All posts by Tommy Gibson


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  Robert Emmett Parks Jr.

Date of Birth: April 22, 1954
Position: Bond Broker

“At this moment, words cannot express the loss of my oldest son. Naturally, I both love and miss my son.”
Mary Elizabeth Fitzhenry Parks, Mr. Parks’ mother

“My brother Bob woke up every day, eager to work and endeavor. He loved the energy of NYC. He’s a great all-around guy”.
David, Bob Parks’ brother

“My brother Bob had an unbelievable memory not only in work and school-related issues, but also for sports trivia. Through his many colleagues both on Wall Street and globally, tons of whom knew him rather well, they could ring him up and get the correct answer about whom it was who hit a homerun at any U.S. stadium, threw the winning touchdown, or even which horse and owner won any Triple Crown. And though his mind simply brimmed with facts about sports, he was also no slouch on the movement of the stock market since 1929.”
Carol Parks Clancy, Bob Parks’ sister

“Bobby was the quintessential of all that is good – a wonderful, gentle family man, a man of wisdom, virtue and faith. I could talk with him into infinity about anything on every given subject. He was always there for not only me, but his entire family, always with his smiling and charismatic self style.”
Elizabeth (Betsy) Parks, Bob Parks’ sister

“My brother Bobby always encouraged me to stay focused. In fact, we both had begun new jobs at the same time last year. He always put his children, Bridgette and Kevin, first in life.”
Lauren Fitzhenry Parks, His youngest sister


At age 47, Robert Emmett Parks, Jr., was the father of 2 teenagers. He was content to barbecue burgers on the pool deck of his home in Middletown NJ. His enthusiasm for education and sports played out through his encouragement with his children.

His 16 year old daughter, Bridgette Parks, is a successful high school team swimmer as well as a summer lifeguard. Bob attended her swim meets and helped time her, train her, and cheer her on.

Bob was also very involved in the education and sports of his 14 year-old son, Kevin Robert Parks. He was a coach for Kevin’s teams. He coached for the Middletown Youth Athletic Association for many years. Appropriately so, Bob was given an award for his parental involvement.

He was a communicant of St. Catherine’s Church, Holmdel, NJ, where his family are parishioners.

Bob had been a personally successful golfer, belonging to Bamm Hollow Country Club. He himself had played varsity basketball and football at St. Peter’s Preparatory School in Jersey City. And he went on to play sports in College and while attaining his Master Degree. He had been a NY Jets fan since their inception.




Betsy Parks, Sister

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  George Paris

Date of Birth: November 11, 1967
Department: Purchase/Sales of Govt. Bonds

George Paris was born on November 11, 1967 to Michail and Rose. He grew up in Brooklyn and Queens in the Greek Orthodox tradition. He loved to play baseball and football with his friends in Brooklyn, and the friends he made lasted his whole lifetime. When he got older he became interested in playing the drums. Later on he played with many bands in nightclubs around Manhattan. After high school, he got his Bachelor’s degree in Business from Baruch College. In 1990 he met Christina, and they dated for 11 years while they both went to school, Christina studying Veterinary Technology and George studying Business and Finance at C.W. Post campus of Long Island University. During those years they had fun taking Christina’s daughter Stacey to Disneyland and other places, horseback riding, hiking, traveling to Greece and London, going to plays and comedy clubs in the city, and just being in love. George and Christina got married in June of 2001, and had baby Constantina the same year. She had only three months with her father. George was working for Cantor Fitzgerald, and only one semester away from his MBA degree when he was taken from this world by terrible hatred. He is very much missed by his family and friends, but will always be remembered for his love of life, silly sense of humor, loyalty, and generosity. Rest in peace, George.



