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Andrew Stergiopoulos Date of Birth: March 7, 1978 Department: Product Development “Not often in the story of mankind does a man like Andrew arrive on earth. To know him was to know him well. Andrew was incapable of half measures, and to know him well was to love him. He was a born leader; he excelled at everything he did; and he inspired by his example. This is a man who taught us what it means to be alive, and there falls along with him a whole wing of the palace of our lives.” These words were spoken at Andrew’s memorial by one of his best friends. Andrew was a truly remarkable young man. He was talented, intelligent, quick-witted and most definitely unique; his short life was productive and active. He was a natural athlete, a born leader. His competitive nature drove him to excel at everything he did. He was always surrounded by friends, and family who loved him. He was so many good things all rolled up into one amazing young man. Thank you, Andrew, for being my son, for the great memories you created, the good times we all shared and for the insights into life that you provided us. Andrew, your father and I are proud to call you our son. You were truly a light in our lives, a shining star, our golden boy. You made everyone laugh, that is something we will always cherish. We’re thankful for the short time we had with you. Andrew, we will never forget you, you are here with us always, I can still see your smile, hear you laugh. You were kind, sensitive and protective of those you loved, a loyal son, brother and friend. May God give you peace; we will love and cherish you always. Andrew, you are sadly missed but your spirit lives in every life you touched. We loved you living and we love you still. I long for the time when I can be with you again.
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Alexander Robbins Steinman Date of Birth: January 12, 1969 Department: Institutional Equities Position: Vice President and Partner Alex was known for living life double time, and for always thinking and acting in a “big” way. His life was undoubtedly too short, but very full. He was a loyal and loving husband, brother, son, grandson, nephew and friend. Alex devoted great energy and passion to all persons lucky enough to be included in his circle of life. He so enjoyed making people laugh and his generosity and spirit infected everyone he touched. We spent our last days together attending a wedding in Italy…Alex was surrounded by an audience of many of our best friends and family. We returned on the afternoon of Monday, September 10th and he was eager to get back to work on Tuesday to touch base with his clients, and catch up with his co-workers. Alex took great pride in his work and so enjoyed the company of his colleagues and clients, many of whom were good friends, too. They all worked hard — and played hard — together. I can only imagine that they stuck together in the end, supporting and comforting each other on that tragic morning. Alex, I was blessed to have known you for over 17 years. You were my high school sweetheart, my husband and my best friend. My heart is filled with years of memories. We so loved to reminisce…looking back at our fun-loving days together as teenagers always made us smile – especially the story of our first kiss on my birthday – a gift that has enriched my life ever since. Our lives were completely intertwined. You must know that your absence has gone through me like a needle…everything I do is stitched with its color. My words to you under your photograph on my high school yearbook page will always ring true: “If I could reach up and hold a star for each time you’ve made me smile, an entire evening sky would be in the palm of my hand.” You have left an indelible mark on this world and on the lives of so many friends and family. We all miss you incredibly. The void we feel is huge. Although, we will forge ahead through the seasons and years to come, keeping your memory, spirit, love and laughter alive, forever. Donations in the name of Alexander Robbins Steinman can be made to: The Lynne Robbins Steinman Foundation c/o Snug Harbor Cultural Center 1000 Richmond Terrace Staten Island, NY 10301
