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Arlene T. Babakitis
Arlene T. Babakitis
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Arlene Babakitis Obituary
Arlene T. Babakitis was born and raised on the Lower East Side, in a 12th-floor apartment on Catherine Street that she shared with her parents and two sisters.
Mrs. Babakitis's mother, Sally Reoch, was also born and raised on the Lower East Side, and still lives in that same apartment on Catherine Street. Mrs. Babakitis had long since moved on, to a home in Secaucus, N.J., but the lessons of the Lower East Side stayed with her.
"We were all raised to work hard, and save money, and be independent," said Karen Reoch, Mrs. Babakitis's younger sister. Mrs. Babakitis got her first job at 16, at Alexander's, and at 18 or 19, she began a 30-year career at the Port Authority, eventually becoming an E-ZPass coordinator in the World Trade Center.
Mrs. Reoch recalled how, amid the temptations of early paychecks, her sister had saved enough to buy Mrs. Reoch her first bike: "An orange 10-speed. I think it was a Power King."
Mrs. Babakitis and her older sister, Evelyn L. Pettignano, were pregnant with their first children at the same time, and would take the PATH train together to their jobs in Manhattan. "When you see two pregnant women walking together, you would really see the looks," Mrs. Pettignano said. "I have to admire her as a mother. She wanted the best. She was always there, giving."
Shortly before Sept. 11, Mrs. Babakitis, 47, moved into her own home with her two sons, Vincent, 21, and Kevin, 13. "That was a very proud moment for her," Mrs. Reoch said.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sydneyside
September 24, 2024
I never knew you but I wanted to share that even from all the way across the world, people are still thinking of you. Condolences to your family. Rest in peace
Mrs Joyce Anne Mary Richardson
September 11, 2023
Cousin Arlene, We are remembering and praying for you today as always. God be with you always and rest in eternal peace. Joyce Reoch
Karen Reoch
September 11, 2023
It's been 22 years. Love and miss you Arlene. Until we meet again.
Love your sister,
Karen
Debi Babakitis
September 9, 2023
Rip cousin
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Ricardo
September 7, 2023
Rest in peace, Mrs. Babakitis.
Cindy Roe
August 31, 2021
Remembering Arlene on the 20th anniversary of 9/11....
The Kindred Family
December 12, 2019
Our thoughts of deepest sympathy we send to your family. Each day may God continue to give the help and comfort needed. Arlene is still very sadly missed and is lovingly remembered.
Karen
June 25, 2019
Always thinking of you. Wish you were here to celebrate mom's 101st Birthday. Miss you.
June 24, 2019
In loving memory.
Mary Johnson
September 12, 2017
Rest in Peace.
September 11, 2017
We remember
Joanne Vogt
September 11, 2015
Arlene - thinking of you today. May you rest in peace.
Del Newberry
May 15, 2015
You look like a very sweet person, and I know from reading other posts that you were well-loved by many. My prayers go out today for your sons, and other family and friends that you left behind. Much love from Texas.
Karen Reoch
January 22, 2015
Thinking of you sis. Miss and love you.
mary johnson
September 17, 2013
God keep you at His side. Always in prayer and thoughts. A friend.
Douglas Nord
September 16, 2013
Last week I road in the 2 Million Bikes to DC to honor the victims of 9/11. I was honored to have Arlene's name on the windshield of my motorcycle for the ride. Know that we remember her!
September 11, 2012
With honor and remembrance on this somber day.
Brian
mary johnson
September 11, 2012
God keep you in the palm of His Hands! A friend
Joanne & Karl Vogt
September 10, 2012
Dear Arlene,
Thinking of you and wishing you eternal peace. You are missed and will never be forgotten.
Barbara Boam
May 9, 2012
Barbara Boam & Kim Rogers walked a mile for you (mile #112) on 5/7/12 as a dedication to your life.
Kymberli Colbourne
September 11, 2011
We hold you in our hearts.