Christina Paris, Wife

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  Vinod Parakat

Date of Birth: April 26, 1967
Department: Central Development
Position: Programmer

There are no words to explain how much we miss you…


Jayasree and Saraswathi Menon, Vinod’s Wife and Mother

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  Edward J. Papa

Date of Birth: July 1, 1954
Department: Government Securities
Position: Vice President, Partner

Dad,
We’re not ready to say goodbye to you, and never could we imagine that it would be in such a way. This incomprehensible tragedy has touched not only us, our family and friends, but has brought anguish to the lives of so many others as well.
In the face of hopelessness, we must depend upon the intense closeness that we share as a family to get us through the coming days. We have been blessed with an incredible family, for which we have been thankful throughout our lives. The strength, love, humor, and care that have always filled our home has continually amazed not only us, but everyone who our family has touched.
In bearing witness to the love that you and mom have always shared and shined upon us, we have learned to be good, kind and humble human beings. Sincerity, kindness and humility have been at the root of everything you brought to this world, shining through in your smile, your voice and your eyes.
Ever since we were small, we knew that we had a strong father who would protect us and never allow us to feel alone or scared. We remember you putting us to bed as children, chasing the monsters from our heads with the soothing lullabies of James Taylor as we’d lie upon your chest, smelling your scent, and listening to your heart beat, the rhythm of safety.
As we grew and began to traverse our individual paths, you never ceased to guide, support and love the women we have become. We each looked forward to the car rides back and forth from college or airports or basketball tournaments, when each of us could have you to ourselves for a few hours, as you played us your favorite songs, told us stories of your life, and passed on your wisdom. Liz, Michelle and I looked forward to your surprise phone calls, just to check up on us and tell us you loved us, while Kacee and mom enjoyed your company every day at home, be it at the dinner table or relaxing together on the weekends.
We all remember you playing the guitar Michael Hart gave you, your sweet voice as it filled the room with James Taylor, Neil Young and Jackson Browne. We vividly recall the quintessential image of you as you barbequed on our deck, whether it be on a hot summer day or frigid winter night. The traditions we shared as a family were very special to all of us: the enormous Sunday dinners, the holidays shared with our wonderful extended family, the SPECTACULAH vacations on the Vineyard that meant so much; our times at the Vineyard were the portion of each year set aside solely to eat, drink, be merry and let the love of our family and friends saturate the air around us.
Dadzo, you’ve taken such great care of us, always putting us and mom before yourself. You were an amazing provider, never were we in want or need of anything. You’ve shown us what it means to be generous, thoughtful, selfless and compassionate. You learned from your own parents, our beloved Grama and Poppy, the importance of opening your arms and your heart to anyone who would come into our home. You opened the door of 60 Highwood to all of our friends, frying up Eddie McMuffins for one and all and offering paternal affection for those in need. You gave so freely of yourself to others, yet you also allowed for a bit of self-indulgence in life. You taught us to live each day to the fullest. The resounding glow of your spirit will live on in each one of us, in every moment of every day, in everything that we do. We know you will always be here with us, for the rest of our lives, holding our hands, encouraging us to follow our dreams and the paths that we choose. We will take care of mom and we will take care of each other, as you have taken care of us all these years.
We love you so much Dadzo.



Patricia Papa, Wife

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  Richard Palazzolo

Date of Birth: February 18, 1962
Position: Bond Broker

Rico was a very special son and brother to his identical twin Ronny and sister Maria. We miss him very much and because he was taken with nothing, we remain with nothing but special memories. There is no closure for us, but be sure we feel him close and he always will be with us.

Love you Rico,



Mom,

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  Peter J. Owens, Jr.

Date of Birth: December 2, 1958
Position: Government Agencies

My husband Pete was a pretty simple guy. He went to work every day. He was never late or sick. He loved to take care of me and the kids and the garden. He loved sports and fishing. Pete coached our sons in basketball and baseball. He was a fair coach and a good sport. Pete folded the wash and did the dishes every night. He took our daughter Maryellen to all the newest silly movies, for bike rides and shopping. Our kids are Joe, 21, Tom, 14, and Maryellen, 12. We used to like to watch “Friends” and “Raymond” and the Yankees together. He had to watch “Cops” and The Discovery Channel and Saturday morning fishing shows by himself. He was really funny and we all laughed a lot. Pete’s parents are Dolores and Pete, his brothers are Terry-married to Joanie, their kids are Robert and AnneMarie; Kevin-married to Lorraine; Tom, who is married to Kate and has a new baby, Clare; and John. His sister is Kathy, who shared a birthday with him-December 2. On this birthday, his 43rd, he was supposed to be going on his annual fishing trip to the Salmon River. Instead, his friends took with them a bronze plaque with his picture on it that they had made to hang at their fishing spot in his memory.