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Anthony Starita Date of Birth: June 10, 1966 Department: U.S. Agencies Position: Vice President/Partner Anthony started working for Cantor in the Accounting Dept. in March on 1987. He moved to the Government trading desk in 1990. He became Vice President in 1994 and a Partner in 1998. From January 1, 2001 – September 11th he worked on the U.S. Agency Desk. Anthony graduated St. Peter’s High School for Boys in Staten Island in 1984 and received his B.B.A. from Baruch College in 1989. Anthony grew up in Staten Island playing ball on his street and on Little League teams and when he got older, spent his summers traveling to the Hamptons every weekend where he and his friends would rent a house. In the summer on 1986 we met on the beach in the Hamptons and were married on February 17, 1991. We had our first daughter, Kaila, in 1995 and moved to Westfield, NJ in 1997 and had Jason in 1998. It is an impossible task to sum up the magnitude of what and who Anthony was, but he certainly was the most dedicated and proudest man in every aspect of his life…his marriage, his children, his job and his family and friends. He loved life and everything about it. He just made everything fun. Listed below are quotes from some of the eulogies given at Anthony’s Memorial that I believe give some insight into the wonderful man Anthony was and always will be to all of us. “Anthony was a friend indeed. He played hard and worked hard and taught me and others how to live. We pause today to give thanks to God for having the privilege of knowing him and sharing life with him. Thank you Anthony for the beauty of your life and the beauty you brought into our lives.” John Spero, Friend “Anthony was a professional, an immaculate dresser and had an unbelievable work ethic. Anthony had it all. He was smart, good looking, successful, charismatic and extremely loyal to his friends and family. He was very proud of them. He was a great husband, father, son, brother and friend. The only thing he was short on was time.” Eddie DeCastro, Friend “I am honored to count Anthony as a friend. He always made us smile and feel comfortable. He was a man who defined himself not only by his professional success, but also by the love and happiness derived from his life with Diane, Kaila and Jason. Anthony’s achievements were many and his noble qualities were remarkable. He was a hero to his family. So long as we live, he too shall live and love, for he is a part of us.” Michael Tighe, Friend “As a little boy, I always looked up to Anthony and admired him. He was the cool older brother I never had. Anthony and cool – synonymous. I always knew Anthony was there to help and would always be there. When I made my confirmation, I chose the name Anthony. Attributing it to Anthony Starita.” Sal Tisi, Cousin “Anthony appreciated life’s frailty and didn’t take the blessings in life for granted. He was a willing partner in making sure the relationships with the people in his life were cultivated and nourished. He had an uncanny ability to get to know people quickly and find common ground with them. That is what I believe is Anthony’s legacy: to make time for those around us who we love. To find that special quality in another person that allows us to relate to them. Simply, to love life.” Dr. Steven Curiale, Brother-in-law “When he was small he was Walter Starita’s son. As he grew up I became Anthony Starita’s father and I cherish every minute of it. When he was small, I dressed him. When he grew up, he dressed me. When he was small, I scolded him. When he grew up, he scolded me. When he was small, I gave him allowance. When he grew up, he gave me financial advice. When he was small, I taught him to ride a bike. When he grew up, he taught me to play golf. When he was small, I bought ice cream. When he grew up, he bought dinner. And I cherish every minute of it.” Walter Starita, Father “I am not left with anything to wish for or any regrets. Just that Anthony was taken from us in his prime when he was appreciating and enjoying life to its fullest. He was the smartest person I knew, able to engage in a conversation on any subject you could possibly imagine. And no one could make me laugh to the point of tears the way he did. We not only loved each other, but liked each other as well. He was the true core of our family. Such a great husband and proud father, always making time with his family a priority. The list of what he taught all of us could go on and on. And so along with all the things that made Anthony the wonderful man he is – he is now also our hero. Diane Starita, Wife Yes Anthony, I do miss you. I miss the walks, the talks, the advice, the laughter, the comfort, the fun, the hugs, the kisses, the smile, the big brown eyes and sharing all of me with all of you. You are forever in all of our minds, hearts and souls until we can be together again.