Brian Knutson
September 11, 2011
To all concerned,
Arlene is also remembered in a tribute I posted to Project 2996, which was organized by Dale Chancellor Roe in 2006 in order to make sure every person lost on 9/11 is remembered online, one blogger at a time. You can put "Project 2996" in Google to find it. If you wish to honor someone in this manner, please visit the project site. There are many who still have not been spoken for.
Melissa - Thank you for allowing me to be part of your aunt's remembrance. I have reposted my original piece at a new blog. If you wish, you can find it at the URL I included in an email I sent you at your Lantana address.
Brian
Ruth Hamilton
September 11, 2011
Aunt Arlene, We miss u so much and think of u on a daily basis especially on this day because its the 10th anniversary of ur death. I have a picture that my grandmother had b4 she passed and I have right here with me looking at ur beautiful smile. I will never forget anything about you. I can never forget anything. We all love you u and will see you when its our time 2 meet you in heaven with our GOD.
mary
September 7, 2011
To the family of Arlene, Prayers are with you at this time. May you stay close together on this earth and be reunited one day in Heaven with your loved one. Amen MJ
catherine Harman
March 28, 2011
To My Dear Friend Arlene
I always think of you and our rides in the morning chating about our kids as we go to work. Your always in my heart
December 25, 2010
god bless arlene love her cosin debi babakitits in aliso viejo ca merry christmas
Joanne & Karl Vogt
September 11, 2010
Arlene,
Keeping you in our prayers. May you rest in peace.
Melissa Pettignano
September 11, 2009
Today it is the eighth anniversary of 9-11. Time has really flown on by. I remember as if it was yesterday, that horrific day that took place. I remember as if it was yesterday I saw my aunt arlene, coming over for dinner and desert., having a great hang out day with family.
Today is a day where I reflect on all our hero's who have passed, all who have survived, all families, all friends and even strangers from all over the world. I want to take this time and say thank you on behalf of my aunt and my family and myself , for all your love and support and prayers through out the years. Year in and year out. I want to thank you for all the letter's, e-mails, im's, phone calls, texts everything that you have done to show how much you care and are there just like we are for you.
In memory and in honor of my Aunt today we celebrate life not death as I call it. To celebrate remarkable people with such stories that caress your heart to the extreme fullest. I want to take this time and give a brief detail of what my aunt was about and who she was. My aunt was a women who carried her heart on her sleeve. A kind, generous, loving woman, with a dry sense of humor and would take no garbage from no one. I loved it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I loved her attitude and her way of being. I always will love it and would tell everyone I can about her.
She was very supportive in my life and with what I was going forth on and I know she is as i continue with what I have always done and will continue to do. I know she is here every step of the way. I carry her and what she taught me in life. She was a second mother to me and I love her dearly. She loved her family and friends very much and always would give a helping hand. She believed her catholic faith and anything she would do she tried her best and would instill that in anyone she knew, including her boys.
I want to say Aunt Arlene, We love you, I love you, we miss you and wish you were here , but we know that one day we will meet you again and i want to say that whatever I do in life and beyond I know you will always be here and there in spirit. Lord Jesus is with you now in person. God Bless You. I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Peace~n~<3 God Bless ~*MELISSA P*~
Melissa Pettignano
September 11, 2009
Hello Brian , My name is Melissa Pettignano. I am the niece of Arlene. I came across your post today and I would be interested in hearing more about it. Please let me know where I can contact you thank you.
Sincerely, Melissa Pettignano
Brian Knutson
August 14, 2009
To All Whom It May Concern:
My name is Brian Knutson, proprietor of the blog "Stander's Point". I thought you should know that, as a participant in this year's Project 2996, I will be writing a memorial post for Arlene on my site on September 11. I will conducting my own research, but if anyone has any information or testimonials about Arlene that they would like to share with me in this effort, I will gladly entertain all comments left at this post.
Respectfully yours,
Michael Moran
May 12, 2009
Just came across the lease I signed to rent your spare room on Sept 7 2001; I never moved in, but have thought of you often. Bless your family,
MM
Doug Abraham
February 26, 2008
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Cecilia Lillo
September 11, 2007
Dear Arlene,
Today marks 6 years and it still feels like yesterday. It has been difficult to write but please know that you, Nancy, my hubby, and all the others we knew from the Port Authority who passed on that day, will always be in my thoughts. I became good friends with you sister, Karen. She is a wonderful person as you were. I guess one day we will all meet again and do some catching up. My thoughts and prayers are always with your family.
