Richard Ross 9/11/01

I have the honor of paying tribute to Richard Ross.  He was 58 years old on 9/11/01, he was a passenger on American Flight 11.  He was the founder and CEO of the Ross Group in Massachusetts.  He lived with his wife, Judi, he coached his son's baseball team and he started a foundation, Brain Tumor Society after his daughter was diagnosed with having a brain tumor.  The foundation provided support and information.  A great quote from his daughter about Judi, his wife and her mother; "she misses him three times every second".... nice to have had someone like that in your life.  I'm sorry.
Below are some of the messages and memories sent to Richard and his family, from Legacy.com:

             

Richard you are missed ... To a wonderful friend, father and model .

Mark Frey, Los Angeles, California

To Abigail, Alison, Franklin and Judy, it has been 10 years and in some ways it seems like yesterday, while in others a lifetime ago. I have kept Richard's obituary and picture in my desk for 10 years and on occasion take it out to see. I loved your father for how he lived his life and for what he shared with the rest of us who he touched during that time. I have now been a father three times in the last 5 years, and we have two lovely girls and one other who is not with us. But what I learned from Richard has guided me to be the best father I can be and I think he would be pleased by that more than anything else. He was a man of many talents but what survives his shortened life is that love and devotion, sincerity and selflessness that guided his principles and family values. I think of him and all of you very often. I believe he is watching over you and is smiling at who you are and what you have become. You are all in my prayers always.

Brian Bogosian, San Francisco, California

I think of Richard Ross often, especially around this time of year. I worked as his Executive Assistant at The Ross Group. He had such a contagious smile and was always so upbeat and positive. He was very loyal and he cherished his family more than anything. I also think of them and wonder how they are doing. They equally adored him. Peace and love to all on this 10th Anniversary. I know Richard is missed by so many.

Janine Dolan, Massachusetts

My belated condolences to the Ross Family. I have not seen Dickey in almost 40 years when I shared an apartment in Brighton, Mass with my roommates. He was our friend and came to some of our parties. I came from Hull and also remember seeing him at the Beach when we were teenagers. He was such a wonderful fun loving young man and so handsome. We all drifted apart and then sometime later we heard that he married. I think of the wonderful young man quite often since that tragic day this year. I never did see him in all those years. The thing that makes his passing even more strange for me is that my husband's X-wife lived in the same apartment building with Atta. When I read about the wonderful man he became and his accomplishments and you, his loving family I was very proud to think that I once touched the life of this wonderful human being that was taken much too soon. I will always remember Dickey. 
With deepest sympathy,
Sheila Stillman-DeRuzza   Margate, Florida

To the family of Richard Ross,
The first big shock came when I heard an explosion after a low flying airplane went over my building. The second big shock came three months later when I found out my old pal Dickie, was on that aircraft.
We hung out together, back in the late fifties. We double dated often. He was a handsome, charming young man who possessed social graces beyond his years. I am sorry I lost contact with him, but am very pleased to read how he shared his life with you. I hope the warmth of his personality will live forever through you.

Stanley (Simmy) Patz, New York , New York

Philip Rosenzweig 9/11/01

I have the honor of paying tribute to Philip Rosenzweig.  He was a passenger on American, Flight 11 on 9/11, he was 47 years old.  The first thing I read about him said; "you can count on him".   He was Vice President at Sun Mircosystems.  He lived is Acton Massachusetts with his wife Lauren and two sons; Jeremy and Max.
He drove a beloved silver Porsche and had joined a club for Porsche owners.  
As always, the best but hardest part of putting together these tributes is reading the messages and memories loved ones and strangers have left to and for him.  Hard because the messages are heartbreaking.  Here are some of them from the Legacy.com site.  Legacy will have these tributes up, for free, forever.  Much appreciated Legacy.

August 30, 2003

I LOVE YOU DADDY!

Jeremy Rosenzweig, Acton, Massachusetts

I worked with Phil at Sun and spent a lot of time with him. My last time with him was over a beer and meal in Palo Alto in California with several of his friends and colleagues. The meal ts memorable for the non- stop laughter over references (many from Phil) over the foibles of the higher ups at Sun. At one point Phil couldn't stop laughing and bent over laughed until he was in pain. It was a joyous night and I choose to remember Phil laughing so hard it hurt. As the Russians sing at their service of remembrance, "Memory Eternal"

Michael Seridan

Dearest Phil.
Always in my memory and heart.
All of my love , your aunt Karen

You were a friend of my dad Lou from Sun. He will never forget you and now I won't either. Hoping you're at peace.

Courtney Griggs, Chandler, Arizona

Phil and I were great friends growing up and I spent a lot of time at Phil's house with his Dad and his stepmom and his brother. We maintained that friendship through marriage. We were car guys and after losing touch briefly, Phil contacted me when he was buying his Porsche. We started up again like we had just seen each other.
I think today would have been Phil's 53rd birthday and if he were here we would probably be on the phone talking cars and family.   I was there immediately after the tragedy attending Jeremy's bar mitzvah and hanging out with Max and Lauren. I couldn't believe how blessed he was and if he were here today I am sure he would be talking about his wonderful family. Rest in peace old friend - we all miss you.

ANDREW READE, JERICHO, New York

There is not a day that goes by that I dont see Uncle Phil's picture in my front entrance of the house and I think that I was blessed to have had him as a Uncle and that I have you for family. I love you all so very much and hope you know that forever & ever!

Helena Castilla,  Lake Worth, Florida