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Eric A. Stahlman Date of Birth: June 13, 1958 Department: Swaps Eric Stahlman…a true friend…family man…terrific husband and father…a good son and brother…generous until it hurt…sidesplitting funny man…huge fan of the Grateful Dead, Yankees, Giants and Islanders…lived life to its fullest. You didn’t have to know Eric Stahlman for more than 10 minutes to recognize that he was a very special and unique individual. A true friend… Growing up in Patchogue, Long Island, he was the ringleader of a group of friends that remained close friends for his lifetime. This past summer, he attended his 25th high school reunion. Many of his friends, who hadn’t seen him for a while, commented on how good he looked and how glad they had been to see him. And through college, adulthood and his career in the financial services industry, Eric kept adding to this growing community of friends. And, his friendships were strong and lasting because he was a true friend, a best buddy, in every way. He was that special kind of person that when you were with him, it was impossible not to have a good time. At the end of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the angel Clarence writes a note to George Bailey that says, “no man is a failure who has friends.” If that statement is true, then Eric Stahlman was one of the most successful people who ever lived. Family man…terrific husband and father…a good son and brother… Eric’s family was the premier joy of his life. His son, Jacob, is a small replica of his dad. And his daughter, Allison, has inherited her dad’s loving, caring traits. Eric and his beautiful wife, Blanca, had a loving and supportive relationship. Now their many friends are standing by her. It is easy to see how Eric’s parents influenced him. His mom, Renie, and dad, Sam, are smart, accomplished and caring people. Just this past year, Eric organized a 50th wedding anniversary party for his parents that was, by all accounts, a wonderful event attended by friends and family all over the country. Eric’s sister, Kathy, said that Eric as the best brother anyone could have wished for. Generous until it hurt… Eric was an extremely generous person. But what he gave out of his own wallet, which was considerable (it was always difficult to pick up any tab around him) paled in comparison to what he gave of his heart and his spirit. He cared about his family and friends and he showed it and it was genuine. Sidesplitting funny man… There was no one funnier than Eric. It was impossible to be around him and not laugh. And, if you could make him laugh, and really make him laugh hard, that was a reward in and of itself. He laughed so hard at times his friends thought they might have to call an ambulance. Not only was he a great joke teller (one evening in a bar in Grand Central, Eric had a joke-off with another friend and the two went head to head for nearly and hour without stopping and without a bad joke) but he also had a great improvisational wit. He was smart and he was aware of what was going on in the world. And he had a knack for seeing the humor in any situation. Huge fan of the Grateful Dead, Yankees, Giants and Islanders… After his grandparents, Jerry Gracias was probably the first person that Eric tried to meet upon his arrival in heaven. And Thurman Munson was probably the second. Lived life to its fullest… Eric did nothing in a small way. His wedding to Blanca in 1993, which he planned for and with his bride, was unbelievable. He and Blanca shared a beautiful home in Holmdel, NJ. He attended countless Yankee games, played zillions of rounds of golf, reveled in new restaurants, and spent years laughing with family and friends. Eric wouldn’t want his friends and family to be sad for very long. He would want us to live our lives, do as much as we can with our lives and have as much fun as we can while doing it. Is there any better way to honor Eric Adam Stahlman than to do just that?
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William E Spitz Date of Birth: April 9, 1952 Position: Government Bonds Broker It’s been too long Since I have seen your smile Heard your voice Talked for a while It’s been too long Since we laughed for hours You sat around the house Or watered your flowers They’re lonely without you Roots all dry Colorless and limp They sometimes cry It’s been too long Since we had a fight You’d teach me each lesson Now, I can’t sleep at night It’s been too long Since you walked down the street Jogged in the morning Knowing you was a treat It feels like weeks ago I sat up in bed Screaming and crying It still plays in my head The images before me Life flashed before my eyes People running, buildings falling Questions,worries and cries It’s been too long Since You called me on the phone You always promised That you would never leave me alone Life goes on for millions Mine will never be the same You’ll always be my father Daddy, they will live in shame! Love Always and forever, Pamela Morgan Spitz-your daughter
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Ruben Solares Fuiste la felicidad de un hogar al nacer, fuiste un nino carinso y travieso, como todos los ninos, de adolescente inquieto y aventurero, tanto que a los quince anos decidiste embarcarte y posteriormente te radiscaste en Estados Unidos, tomandola como tu segunda patria. Tu familia al memento de tu partida de este mundo te dedica esta oracion: CUANDO EL RELOJ DE MI VIDA SE DETENGA REPENTINAMENTE, NO INTENTES DARLE MAS CUERDA, TAN SOLO ACEPTA ESE HECHO NATURAL. EN EL MOMENTO EN QUE LA PESADA MANO DE LA MUERTE, SE ACERQUE A MI PARA CERRAR MIS OJOS, NO INTENTES ABRIRMELOS DE NUEVO, TAN SOLO RECUERDAME SEIMPRE. SI LA NAVE DEL ADIOS DEFINTIVO, ME LLEVA COMO SU PASAJERO, NI INTENTES DETENERME, TAN SOLO DESEAME UN BUEN VIAJE. EN EL DIA EN QUE SE APAGUE EL SOL DE LA VIDA, NO INTENTES TOMAR MI MANO Y GUIARME TAN SOLO REZA POR MI. Y CUANDO A MI CORAZON SE LE ACABE EL COMBUSTIBLE DE LA VITALIDAD, NO INTENTES PONERLO EN MARCHA CON TUS LAGRIMAS, TAN SOLO GUARDAME DENTRO DE TU ALMA. !ALEGRATE, PORQUE YO YA ESTARE FELIZ CON DIOS! RUBEN TE RECORDAREMOS SIEMPRE CON AMOR. FAMILIA DAVILA SOLARES.