Your friend always,
Kristine
October 13, 2006
As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vane. We will always remember.
Maritza Conti
September 26, 2006
To Arlene's Family:
My name is Maritza Conti (Nancy E.Perez's sister). I just want to let you know that a minute doesn't go by without us thinking about Nancy and all the innocent victims who died on 9/11/01. It has been 5 years but still feels like it happened yesterday. We miss her so much and may God and the angels keep them close in their loving arms. God Bless Nancy and Arlene and give America the strength to prevail.
Sincerely,
Maritza Conti
Roger Nussbaum
September 22, 2006
My deepest sympathy too you.
Wishing you peace and contentment.
May your pain lessen and your heart grow stronger one day at a time.
Best.
Roger Nussbaum from NJ
September 19, 2006
May your family remember the wonderfuly times you shared during your brief stay on Earth.
GINA DELORENZO
September 15, 2006
Dear Arlene, I was best friends with you sister, Karen, back in the 70's. We were teens and you were a little older, so I never really got to know you that well. But what I do remember is that you were a wonderful and happy person and you are missed by many people. God Bless.
jessica
September 11, 2006
I never had a chance to meet you personally but through the voices of others i feel as if i've known you forever.Today is the 5th year reunion on 9/11. I go to school with your son kevin. I'm sure your looking down apon him and are extreamly proud of how much of an amazing person he has grown to be. You are dearly missed. R.I.P
P Tabbernor
August 20, 2006
In memory....
Melissa Pettignano
March 15, 2006
My name is Melissa Pettignano,I am 18 years of age. I am the niece of Arlene T. Babakitis. My mom Evelyn is her sister.
My aunt was such a wonderful person. She had a heart of gold. She was like a second mother. She took great care of her family an friends. She carried such a sense of humor. I can still hear her laughing to many of her jokes and jokes she has heard from lots of other people. It has been hard on our family an friends along with many others which i'd like to say I'm sorry for your loss,but since Sept 11th 2001 , time has passed ,but her memory still lives on now an forever. She is greatly missed and always will be, but i know if she was here she would want to be remembered for her life not her death. Even though it is instilled now and always i will always remember her for being there when needed, for having those wonderful times,those great talks neice to aunt vise versa etc. It is hard ,but day by day it gets better, but no matter what i will always remember an love you and keep you an your memory with many others alive.
Aunt Arlene GOD BLESS YOU.YOU ARE TRULY A HERO ALONG WITH MANY OTHERS. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. WE WILL ONE DAY ALL MEET AGAIN. I WILL KEEP EVERYTHING YOU HAVE ALWAYS SAID AN TAUGHT ME IN MY HEART. I CARRY YOU WITH ME ALWAYS.
God Bless everyone. PEACE N <3
kathy hathaway
September 11, 2005
god bless you and your family in this time of year. your in safe hands now and in god's hands.
Freddy De Schutter
December 11, 2004
It does heart pain what has happened on 11 September 2001.
Our sympathy is prayed and with you.
Anna Potter
September 14, 2003
I am very sorry for your loss and I am praying for you. Remember, she is watching you.
With all of my sympathy,
Anna Potter
Diana Guzman
September 12, 2003
Dear Arlene,
I think about you and pray for you every day....
I miss you.
Diana
Donna
Donna Zavattiere
September 11, 2003
Karen Reoch is a very close friend of mine. We were both brought up in the same neighborhood. I was one of Karen's brides maids. I know the family very feel.
I knew her sister Arlene to be a very caring and hard working person.
Linda
December 18, 2002
God bless you Arlene...may you rest in peace. You did much in your life...now you are with God....Merry Christmas up there in heaven!!
Shawn Mason
September 13, 2002
Arelene T. Bbakitis, My prayer go out to you and you childern and family. god bless your soal.
