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Fred Gabler DOB: 3-3-1971 Position: Equity Partner, OTC Trading Desk Fred and I grew up like any brother and sister, teasing, antagonizing and fighting. And my mom would say “be good to each other because you will always have each other”. She used to make us hug and kiss each other good bye whenever we were going separate ways. For a long time, I thought this was so silly. As we grew up and our bond strengthened, I no longer needed my mother to tell me to hug or kiss him..I just wanted to on my own. I loved and respected my brother more than anyone I have ever known. I cannot believe that I will no longer be able to hug and kiss him because …he was always supposed to be there…. Many knew that Fred loved to gamble from Atlantic City to Vegas, football, basketball…if there was a game, he would bet on it. In life, he was so often a lucky winner, that in gambling, he figured that he would usually be a lucky winner as well. I was thinking about this and really comparing it to our lives. The sad irony here is that life itself is one large game of roulette. We just never know what variety of roulette we are going to play on a given day; whether we will come out even, win big or lose. On September 11, we lost bigger than we ever imagined possible. We lost a great man, I lost the greatest brother and my best friend. Just 24 hours before this horror, I was on the phone with Fred. We were trying to pick a night to have dinner this week. While we were speaking, he told me that he was psyched for the fall—it was his favorite time of year. He could play golf one day on the weekend and he could enjoy the crisp air. But most importantly, he could sit on the couch and watch FOOTBALL! For him, this was the best thing about the fall—football season. A friend recently told me that he believed that once we left earth, we go to another place, and be whatever we want. This doesn’t mean wings, angels and harps. So, I believe that Fred is at a different football stadium each day—in the front row of course, with the Jack Daniels flowing and Bruce Springsteen blaring! Good bye my darling Fred…I miss you terribly, we all do. You are now, as you always was ..my guardian angel…
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Matthew James Grzymalski Date of Birth: February 21, 1967 Department: GSB Intermediates Position: Bond Broker Matthew James Grzymalski was born in February 21, 1967, in Brooklyn, New York, the fifth of six children. He grew up on Long Island in New Hyde Park. Matt attended Chaminade High School and graduated Herricks High School in 1985. Following graduation he joined Fundamental Brokers, where he matured quickly as a trainee on the Treasury Bills and 10-Year Intermediate Desks. In April 1996, Matt joined Cantor Fitzgerald as a broker for Intermediates. He really enjoyed the company of his work friends; he loved the family-like atmosphere on his desk. They spent many quality leisure hours away from work as well, playing in golf outings, weekend barbeques, even competing in the Montauk Triathlon together. It was at Cantor that Matt met Kaleen Pezzuti – they started dating in December 2000, it was definitely meant to be. They found each other and knew the love they shared was forever. They were together at work on September 11, 2001, when they met their fate. Matt has two sisters and three brothers, as kids the six of us were very close and as adults even still chose to spend out vacation time together. Matt was extremely generous “Uncle Matt” to five nephews and two nieces who absolutely adored him. We have special memories of family vacations, holiday celebrations, Dad’s Sunday dinners that could feed an army, golf at the Links, “mandatory” weeding in Dad’s vegetable garden, growing up we all had to make sure Matt finished his homework before we could do anything. We were always grateful for the close sense of family that Mom & Dad surrounded us with, and the ease with which we said, “I love you”, learned from either example. We looked so forward to Kaleen joining our family circle. Matt lived life to the fullest, and still took time to smell each rose. Matt had a summer share out on the East End for the past several years with a great group of friends. He enjoyed hanging out at the house, playing backgammon, conversation over good food, a nice bottle of wine, a Corona (or two), and relaxing at the pool. He enjoyed the music of Van Morrison, the Allman Brothers & John Denver too! Matt was a great friend to many, someone you could always count on to be there for you. Matt was very sensitive, he was very considerate of others, he had a great sense of humor, and he loved to laugh. He had very traditional beliefs, a man of strong moral fiber. He always knew the right thing to say, and especially, when to say nothing at all. Matt treasured the years he shared an apartment in Bay Ridge with Furn (Tom O’Neill). They experienced many Giants’ tailgates and flew to many a Super Bowl (even though they usually didn’t make it to the game). The party would always end up at Griswald’s, their favorite Bay Ridge nightspot. Many of Matt’s friends shared beautiful memories with us at his memorial service. It pleases us to know that his life positively affected so many and left an indelible mark on your hearts. We ask you to carry those special memories with you always. Matty Wood, our hearts ache until we see you again … Sis
