“Project 2,996 is a tribute to the victims of 9/11.
“On September 11, 2006, more than 3,000 bloggers joined together to remember the victims of 9/11.
“Each year we will honor them by remembering their lives, and not by remembering their murderers.”
[A few weeks ago I volunteered to be a part of this project, and was honored to be assigned the name of Joseph John Perroncino. I had not known him, but found some enlightening information written by friends and family. To them, I ask your pardon if I have made any errors in describing Joe, and will be most happy to make corrections and additions.]
Joseph John Perroncino was born in Brooklyn, New York, on March 6, 1968, to Patricia and Joseph Perroncino. Joe had two older sisters, Doreen and Debbie, and a younger brother named Steven.
Joe was killed on September 11, 2001, while working at his job with Cantor Fitzgerald, on the 101st floor of Tower One of the World Trade Center. He was 33 years old.
Joe was a vital member of a loving family that included his parents, his brother and sisters, two brothers-in-law, and a niece and three nephews. He loved his niece and nephews, and was a good uncle to them, taking them to circuses, carnivals, and to see the tree at Rockefeller Center. When his sister Debbie’s husband died unexpectedly of a stroke at the age of 32, it was Joe who stepped in to tend to all the details for her.
“He was just the backbone of the family,” recalled his brother, Stephen Perroncino, 32. “He was the kind of person who would always be there.”
Joe loved sports, music, and watching movies with his mom. He loved animals, and left behind his dog, Toby. Joe’s parents took Toby in.
He loved traveling the world with friends. He was, according to his family, the kind of person who could talk to anyone he might sit next to on the train. Happy, outgoing, full of life, and full of love for friends and family, Joe is missed every day by those who knew and loved him.
Joe had worked at Cantor Fitzgerald for ten years, and loved his job. Going to Windows of the World after work with friends was a particular joy for him.
I didn’t have the privilege of knowing Joe; I wish I had. My words here are inadequate to express the loss for his family, his friends, and all of us.
Some words from those who did know, and love him.
“…it is apparent that he not only grew into an incredible man, but he also grew into a person that people respected and adored.”
“I truly consider it an honor to have known him, May God bless you!”
“No matter how much time elapses I will never ever forget you or the way you always brightened up my day when I saw you or the smile that was always upon your face. I hope you are at peace.”
“Joey, some of my favorite childhood memories are spending weekends at your house. There was always so much activity with all of you and all the dogs! Even though us girls usually hung out,I always enjoyed our time together. You were never in the way, always smiling, and always fun to be around. I still can’t believe you’re gone and my heart still aches. You will never be forgotten.”
“May God Bless you and watch over the ones that you left behind. Rest in peace……….”
We are all poorer for Joe not being here today, working, laughing, making others laugh. He and 2,995 others were robbed of their lives, and countless others who loved these 2,996 people were robbed of their presence.
On this September 11, 2009, may we use this day for reflection and remembrance, for honoring the fallen, and for resolving that they will never be forgotten.
We will not forget.
[Guest Book for Joseph John Perroncino]
Moving Tribute to Joseph John Perroncino
Joseph John Perroncino obituary in Newsday
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{ 7 comments }
Thank you. I honor Christopher Paul Slattery, another Cantor Fitzgerald employee.
I honored Heather Lee Smith, Flight 11. I choose Heather’s name because we knew her. She was the daughter of old friends. Her death – and that of the 2995 other victims – left a gaping, yowling hole in the lives of her family and friends. We were all altered irrevocably on that morning. I know the lives of Heather’s parents, her younger brother and her fiance’ will never be the same. Her uncles, aunts, cousins and grandparents have all now spent 8 years without her beaming smile and radiant light.
Just like the other families and friends of the victims.
May we never forget them. All of them – the dead, the survivors and those who love them.
Kris, I read your beautiful tribute to Heather. I left my comment there for you. Well-done, my friend.
I’m adding the link to your tribute here. Thank you.
http://reflectionsbykris.squarespace.com/journal/2009/9/10/2920-days-70080-hours-42-million-minutes.html
This is a beautiful tribute. I did one too and what struck me about the ones I have read is how you can see yourself or family and friends in all these people. The loss of each one of them should be felt by us all. I am sure Joe’s family would appreciate your rememberance.
Pup – thank you. This day is just so uncomfortable to me – I don’t feel at home in my own skin. And as difficult as that is, I think it should be that way for everyone.
Today is a day unlike others – and I fervently hope it stays that way.
Thank you for this beautiful tribute and for bringing us Joe’s story. All of these tributes are so moving and remind us of what we have lost. Today I honor Sgt. John Coughlin and Lt. Edward D’Atri, brave first responders.
Thank you for remembering Joseph Perroncino. Cantor Fitzgerald lost so many people on 9/11. I honored Milton Bustillo, who was also a Cantor Fitzgerald employee.
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