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Robert Patrick Devitt, Jr. Date of Birth: December 28, 1964 Position: Director of Purchasing/Project Manager This tribute is for my dearest and closest friend, Bob. We met 12 years ago at Kutztown University in Pennsylvania. I was immediately attracted to his off-the-wall humor and eccentric ways. We started dating in 1992 and lived together since 1998. The last nine years of my life were always interesting with Bob by my side. No doubt about it, he was the biggest and most wonderful part of my world. I would have been proud to call him my husband one day. Bob was a colorful character who is remembered the most for his sense of adventure. Here was a 36 year-old guy who had the excitement level of a 12 year-old child. His zest for living was contagious. Bob’s many life adventures included kayaking, scuba diving, riding motorcycles, and skydiving. In his earlier years he played basketball and rugby, ran track, and pole-vaulted. He was known for staring fear in the face and tackling it. He lived to explore new experiences and push himself and others beyond any set limits. When I think of what I miss the most about Bob, I think of many things. His screaming laughter, great stories, tremendous cooking, powerful golf swing, stimulating conversations, and protective ways rank in the top ten. But what I miss more than anything, oddly enough, is his hands. Why? Because his hands told his stories, mixed love into his cooking, gripped his golf club, illustrated the point of his conversation, and held me in times of need. From laying block, fixing cars, and building bookcases to holding hands, tickling my sides, or brushing stray hairs from my face—his hands could do it all. They spoke volumes that, though I will never hear again, I will remember for the rest of my life. The following is a poem I wrote for Bob in his memory: WILD RIVER Your life— Diverse. At places roaring with exhilarating rapids, At others, soothing and serene. But mostly rushing along— Twisting, turning, Nourishing the life that surrounded it, Only ever asking in return to be left free— Unharnessed. And being so, able to continue giving Unselfishly, Inspiring those who admired you with your strength and beauty. Now, my love, your bustling river has stopped running, Leaving behind a winding path that, Though too short, In its time ran deeply. It’s in that path that I’ll find your undying spirit, Unconventional ways, Forthright wisdom, Strength, loyalty, Love, laughter, Generosity and, Above all else, your zest for living that stayed with you Until the last drop of your river flowed. So what becomes of your river now, my love? For me, it is the image of radiant sunshine Playing off your every ripple and wave That will stay with me always. And while you might be gone, You are still with me In the place where your wild river always was, And always will be— That short, wild river, Deeply etched into the landscape of my heart— Forever. By Nicole LeMaster
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Monthly Archives: April 2014
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Edward DeSimone III Date of Birth: September 15, 1964 Department: Government Bonds Position: Vice President Edward was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, he graduated Nazareth Regional High School Brooklyn, NY, in 1982. He graduated De Vry Institute in 1984. Upon graduation of De Vry Eddie started working for Telerate in 1984. Then he moved on to Cantor Fitzgerald in 1986, where he was a dedicated employee for 15 years. In 1993, Eddie married Joanne and later built the home of their dreams and moved to New Jersey. His daughter, Stephanie, was born in 1995 and his son, Edward IV, was born in 1997. There are no words that can truly express all the love I have for Eddie. Eddie was a wonderful husband and daddy, you could not find a more prouder man. He was dedicated to his family and friends. As a wife, I could not have dreamed or wished for a more perfect man. Eddie was a dream come true. Incredibly loving, caring, romantic, amazing, and very humorous, always putting love and laughter in my heart and a smile on my face. I am extremely proud to be his wife. Everyday when Eddie was home was like an adventure. In the fall, Eddie would take Stephanie, Little Eddie and I, on nature walks through the woods. Eddie would show us how to find deer tracks by moving the leaves away to see the deer prints in the dirt. Oh’ how Eddie loved to fish. Eddie always said he could not marry someone who did not like to fish. Eddie was so proud when Stephanie started to cast her own pole. He would often say, “the best times in life are with family and friends.” Eddie also loved to cook and loved to teach Stephanie and Little Eddie how to make their own pizza. We would go out to feed the deer, horses, play T-ball, soccer, football, hopscotch and rough house together. There were many times that I would cry when I watched Eddie play with Stephanie and Little Eddie. Eddie would say to the kids look mommy’s crying again. I would tell Eddie how much I love him and how incredibly lucky I was to have him as a husband. Then Eddie would go pick up the telephone and pretend to call the doctor just to put that smile back on my face. I would never have to tell him to play with Stephanie and Little Eddie because he was a dedicated Daddy. Every night Eddie came home it was family night, most Saturday’s and every Sunday were family days. Eddie was well known and liked throughout the world. Everyone that