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Wendy Small Date of Birth: July 16, 1975 Position: Volume Processing Clerk Mommy, I love you so much, I cry, I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye. Mommy, the time I spent with you I miss, the hugs and your kisses. Mommy, when I look at your pictures I hole them tight and smile, because we were together for at least awhile. I love you, Tyreek, Son Wendy balanced caring for her son, household responsibilities and her employment with little aid. She was an outgoing person who haf many friends, she also always, had a smile on her face and liked to make others happy. Education was very important to Wendy also, as graduate of Technical College Institute, in Business Administration, her goal was to improve the economic status of that of herself and her son. She took pride in her job, knowing that she would do her best. On September 11th, 2001, Wendy went to work, where she worked for the past 2 1/2 years, that day her life tragically ended. I love Wendy very much, she was my youngest child of three. She will be missed but not forgotten, by her family and friends.
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Vincent (Vinnie) R. Slavin Date of Birth: January 30, 1960 Department: Equities Position: Vice President/Partner Vinnie, a true New Yorker, was born in The Bronx and lived in Rockaway, NY with his fiancee, Anna and worked in the city. He left his loving fiancee, Anna (engaged for 4 years and planning a wedding), his son Michael, 12 years old, his mother, Loretta, and all of his friends. Directly after graduating from high school in 1978, Vinnie found his niche – Wall Street – working on the floor. The world of trading was so crazy and gave him energy. He loved his job and once said that, “Chaos was his friend”. His passion for trading grew stronger and in 1992, he acquired a position at Cantor Fitzgerald, later becoming a Partner and Vice President within the firm. His enthusiasm and unique personality touched everyone. He used his creativity to be the first to write on all the IPO’s for the firm. Every morning you would hear Vinnie on the loud speaker announcing the IPO’s in his “French” New York accent, “Attencion. Attencion”. He had style; he was fun, funny, and full of life. Not only did he succeed at work, he succeeded at home and in life. He was a loving husband-to-be to Anna, a super dad to Michael and a great son. This was indeed the best year of his life. Vinnie lived each day to the fullest – Jacuzzi before work, loud hip hop music cruising into work, smooth dancing and romancing in the evening with candlelight dinners with Anna at home, relaxing, playing hard and showing Anna and Michael the world. Vinnie loved his second home in Vermont and was so excited about the “Palace” he was building. Vinnie and Anna (along with Michael, friends, families, and their dogs) could escape to Vermont to cook, run in the leaves, ski in the winter and make snow angels. He had many passions: he boxed for charities, loved diving with Anna and recently dove the Blue Hole in Belize. Vinnie was extraordinarily wonderful. He made the world go around in every way and left a special, meaningful and loving impression on everyone that he met. He was a generous person and loved life. We thank you God for bringing Vinnie into this world and our lives. Thank you Vinnie, for all the love, compassion, smiles, happiness, energy and encouragement and for sharing your heart with us. We love you so very much and miss you. Words cannot express the beautiful, loving tears that fill our hearts daily of you. Much Love, Anna, Michael and Loretta.