Mary Ann Schentrup
September 12, 2002
Arlene T. Babakitis's name was given to me last night at our chruch memorial service. In reading all of these tributes I have come to know that Arlene was a loving, caring person that is missed by many. My thoughts and prayers go out to each one of you. Everyone that knew her was blessed by the time they were able to share with her. I hope your memories will be good ones that you will treasure for a lifetime.
September 11th is my daughter's birthday. Yesterday she turned twenty. I had to remind her as I will remind you. Good things still happen. Be happy with your memories, and live each day the best you can.
Liz Goulet
September 11, 2002
For the one year anniversary my school had a prayer service. At this prayer service everyone was given someone's name, i was give, Arlene Babakitis. One of our teachers lost their cousin in the attacks on sept. 11, 2001. My sister lost many of her friends that worked in the WTC towers, and i would just like to send my love and support to the family, friends, and co-workers of Arlene Babakitis. Even though i do not know her i have deep sadness for the lose of her. I was also given a ribbon to keep in memory of our person. I am wearing mine on my wrist to keep her memory going and as a reminder of what happened. While things may never go back to completely normal i feel that in remembering those lost we can keep their spirits alive! My much love to all that knew Arlene Babalitis.
B. TOWNS
September 11, 2002
I CAN ONLY SAY HOW SAD AND SORRY I AM FOR YOUR LOSS-MAY GOD GIVE YOU STRENGTH TO FIND PEACE WITH ALL OF THIS.
Michele Raffa
September 10, 2002
In loving memory of my cousin Arlene, and to her family. I wish to let you know that a day does not go by that I don't think of all that has happened in this year, and all that you've been through. God Bless love , cousin Michele
Ruthie Hubbard
September 7, 2002
God bless you and rest in peace!
Madeline Marzocca
September 5, 2002
God Bless You Arlene, I've known you for a short time through your sister and my neighbor Evelyn. You touched my life so short and thought of me so much. Everytime I see Evelyn I see you. I pray for you as I know that you are praying for all of us.In the morning I remember seeing you coming down County Ave. to meet your sister Evelyn. In a way your not gone. You are always alive for all the people you touched so dearly. Rest in Peace Arlene.
Virginia Della Barca
April 23, 2002
To Arlene's Family:
I work for the Port Authority and had the pleasure to work with Arlene for a few years. We worked together in Hoboken and also at the World Trade Center. I was so terribly saddned to learn of her death. Arlene was such a great person to work with. She often spoke about her sons Vincent and Kevin. I have a daughter Kevin's age and we often shared stories about the kids. Out of all the people who died that day, Arlene's death was the one that touched me the most. I just wanted to share with the family how loved Arlene was by all her coworkers in the Port Authority. She will be most definetly missed. I also want the family to know that I pray for you guys often specially for the boys. May God bless you, grant you peace and always be with you. May she rest in peace.
Laura C., NYC Parks Department
April 18, 2002
To Arlene's Family,
I had the pleasure of meeting Arlene when we planned part of the Little Red Lighthouse Festival, a NYC Parks Department event that was sponsored by the Port Authority. I will always remember her lovely voice and nice sense of humor. She was indeed a lovely lady.
Yolanda Perez-Knepper
March 27, 2002
To Arlene's Family,
My sister Nancy E. Perez and Arlene will always be our Guardian Angels.
I pray that all the families find comfort knowing that all who lost their lives on 9/11/01 have found peace.
Your friend,
Yolanda
John PICONE
February 2, 2002
Are you missed....Rest in Peace..
Lauren Kennedy
January 26, 2002
To Arlene's Family:
I got the chance to meet Arlene many years ago at Clarendon School, where are children attended. Even though her son was a few years younger than my daughter, we would still chat with a group of mother's who often brought their children to the school's playground. About two years ago, I started commuting to Journal Square each day and would see Arlene on the No. 2 bus from Secaucus to Journal Square. Sometimes we would sit together and chat on the bus, talking about jobs, children, etc. I remember her as being a very kind and warm-hearted person. I remember her telling me that she had gotten a promotion with the Port Authority and would be assigned new duties. I also remember having a conversation with her once about the attack at the World Trade Center many years earlier and she had told me of her experience at that time. I cannot imagine what she must have felt on 9/11, but my prayers are with her and her family. We have recently moved to Bayonne, New Jersey, but I will always remember Arlene and her kind and gentle spirit. My prayers are with her and her family.