knew him had more than one hilarious story to tell. Oh’ how he could make people laugh, sometimes he could put smiles on the faces of others that overheard him. Eddie had his own unique way of telling the funniest jokes and stories and simply would not rest until he put that smile on your face, and he always succeeded. I will always remember the little jokes he told Stephanie and Little Eddie, because they are just like him, always telling jokes they learned from their Daddy. Eddie was very magical with the kids, not only his own, but with others. At Christmas time, Eddie would occasionally dress as Santa Claus for our development and for Cantor, he truly enjoyed making the kids happy. Eddie was a big kid himself. In our hearts, everyday was Christmas just by his presence. Eddie was a dedicated husband and Daddy. All the love and laughter Eddie gave to me in fifteen years, Stephanie in six years and Little Eddie in four years, most people don’t have in a lifetime. We were truly lucky. Eddie will be greatly missed but will live forever in our hearts. Your loving wife Joanne, Your beautiful children Stephanie & Edward
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Monique Dejesus Date of Birth: December 26, 1972 Position: Administrative Assistant (The following is the eulogy from Monique’s service) Hello, my name is Miriam Caceres and I am Monique Dejesus’ Aunt. I remember the day Monique was born, December 26th, 1972. My sisters and I became Aunts for the very first time and my mother became a Grandmother. God could not have blessed us with a more precious gift for Christmas. Monique was one of a kind. She was the kind of person that would always think of others. She was generous and always helping people. She had a compassion for those in need and was always there for her friends and family. If you asked…she’d deliver! She was always helping people find jobs and was very well known for playing Cupid. She introduced many couples, some of who have married and have children today. Monique enjoyed getting together with her friends and family, I called her the “Coordinator” because she was always planning a get-together. When she entered a room, her elegance and beautiful smile would make her shine. She had the kind of personality that would build curiosity; she was always the center of attention. This charming personality was natural and effortless. The beautiful aura that she possessed was definitely noticed. I was fortunate enough to have spent September 8th with her. She took me to see a friend I had not seen in 11 years. We had a wonderful time during our 4-hour ride. We talked about many things and, of course, she played her Diana Ross CD over and over again…as usual, she had me laughing the whole day. It was a perfect day. Our friends and family have gathered several photos of Monique. These were our happy moments, pictures of her and her very good friends, one of which was Angie Rosario and another photo of her boyfriend, Lloyd Brown. They, too, worked at Cantor Fitzgerald. They, too, are in Heaven with Monique. There is one particular photo, which was taken on Labor Day weekend when we attended her cousin’s baby shower. As always, Monique was the life of the party. She kept insisting that everyone gather together for a family photo. There were so many of us I thought it would be impossible, so I told her if you really want me to take the picture, you gather the crowd together. Within minutes we were all grouped together and Lloyd Brown snapped our first family photo. We will forever treasure that photo for as long as we live. I’m sure Monique would like us to remember her that way and to treasure her memory in our hearts and never forget all the laughs that we shared. I will miss her emails and how she would always end them with “Feliz Navidad” or how she would call and say in a southern accent, “Hellllllllooo, it’s Wilma”. I remember Monique telling me how she admired her mother for her strength and determination and how she admired her father for being such an avid reader. Monique loved her parents very much and enjoyed spending time with each of them. Being and only child she was able to excel because of the recognition and attention she received, from her family; she was well rounded. On September 10th, Monique and I had emailed each other. It was quite unusual. We often emailed and spoke everyday, but on this day it was a great deal. I made it a point to delete all the messages at the end of the day. Nevertheless, upon returning to work in October, I knew all the emails were erased and I was very upset. Ironically enough, for some strange reason, one emailed remained in my inbox. I would like to share Monique’s message with everyone, which I have framed to always remind me of the importance of unselfishness and appreciation. I ask that you listen carefully because due to the past circumstance, I believe this was a message that Monique sent to me as if she knew she would be called away by God…. “When I was getting off the expressway yesterday, there was a man at the exit sitting there with his head down. He obviously was homeless. I felt really bad for him – I thought, does this man have family, friends, maybe he’s hungry???…Miriam, it made me think, people in general, that no one is ever completely happy with what they have, with themselves, partners, their homes, etc. Some wish they can have more. People in this world should THANK God for what they have…” Those were her last words to me…I love you Mo, and I will miss you till my last breath of life.
