9/11/01 - A tribute to Stephen Patrick Cherry

Stephen Patrick Cherry

and his sons
What a handsome man and his family. This picture is of Stephen and his family pre 9/11 and almost looks too perfect to be real. Like an advertisement for a cruise holiday, Stephen is full of life, the boys proud and happy to be with their Dad.

Although I do not know the year that this picture was taken, nor the ages of the boys, Stephen was 41 when he died in the World Trade Center. I would estimate that this picture was taken that summer.

He was from Stamford, Connecticut. A partner at Cantor Fitzgerald, and in his early forties with a large family, I'm sure he was at the prime of his career. A partner, at that age, is no small accomplishment.

If I had to guess, I would say his sons at that time were 12, 10, 6 and 2. If my assumption is correct, this would make them now 17, 15, 11, and 7. This is what I would like to say to them.

Boys, I did not know your father. I did not even know about him until today. But I want you to know that I have been thinking about him and looking for information about him on the internet.

I was contacted today by D.C. Roe of the 2996 Victims Tribute website.

In his final review of the List before tomorrow's five year anniversary of your father's death, he realized that some postings were missing, and made a prompt call for assistance from the many bloggers writing and thinking about all of the victims once again.

It is my privilege and honour to write about your father, in tribute to him, what he accomplished in his life and what he failed to accomplish only due to this tragedy. I wish I knew more about him and you.

It's hard to imagine having a father being taken from children at the young age that you were and still are. There is no rhyme or reason, no logic, no justice. I only hope that you are doing well and living life to the fullest in his memory.

I will keep you in my prayers, now that I know of you and your father. I do believe in fate and all the wonderful coincidences that God bestows on us.

Mrs. Cherry - I cannot find a picture of you, but by looking at your younger sons, I expect you must be blonde and very pretty to be blessed with such a handsome young brood. I hope that you are doing well, as well as can be expected, and always looking forward to your days ahead. I will also keep you in my prayers and thank you for the honour in writing about your husband.

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