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Peter V. Genco Date of Birth: October 18, 1964 Department: Trader, U.S. Government Agency Desk Peter, We miss you so much. The world is a changed place since you left us on that beautiful, blue day. You’ve been away a million years, and two minutes too. I feel I just saw you, but sometimes I feel you are memory from a long time ago. Either way, I miss you, we all miss you, more than words can say. You are always on my mind, and forever in my heart. I refer so often, to things you would do or say–things like–“hence the name”, or “so long–crabby”, and, OFTEN, I find myself reflecting on “Peter-ism’s–the way you had the drivers seat in the car aligned like a Dentist’s Chair, or the funny way you tucked your tie into your shirt when you ate.! All of the above are just the memories of a sister, and the way she reflects back on a brother at a time so inopportune, and unfortunate, that she shouldn’t be looking back, she should be looking forward! But, I’m not looking forward to an aI’mt life with you–i’m forced to look back on the years we were together. And I want others to know what a wonderful person you are. A gentle, eager and caring father, who barely got to know what fatherhood was all about. A loving and kind husband who made family his first priority. A good son whose heart was always in the right place. A brother who was just that–a brother. I learned (and I guess I’m still learning) so much from you. I learned the importance of hard work, honesty, knowing a little bit about a lot of things, being a good listener, reading A LOT, and making family a priority. I reflect now and I realize, that you, without knowing it, taught me so much. We are all so devastated by your loss. You are with us everywhere in mind and in spirit. At a certain point, history tells us that we should “move on”, or be “getting over it”. But, I am one sister, who wants the world to know, that I’m not “getting over it.” I mourn my loss of my only brother, Peter, every day, and I will for the rest of my life. No one can take away a human being–without also taking a piece of all those who loved him. I will miss you and love you, every day of my life, Jenni
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Ralph Gerhardt Date of Birth: June 6, 1966 Position: VP, Derivatives How does one memorialize a loving son and brother, a loyal friend and a good colleague whose life ended so dramatically at such a young age? Oh, we could have seen him during the 2002 Winter Olympics or during the spring 2002 Hockey Play-Off Season and the World Soccer finals; Canadian and/or German flags hanging out of his windows on Lexington Avenue & 26th, entertaining his American buddies and ribbing them; “We are going to beat you tonight!” Serving Canadian and German beers & food, decorated with posters and flags of both countries, the place would be packed with his favourite friends. His competitive spirit mixed with his impish sense of humour, would guarantee a great evening, regardless who would win. Ralph had great friends and he was loyal to them. His childhood school buddies were in touch with him until the very. Ralph had planned to be in Ottawa on September 22, 2001 to be the Best Man for Mark and Fiona’s wedding, uniting the Three Musketeers; Mark, Martin, and Ralph once again. He was my best “fishing” partner and he would schedule Father’s Day presents long in advance to ensure that we spent quality time together. One-on-one with Dad. Or with Mom. Traveling on Mother’s Day to Cape Cod in style. Just Mom and Ralph. Planning with his brother Stephan in Washington, DC how to make special moments in the Gerhardt family even more special. No birthday, anniversary, or meaningful day in our lives would ever pass without at least a call. His almost daily calls would come from anywhere he traveled and always include, “I love you!” He missed only one Christmas away from us in all these years. Quality time was one of Ralph’s greatest gifts he was able to give to everyone he touched and gave it so lovingly; caring is what made him such a special person. In the thousands of letters, calls, e-mails, and the many conversations we had since 9/11, friends remembering so vividly: his smile, his decency, his love for family and friends, respect for the elderly, and support for the young and helpless and not so fortunate. His many talents, being able to fix things “Dad couldn’t”. His love for animals and life in general. Stephan, his older brother, said during the Washington, DC eulogy, “Ralph lived to live!” His ‘Daredevil’ traits were mostly reported after they had taken place like his bungee jumping, cliff diving, deep sea diving, and his latest “achievement”, his Shark Feeder’s License. His love for the outdoors included downhill skiing, canoeing, camping, fishing, biking, and golf. He loved to travel and always had a forthcoming trip. Sometimes I felt like his personal travel agent, but it was my pleasure. He loved cars, even at a very early age; I must have had the most washed car in the neighbourhood. His red BMW is now in the loving care of his brother, Stephan. He loved New York! I think the attached picture taken on Ellis Island on Valentine’s Day 1999, kind of reflected his dream that one day he would live there and he will make it there! He was our best NYC tour guide since he biked every street in Manhattan. We are grateful that Ralph was able to call us on 9/11, seconds after the first impact, confident that we would make it out. Not only he, but everyone else, too. We are certain that in the final moments of his young life, he was together with Linda Luzzicone, his colleague and girlfriend, hoping to the end that they and everyone else at Cantor’s office in Tower 1 on the 105th floor would make it! We will miss this kid who brought us and the many people he touched, so much joy. We are lucky to have been able to share his young 34 years with him. For more information, please visit: www.ralphgerhardt.com
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Marina Gertsberg Date of Birth: February 10, 1976 Department: Accounting Position: Junior Manager Mr. and Mrs. Gertsberg, I did not know your beautiful daughter and I do not know you, but I have to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I see all these beautiful, smiling faces here and am reminded of the senselessness of 9/11. I will never forget, and I will think of you in my prayers. Take comfort in the fact that others are thinking of you and wishing you peace. God bless and keep you and your Marina. You are not alone. A Stranger