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Jason DeFazio Date of Birth: July 12, 1972 Department: Zero Coupon Desk Position: Bond Broker This was the eulogy written for his memorial: I know that you are here with me and can hear me but I wanted to make sure that everyone knows the full extent of my love for you and to share in that love. It’s so difficult for me to put into words how I feel about you. From the first moment I met you, I knew my life had changed. After 2 months, I just knew that you were the one I was going to marry and that day, June 23, 2001, was the best day of my life. I love you because of all the things you are and because of all that I am when I’m with you. I love you because you have shown me in hundreds of beautiful ways what love means. Not only were you selfless in your love with me but with everyone you associated with. I never met someone like you who was so kind, trusting, compassionate, and caring. You taught me how to love and trust people even when I didn’t have any faith anymore. I never thought that love could be this endless, deep and true. Thank you for bringing out the best in people, especially in me. You always supported me even if you didn’t want me to do something. You are my hero. You are the joy in my heart, the meaning in my life. You are my world – my love. You’re my best friend, my life, my companion and my soul mate. Right now I’m in disbelief. When we married we vowed to love one another until death do us part. My love continues to grow stronger and stronger for you each day and even death can’t sever the bonds of our love. When you died, I died too. Half of me is gone and I feel empty inside. There’s such a void in my life. You were my whole life. I don’t know what I’m going to do without you. My heart hurts so much thinking about the plans that we made, the dreams that we shared – now all shattered and unfulfilled. The only reason I am still here now is to remind people of the wonderful person you were and how knowing you changed my life and many others. All I have now are the memories and I promise that I will never let them die. I count the minutes and hours until that day we are reunited but until then I will wait for you in my dreams. You are my breath, my soul, my life and will be forever. Until we meet again. Your loving wife, Michele
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Michael DeRienzo Department: Securities Lending “Smitty” that was his name to The Securities Lending Family. I worked with Smit for 6 years and I do not know two colleagues who were as close as we were. We gave each other a great deal of respect, we accepted each other for who were, we laughed together, fought together, but most of all I know we were best friends. Smitty, you will never be forgotten for your personality, sense of humor, sarcasm, bright smile and most of all the special kind of person you were to all. Although you are gone, they cannot take away the most important thing you taught me about life “Stop worrying about tomorrow and live for today.” Smitty was a huge sports fan, athlete and traveler. He ran the N.Y. Marathon in 1996 skied out West and visited numerous places including his most recent trip to Nepal. To your twin sister Lisa, I promise you I will be there for her for whatever she needs, while you and your Mom protect and watch over her from above. I know you, Steve, Joe, Louie, & Lorraine are our angels watching and protecting all of us who miss you so much. Love, Karen
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Azucena De La Torre Date of Birth: January 8, 1951 Position: Project Manager/VP Can one find words that would accurately express what Azucena meant to us? Perhaps, we could start by symbolizing the effects of September 11th, 2001 on our family and say: The column that held this family has been demolished, but the column will rise again; the building will stand tall and strong and if for no other reason, but because Azucena taught us to be that way. Azucena Maria de la Torre was born in the South American country of Ecuador. She moved to New York after finishing high school. Her life is definitely a story of heroism and inspiration for all that have known her. She achieved