God Bless
Lauren Kennedy
Bayonne, New Jersey
Samuel Trujillo
January 24, 2002
I'd like to say I knew Karen, Arlenes sister a few years back. As a result I got a chance to meet Arlene who I found to be one of the kindest most generous human
beings I ever met.
God Bless her family!!
Sam
sandra ward
January 16, 2002
I think of you often and miss you very much.
January 16, 2002
DEAR LORD BLESS ARLENE T. BABAKITIS
MAY SHE FINALLY REST IN PEACE..GOD
BLESS HER TWO SONS AND THE REST OF
HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS..MAY SHE SING
IN THE CHOIR IN HEAVEN...AMEN
Pat & John Thomas
January 13, 2002
We love you and miss you Arlene and wish you eternal peace. God bless you always. God has blessed our family and all of the people whose hearts you touched and for making us realize how much better we all are for having had you in our life if even for a short time.
We love you.
Patricia, John and Baby Gillian
Theresa Day-Golat
January 12, 2002
Arlene - you're an angel in heaven now as you were here on earth. I remember the fun times we had, young kids straight out of high school "thrust into the old Port Authority" Planning Division. Rest in God's care Arlene. Will never forget you.
Joanne LoBello
January 10, 2002
Arlene,
I think of you often. It's only right since I've known you for over 30 years. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your sons always.
Teresa Jahn
January 9, 2002
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Suzy Menzer
January 1, 2002
Just to let you know that people
all over the country are thinking
of you and your family. We will
never forget you.
Tommy Darrell Sr.
December 29, 2001
I, like the two in Colorado, bare Arlene's name on my wrist. I think of her daily and pray for her and her family. God Bless and keep you always.
IRENE STAPINSKI
December 4, 2001
GOD BLESS ARLENE T. BABAKITIS AND MAY SHE REST IN PEACE.GOD BLESS HER
FAMILY AND FRIENDS.GOD BLESS AMERICA
FOREVER AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01
Diana Guzman
November 28, 2001
Arlene,
I still can't believe you're gone. I miss our lunch dates on Wednesdays. I pray and think about always.
I miss you terribly.
Your friend Diana............
Carl Sferrazza
November 23, 2001
Arlene was a young woman when she started working for the PA. Probably just out of high school. She was secretary to a group of us in the WTC Planning Division. Always very pleasant and smiling. I remembered her stories about the business of a newspaper booth in Chinatown. I did not see her much when she went to work in NJ., but we met, occasionally in the WTC. I retired in '93. I froze when I saw her name in the PA Memorial Program. Both my wife and I remember her fondly.
Ruth Farley
November 18, 2001
I just bought a wrist band with Arlene's name. I will promise to pray for her family and especially her son.
Terry Wattles
November 18, 2001
I bought a memory band today in church with Arlene's name on it. I will pray for her daily and her family left behind. They will be in my thoughts whenever I look at the band on my wrist. I will wear it proudly in remembrance of Arlene and the sacrafice she made for all of us left behind here. I too am a mother and wife of a police officer. May God bless this family and keep her memory always in their hearts.
Pamela A Fantozzi
November 9, 2001
I didn't know Arlene personally but I did see her on many occasions when her son Vinny attended Clarendon School. He graduated with my daughter Pamela. They were friends through grammer school.. My heart aches for Arlene and her family, and my prayers are with her and her children every day.
Pamela Fantozzi-Wright
Karen Reoch
November 5, 2001
In Loving Memory of Arlene Babakitis
I'd like the memory of me to be a
happy one. I'd like to leave an
afterglow of smiles when the day
is done.
I'd like to leave an echo whispering
softly down the ways, Of happy times
and laughing times and bright and
sunny days.
I'd like the tears of those who
grieve, to dry before the sun,
Of happy memories that I leave
behind when day is done.
You will be truly missed.
Love your sister,
Karen
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