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Joseph Giaccone Date of Birth: April 26, 1958 Position: Director of Global Infrastructure My sweet Joey. How I miss him. Those beautiful green eyes… Carly Simon sang “met a boy with eyes of green , warmest eyes I’ve ever seen he gave his loving all to me, the way I always heard it would be”…And it was. For almost 19 years it’s those eyes that I fell into every time I looked at my husband. I read those eyes almost as well as they read me. From our very first kiss at the stroke of midnight January 1, 1983 until the very last time I looked into his face on September 10th before going to sleep, it’s in those eyes that I have always found exactly what I needed. And those strong arms. The ones that held me so tightly for a million reasons or none at all. The arms that cradled our babies moments after they were born. How small and fragile they looked surrounded by their father, yet so protected. And as they grew it was in those very same arms that they were comforted after a bad dream or in the midst of a thunderstorm as they counted the seconds as it passed by. And his hands. Joe hated his hands. Too many broken fingers from years of Sunday afternoon football. But it’s those hands that held mine and touched my face at the same time they touched my soul. They wiped tiny tears from tiny eyes and held tissues to little noses as he told our children to “blow really, really hard and wake the neighbors.” And those same hands clapped for Alex at her recitals and high-fived Max or patted his backside at so many little league games. He was the best dad. Joe did everything he loved, and with few exceptions, loved everything he did. He loved to be busy, but he took great pleasure in relaxing, too. He golfed, he skied, and he cooked. He loved fine wine, ice cold beer, great music and everything Disney. He loved his work, his friends, and his life. He was content. And everything he did he did with great passion. Anything worth doing was worth doing right. He was my best friend, my balance, and the calm in the storm that is my life. And when I look at our children I understand now more than ever who they are. My beautiful, graceful Alex. She carries herself with such dignity, such quiet strength. And my sweet, crazy Max. There are few people I know with such lust for life. They are such contradictions of each other. But each such an extraordinary being. Together they are Joe. And for that I am ever so grateful.
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Ron Gilligan Date of Birth: May 15, 1958 Position: Database Administrator There are no words to express the loss of the best dad, husband, son, brother and friend. You touched everyone with your beautiful smile. You epitomized what a gentleman should be and there will always be a void in our lives not even time will fill. Our dad, Ronnie Sr. has now joined you; look after each other. You are in our thoughts every day. All our love, God bless XXXX Liz, Ashley, Ainsley, Dherran, Mom, Les, Loraine, Philip, Anita, Colin, Dee and family
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Laura Gilly Date of Birth: January 31, 1969 Department: Bond Trading I don’t recall when you arrived It was a cold winter day I had just turned 2–at that time There wasn’t much to say I hear the stories from Mom & Dad On how I bothered you It was a brother/sister thing I guess the normal thing to do Early pictures of your face were few But there were plenty of their Son That’s why I always joked with you That you were the adopted one We had a fun time growing up At 1948 (our address) Our friends were cool, our family fine But our parents, Grandma and Uncle Ed were great! I do remember that snowy night When your hip broke from the fall You were in a cast for many weeks Your friends would always call The years went by and we did change Us both the opposite I never said it, but I admired you The one thing I truly regret I remember the time when we were young Playing the drums on the pots and pans I will always have your doll house at home And think of your Coca-Cola cans Your hairstyle was always different And you asking if I noticed the change Like all wedding gowns I’d joke with you It really still looks the same Ten years ago you applied for a job It was to be flying in a plane Then Tower Air went belly up Looking back that was a shame At least you got to travel the world And brought back many gifts Now Daddy can’t walk you down the aisle Nor baby-sit your kids You got a job in the Twin Towers But still high in the air I was even told your desk had a view Which is pretty rare Mom & Dad were so happy On the day that you were hired Why couldn’t you have been on Sept 10th’s list Of those that were to be fired When I first plane hit–I closed my eyes And immediately thought of you THOSE PIECES OF CRAP–they ended your life Many DECADES way too soon My son Kevin was born on Aug 20th You wittnessed his first 2 weeks of life And now you cannot watch him grow Nor go shopping with his wife There are some things we can change And many that we can’t My son Kevin will never greet you You were his only Aunt On September 5th you and Mommy waited For Kevin’s eyes to show I said you have plenty of years left to see him And then you had to go That same Wed night when you came to see him I’m so sorry that he missed ya’ There’s one more thing Id like to say You’ll ALWAYS be my sister
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John Gnazzo Date of Birth: May 24, 1969 Department: Operations Position: Vice President of Operations I remember having alot of laughs with john at work,he was a great person and very funny. he used to come up to my office when I worked at Cantor and visit Joann Tabeek and I and all we would do is laugh, he will be missed very much. I am very glad I was able to share some fun memories with him. god bless
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Jeffrey Goldflam Date of Birth: May 26, 1953 Position: SVP, Chief Financial Officer Jeff was both a dedicated and loyal individual to both Cantor, as well as his family. His honesty and integrity in his personal life and career, brought inspiration to others. As a husband and father, Jeff put the happiness of his family first. Unique, genuine and intelligent are only a few qualities which made Jeff the person he was. He enjoyed driving his sports car or just sitting on a beach reading a good book. Jeff is remaining alive in our hearts.
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