professional and financial success while attending City College as full time student and working a full time job. She received a master degree in Computer Science from NYU and held high positions at Chase Manhattan Bank and Cantor Fitzgerald/eSpeed. There are so many memories that will live in our hearts, and although she is no longer with us, these memories will never die. Which memories should we begin sharing? Should we commence by highlighting her personality? Then, we need to say foremost that even though she attained professional accomplishments, she always remained well rounded, humble, and always maintained love for her family, her sense of humor, her compassion, and her caring ways. She was an exceptional woman with the rare gift of excelling at everything and possessed the ability to emotionally connect with every member in our family, from our mother to our youngest nephew. Azucena took special care of her mother and made sure that all her needs were met. When her sister passed away five years ago, Azucena embraced her two nieces as if they were her own. She provided them with everything in her power. She counseled and guided them through her own example, and kept them on track whenever they wanted to go astray. We will never forget Saturday barbeques by the pool, her quick hand to help, the precision of her math skills, or how she unconditionally welcomed us into her heart every time we needed comfort. Her garden will miss her touch and love; it will never blossom like it did with her. She was tragically taken from us, and our only hope is that her suffering was minute to none. We can only imagine that during those horrific moments of September 11th she was calm and acted wisely and precisely because that was the way she was. Nothing can fill this emptiness; our family is now an apple without a core. Afita, you will always be remember as the most kind, thoughtful, intelligent, giving, generous and warm hearted a person is capable of being. While you were on this earth, God guided you and your ways; without a doubt you were just to good for this world and belonged in a better place. As much as it hurts us to let you go, you now belong in heaven waiting patiently to embrace whomever’s destiny is next. Dearest daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, we will not say farewell, but until we meet again.
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Paul De Cola Date of Birth: May 28, 1962 Department: Customer Service, Infrastructure Paul was a hardworking perfectionist who gave his all at whatever he did. He was an avid electronic hobbyist who was always working on a new project. He was passionate about technology. A faithful spouse and a good father and non-compromising in his beliefs. He is sorely missed by his family.
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Anna De Bin Date of Birth: June 19, 1971 Department: Legal Position: Administrative Assistant Anna was born in Elk, Poland. In 1985, at the age of 14, she and her family immigrated to America. In July 1993, Anna became a citizen of the United States, and in September we married. On June 20, 1999 she gave birth to our son, Timothy Joseph. Anna was incredibly devoted to family life and deeply absorbed in the joy of raising our son. She dedicated all of her time and efforts to creating a peaceful, warm family environment for us. She loved life. She was involved in a range of family activities, creating fun parties for our son and organizing summer pool parties for our friends. Anna valued spending quiet weekends at home with her family. Often she prepared delicious meals or baked our favorite goodies. She also appreciated nature and loved animals. Occasionally we enjoyed hiking in the woods and frequently visited petting farms with Timmy. Anna was a wholesome and vibrant woman. She was full of surprises, and her passion for nature was truly reflected in the nature of her loving character. She left this world far too early, but has brought eternal joy to everyone who knew her. She was a beautiful person with special gifts and unique qualities. She will be missed by all whose lives she has touched…she will never be forgotten. Anna, you will always be in our hearts!