Kathy Owens, Wife

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  Todd Joseph Ouida

Date of Birth: May 18, 1976
Department: Foreign Exchange Options
Position: Broker

You are with us in our hearts forever.
Aunt Elenore


Elen Reynolds, Aunt

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  Jason Oswald

Date of Birth: December 18, 1972
Department: Accounting
Position: Accountant

John Douglas Oswald, 28, was born December 18, 1972 in Chicago, IL. Jason was the son of Ken and Jane Oswald of Merrill, WI and the brother of Jennifer Oswald of Houston, TX.
Jason graduated from McCullough High School, Spring, TX in 1991. He went on to complete his undergraduate degree at Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL in 1995. At Wheaton, Jason played for the school volleyball team. He then finished his Master’s in Accounting at The University of Texas at Austin in 1997. Following graduation, Jason began his career at Price Waterhouse LLP in Chicago, IL. In June 2001, Jason moved to New York City and in August 2001 Jason went to work for Cantor Fitzgerald.
An avid outdoorsman, Jason enjoyed running, skiing, fishing, and playing golf and volleyball. He also enjoyed reading and eating mom’s homemade apple pie. He had a witty sense of humor that drew many to him, and his kindness was evident to all.
Jason and his girlfriend, Nancy Prentis attended Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York. Jason trusted Christ as his personal Savior at a young age, and made his relationship with the Lord a priority in his life.
We as a family will greatly miss him, but rejoice that he is now with the Lord.
Mom, Dad and Jennifer



Ken and Jane Oswald, Mom and Dad

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  James Ostrowski

Department: Irs/Cm-Short/Med Swaps

Jim was a true gift from God who was taken from us much too soon. His wife, Joanna, and his three young children, Annie, James and Olivia, adored him. The highlight of their day was when he walked in the door after work. And it was no wonder they all looked forward to his arrival-Jim was completely devoted to his family. He loved to play ball with the children or read stories to them. When Joanna had a hard day, Jim was always there too-to help with the housework, to bathe the children, to cook, or to just be a listening ear.

Jim had tremendous energy. He couldn’t wait for his children to be old enough to play sports. He wanted to be a coach for all three of them. Jim would get so excited when one of his children hit a ball or kicked a goal, even if he had to fall out of the way for the goal to go in. His enthusiasm was infectious-he would have made a great coach.

Jim only saw the good in people. You could see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice when you spoke to him. This is why so many people loved him so much. When his memorial took place at his church, more than 1,500 people were there for him and his family. They came from all over the country.

Joanna has received so many letters from people whose lives Jim has touched. She had never heard of some of them and yet they felt compelled to write to her and tell her how much he meant to them.

Jim was an extraordinary, kind and loving man-we will never forget him and will always miss him.




Jim’s Family,

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  Ronald Orsini

Date of Birth: August 17, 1942
Position: Bond Broker

My son is almost 6 months old now. He has an innocent face and a beautiful smile that knows no sadness. Although he will have a happy life, he will never meet his Grandpa Ronnie. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of my father. He was my hero. He loved my Mom, his family and friends. He had such a love for life and enjoyed every day to the fullest. I think of all the moments we spent together and the joy that was my life.

It pains me that my son will never get to meet this man. He will never know this wonderful guy that made a trip to the mall a special event. He will never see the funny faces he made just because he wanted to. He will never play catch with him or go out for ice cream with him. He would have been the greatest grandfather on earth. This picture was taken so that my son could see his grandfather that day he was born. It was taken a few days before September 11. I show it to him every day and when he looks at it, somehow maybe he knows that he has an angel looking out for him from Heaven as he would have on Earth.

Dad, I miss you more than words can say. I wish you were not gone. I love you forever.

Your only child,
Danielle


Danielle, Daughter