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Christopher Slattery Date of Birth: December 30, 1969 Department: Portfolio Trading Position: Vice President Chris was a “people person.” From the time that he began talking and walking, he would engage people with his warmth and draw them into his circle. When he was with someone, they had his total attention; whatever they had to say was important to him. He made and kept many, many friends. Chris loved his family. He cherished his nephew and niece. He loved playing with them and buying them many gifts. He loved spending time with all his family, especially on the ski trips where he would be the first one to go down the black trails to see if they were acceptable to the less brave among us. Or, the time the fog on the mountain was so thick, he led the group by clicking his poles so the others could follow the sound. He loved the dinners out on those trips; always glad to try something new such as buffalo or elk. The trips to the beach in Nantucket were special favorites of his – time to be with the family, fly kites, and time to sit peacefully, away from his usual hectic existence. Chris was generous to a fault. If he thought one of us wanted something, or wanted to go somewhere, but hesitated because of the cost, he was right there offering to provide it. Chris loved to read. His interests were universal: history, best sellers, fantasy. Chris loved to golf. He could hit a heck of a long drive. However, when it came to his short game, it was not unusual to see that little white ball fly over the green two or three times. When that happened, as it did on Labor Day, there was usually a break from the next hole in order to provide a cool down period. Chris loved attending the Giants’ football games and having the best tailgate parties possible. You could never get there early enough, or have enough food and beer, because you never knew how many of his friends might stop by. Chris had a wonderful sense of humor. Chris loved a good party and usually made almost any event into one. Chris loved to travel. Chris loved his job. In our sorrow, we are thankful to know that, although it was tragically brief, he had a full and happy life.
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Paul Albert Skrzypek Date of Birth: July 11, 1964 A few thoughts on a great man and a great friend: A few years back, Nike had a catch phrase, “Just Do It”. I am sure most of us remember it. Just do it – that was Paul. Paul fit well with New York. The only thing that he would sit still for were New York sporting events. He was an excellent athlete who was competitive in all phases of his life. Paul did not wait for life to come to him, he charged towards life. He loved Lacrosse as well as other sports. He played Lacrosse up until a few years ago. He gave it up because he was a competitive athlete. He did not like to see himself losing to people he knew he could beat if he had his A game going. Paul did not sit around his apartment and wait for people to call him. If there was time in the day available, Paul was out rollerblading or biking or going to the gym. He worked hard when it was time to work but when work was over for the day, he was moving onto the next activity. A fair amount of Paul’s friends got married as time has gone by, but that did not stop Paul. For every friend that found true love and marriage, Paul made two more friends that had the free time that he enjoyed so much. Paul traveled the world. He ran with the bulls in Spain. He lived two lifetimes in 37 years. Since high school Paul has dated his share of nice women. Some dates developed into relationships that lasted longer periods of time, but never marriage. Paul was certainly open to marriage but he had a certain concept of marriage that involved what he thought was the “perfect relationship.” Paul sought the relationship he saw in his parents and those are very hard to come by. That did not stop Paul from trying, a lot. Paul was loyal friend. Whether you got along with Paul or not, you knew where he stood. Paul was the type of person that would go out of his way to help a friend. He just did it. When Paul knew of a friend that had work to be done, he volunteered to come over and do it. He would help until the job was done. He didn’t talk about whether he was going to do it, he just did it. He was all about action. As far as plans for the weekend, and plans for each evening of every day of every week, Paul had them. There were not many nights that Paul sat home idle. Paul would have plans and then he would have back up plans and sometimes he had plans to back up plans. It was almost like he had an innate crystal ball. This past summer, Paul was a member of two beach houses at the same time. If you ever went out with Paul you almost had to wear running shoes because if you went some place that was not moving Paul had another place to go, and you need to be ready. Paul loved his family very very much. Paul love little kids. Paul deeply understood the values of marriage and of commitment, and took it very seriously. That is the primary reason he never got married. He was looking for someone to be with forever and knew that decision was not to be made without great care and thought. In some ways, this is one of the only areas in his life where Paul did not move swiftly and assuredly. There is a song out there that is fairly recent and the words to the book of the song go “I will remember you, will you remember me – Don’t let your life pass you by…” Paul did not let his life pass by. Paul lived every inch of his life fully. Paul’s life was an example that speaks for itself. If someone needs a favor, help them. If you are sitting around not doing anything constructive, get up and do something. If there is something you need to do, but have been putting it off, it is time to get done. Paul remembers all of us. Remember Paul James Schuette, Jr.
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