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Michael Davidson Date of Birth: June 7, 1974 Position: Equity Options Trader/Derivatives It’s ironic that in tragic times or even worse – death – that those lost tend to take on a more mythical or legendary persona. We tend to forget the more difficult times and instead remember the good times that much clearer. I guess that is a way of preserving the memories of a loved one. Michael Davidson – a son, a brother, a fiance, a friend – will always be remembered and not only for his significance, but also for his naughtiness. You see Michael was one of those few people that when you were with him and had the pleasure to be around him, you instantly felt something good because he made sure of that. And, don’t get me wrong, it was never boring!!! In the Broadway show “Rent”, there is a song that is entitled “Seasons of Love” and the question posed in the song is “How do you measure a year?” The response is “In Love”. When I looked out onto the hundreds of people that attended Michael’s memorial service, I truly understood what that phrase meant and what Michael represented. How could he – only 27 years old – touch so many people in such a short time? Is that possible? With Michael, anything was possible and he proved it. Mike was everything that was good. Everything that is right in the world. He knew how to love and be loved. He knew how to smile and laugh as well as make others smile and laugh. He cared not only about himself but others around him. He symbolized family and epitomized what a friend should be. He was dependable. But most of all he stood up for himself and what he believed. In fact sometimes we wondered if the cliche “dancing to the beat of a different drum” wasn’t coined for Michael. Whatever drummer he was listening to obviously had the right beat. For someone that barely graduated Rutgers University he didn’t do so bad. On the verge of becoming a partner at such a young age, about to marry his college love and finally closing on his first home…I would say not bad at all. But quite honestly, as those who survived his teenage and college years know, that although his heart was usually in the right place, his actions were far from perfect. But then again, who is? Michael was not a god or some supernatural being (though at times he tried convincing us otherwise), he did become the man you could be very proud to call your son, brother, husband and friend. We miss him so much and our lives will obviously never be the same. Michael lived each day to its fullest. He worked hard and played hard. Now we are left trying to mimic his attitude for life but, as we all know, it is difficult and at times sometimes a losing battle. As we try and redefine our lives and what “normal” means we never stop thinking of how things should really be. Now is the time those in our lives become that much more important. We need to be strong for each other and together we will redefine “normal” as the way Michael would expect it!!! We’ll Always Remember You as You Mean So Very Much to Us!! Love, Mom, Grandma, your brother Jeff, your fiancee Dominique & special friend Allan
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Jeannine Damiani-Jones Date of Birth: October 7, 1972 Position: Government Agency Bond Broker A person’s life cannot be measured by the number of years on this planet. It must, however, be measured by the impact a person has on our lives. To that end, Jeannine, wife of Shawn, daughter of Bob and Cathy, and sister of Brian, had a gift. Jeannine always knew how to make you feel special and loved; when she loved you, she loved you unconditionally. She had an extraordinary way of putting others first. Her generosity had no boundaries, nor did her smile. She had a way of lighting up a room that was matched only in intensity by the way she lived her life. Never in a bad mood, Jeannine lived every day to the fullest, leaving us all gasping for air, but never leaving us behind. As one of her best friends said, “Jeannine lived every day like it was her birthday.” (For those of us who knew her best, however, we know she didn’t just have a birthday, Jeannine had a birthday week). She traveled to places many people only dream of, and spent most summer weekends at the beach perfecting her, what seemed to be, year-round tan. She even persuaded her pale-skinned, Irish husband that he, too, can “get color”. Jeannine’s life was also enriched by the passion she had for her work at Cantor Fitzgerald. She was recruited upon graduation from Villanova University and started in the training program in 1994. Upon completion of the program, she was assigned to the Agency desk where she was the only female bond broker at that time. Jeannine knew she would have to work very hard to prove herself in this male-dominated business. Always willing to accept a challenge, she used her talent, work ethic, aggressiveness and personality to excel as a broker and gain acceptance as “one of the boys.” Intelligent, fun-loving, loyal, fearless and beautiful are all words used to describe Jeannine. Yet as beautiful as she was on the outside, she was even more beautiful on the inside, and that is what makes us most proud. We miss her every day and she will never be forgotten.
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