we were all kids, You would make jokes through the fence and your sister Caryn was the first person to let me hear a Whitesnake record, so I thought she was really cool.

    So, I wanted to send a note to your family, and just wanted you to know that although I have since moved 4,000 miles from Fulton Street, that day and the amazing people that we lost will never be forgotten.

    Love from Stockholm, Sweden,
    Keri (Vignola) Ingvarsson

    Keri Vignola Ingvarsson, family associate
  • Michael-

    I can not believe it has been 7 years since we talked. I will never forget labor day weekend 2001, we went for a hike, took my kids to the park and you and Jared watched a Godzilla marathon on tv. I miss you more than ever, I can not believe you are gone and I pray one day I see your crocked smile again.

    I love you, you were always more than my big brother, you were my friend.

    Caryn, sister
  • Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.

    We will always remember.

    Dawn, Stranger
  • Dear Michael,

    I grew up looking at your picture on my wall everyday since i was about 2 years old. Although we havent had the chance to get to be close friends, the memories my step-father has told me about you seem so lively and nice. I’d love to have you in my life although i already consider you there in my heart (and Michael lets me share his memories.) I visit you’re memorial at Seaford High School with Michael as often as possible. I see your family every once in a while and cry. I feel for them- I see where you get your good looks, charm and funniness :). Your family and friends are so fortunate to have your prints on their hearts- never to fade away NO MATTER WHAT.

    love,
    Jenna Zac

    jenna zacharia, your best friends daughter
  • Dear Michael,

    I grew up looking at your picture on my wall everyday since i was about 2 years old. Although we havent had the chance to get to be close friends, the memories my step-father has told me about you seem so lively and nice. I’d love to have you in my life although i already consider you there in my heart (and Michael lets me share his memories.) I visit you’re memorial at Seaford High School with Michael as often as possible. I see your family every once in a while and cry. I feel for them- I see where you get your good looks, charm and funniness :). Your family and friends are so fortunate to have your prints on their hearts- never to fade away NO MATTER WHAT.

    love,
    Jenna Zac

    jenna zacharia, Best friends daughter
  • Please remember him, remember how he lived, how he brought joy, life and love to all who knew him. Rest in Peace Michael, we will see each other again.
    I love you big brother.

    Caryn Hinson, sister
  • Turtle, Just wanted to let you know, that you are still in my mind and heart. Thanks for visiting me in Chicago many years ago. Miss you, Branch

    branch Richardson, friend/business
  • Turtle, you are always remembered and missed!

    Kerry Ferrara, co-worker
  • Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves memories no one can steal. I miss you big brother, I will remember you everyday.

    Caryn Hinson, Sister
  • You are thought of every day– I miss you

    Mike Zacharia, Friend
  • Michael- the whole you left in our lives remains, there is no getting past this emptiness. We go through our daily motions but your absence is painfully obvious. I miss you so much, I can’t believe you are gone. I love you and will feel your loss for the rest of my life.

    Caryn Hinson, Sister
  • Mike it is impossible to speak about you without bringing tears to my eyes. The time we spent in California was preety awesome. I so enjoyed going to Disney with you and sharing the time together. Turtle you alwasys had a smile and something nice to say. I may have not known you very long but you touched my heart. May God be with you and watch over a very specail person.

    love and miss you
    yolie

    Yolanda, co-worker (from California)
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