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David Retik Obituary
David E. Retik's office in Boston looks as it did Sept. 10, before he boarded Flight 11. His screen saver shows fly- fishing, his special joy. There is a gallery's worth of pictures of his family. And on his desk, a little box has pictures of Ben, 4, and Molly, 2, on one side. Press the button on the other side, and their voices emerge: "I love you, Daddy. I miss you."
"David was an oxymoron," said Timothy Dibble, like Mr. Retik a general partner at Alta Communications, quoting a remark at his memorial service. "He was a venture capitalist who everybody liked."
Whether leaving a recording of "Gettin' Jiggy With It" on his mother's answering machine or visiting his sister in the hospital after an appendectomy and asking, "Did you save it?" Mr. Retik, 33, knew how to cheer people up.
"He played practical jokes on every single person he knew," said his wife, Susan, who met him in their freshman year at Colgate, where he was a varsity soccer player. Their third child is due on Tuesday.
This year, for the first time, Alta is inviting children to its holiday party, Mr. Dibble said. Ben and Molly can see Daddy's office one last time, just the way it was.
Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on November 17, 2001.
Suddenly by accident on Tuesday, September 11, David E. of Needham. Beloved husband of Susan (Zalesne). Loving father of Ben and Molly. Cherished son of Dr. Alan & Lynn (Barber) Retik of Weston. Dear brother of Mark Retik of NJ and Susan Siegel of NY. Grandson of Bess Schulman of NY. Son-in-law of Saul & Shelly (Brody) Zalesne of PA. Also survived by many extended family members and friends. A memorial service is being held at Temple Beth Avodah, 45 Puddingstone Lane, Newton on Friday, September 14 at 2:00pm. Memorial observance through Sunday evening at his late residence. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the New York Uniformed Firefighters Association, 204 East 23rd St., New York, NY 10010. Arrangements by the Levine Chapels, BROOKLINE.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dave Kess
January 14, 2025
Your dad was an amazing person and saved my life. Everyday I am in Boston. I make. It a point. To visit the 9/11 Memorial and swipe over your name. God bless. Your with your dad now. God bless.
Deborah Campbell
September 14, 2021
Forever remembered.
Mary Austin
September 12, 2021
I think of your family often. I am so sorry for your loss. David touched many of us. His investment made a lot possible for me and my family. Gone but never forgotten. The world is a better place because of David Retik.
Jonathan Zalesne
December 8, 2019
I am thinking about you brother.
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Deborah Campbell
September 11, 2019
Forever in our hearts.
Michelle Owens-Gary
September 8, 2019
Thinking of you David!
Deborah Campbell
September 11, 2018
Remembered always.
Deborah Campbell
September 11, 2016
David you are remembered forever.
I think of you and your family, especially of your father, who saved my child's life.
And I grieve that none of us could save yours.
You are so loved.
September 11, 2016
Thinking of Susan and the kids today. I know they miss You Everyday.
Tiffany Drewniak Cloud
September 10, 2016
Forever in my thoughts and prayers.
Del Newberry
June 23, 2016
We will never forget. My prayers today are for David's friends and family. Much love to all from Texas,
Deborah Campbell
September 11, 2015
Forever in our hearts. .
Dr. Michelle Owens-Gary
September 11, 2013
Thinking of David today. He was truly a great guy that I'm glad I had a chance to grow up with through Weston Public Schools. He is truly missed.
Tiffany (Drewniak) Cloud Olson
September 10, 2013
I think about and pray for Dave and for his wife Susan often. I was a graduate of their same class at Colgate. Did not know him well, just enough to say hello. But I will never say goodbye. Will pray for his soul and for his family...forever.
Eben Wyman
September 11, 2012
I went to high school in Weston with Dave Retik. We played different sports but hung out a little bit. One of the coolest, most easy going guy you could meet. He is so missed but absolutely never forgotten. My thoughts are with his family...
Peggy Childers
September 8, 2012
To the family and friends of David E. Retik:
David will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not allow those we lost on 9/11 be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you.
Andrea Deininger
September 12, 2011
10 years have passed, we saw your amazing wife arrive on the Esplanade in Boston yesterday after the three day Beyond the 11th bike ride, she was injured but was still carrying on. Her strength is breathtaking, saw your children briefly, supporting their mother as she arrived. They are beautiful...you would be proud. I am thankful everyday for my blessings, I am thankful for your sacrifice but so very sorry for what you have missed. Your family inspires me, I will not forget...
--Andrea Floyd Deininger
Sam Sykes
September 11, 2011
I'm so sorry I was never able to meet you in person. R.I.P. Great uncle David
Jeff Standish
September 10, 2011
Think of you often Dave and the wonderful times on and off the Colgate soccer field. Susan - my thoughts are with you, your family, and the Retik's.
Patty Smith
September 6, 2011
I made a quilt block to honor you in 2001 I think of your often. I will honor you agian this 9-11. Patty
September 24, 2010
Big smile, always a helping hand, encouraging to those that needed it and guidance when his team needed it. I was a teammate for one year at colgate and have vivid memories of his big laugh and love for 'gate. Brian
Deborah Campbell
February 6, 2010
Dear family of David Retik, I have thought of you all these years...for some reason, I didn't look in the correct places to determine that David was, as I feared, the son of Dr. Retik...who saved the life of my child twenty years ago- a vibrant young woman living fully, thanks to his care early on. I have often felt such anger and helplessness that while Dr. Retik could save my child, our world failed to save his child. Please know that you have been in my thoughts and prayers all these years, and will continue to be there always.
Deborah Campbell
Tina
September 12, 2009
I watched "Beyond Belief" today and saw what a wonderful tribute to you your wife has made.
Jennifer Waldron
September 11, 2009
Thinking of your gentle spirit and your family on this day, September 11 2009.
Jonathan Bruce
June 14, 2008
I only knew Dave from community basketball but I believe a person's true nature is revealed on the court. Dave was a both a strong, capable leader and supportive team member. Although he was better than most of the other players and could dominate a game, he made his less talented teammates better by making opportunities for them.
As much as I enjoyed being on his team, I think I enjoyed playing against him more as he was a formidable yet gracious (and funny) opponent. Simply put, it was a pleasure to be in his company.
Kevin Durkin
September 25, 2007
I miss you Dave.
September 11, 2007
Thinking of you and your family today. May God bless you all.
Andrea Baker
September 11, 2007
perhaps they are not the stars
but rather openings in Heaven
where the love of our lost ones pours through
and shines down upon us
to let us know they are happy
P Tabbernor
June 8, 2007
In remembrance....
kristine
April 17, 2007
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 vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Nicole Wetzold
September 11, 2006
Thinking of you today and wishing you and your children strength and peace on this extremely hard day.
Jennifer Holland
September 10, 2006
Thinking of you and praying for all of your loved ones so much during this time. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. ~From a headstone in Ireland
Forever in my heart and prayers,
Jennifer Holland
Wilmington, DE
Peter Cook
September 11, 2004
Susan,
I treasure the memories of great times that I had with Dave - on the soccer field, in the classroom, in Taiwan and elsewhere. He was funny, kind and, it always seemed to me, wise beyond his years. I wish you and your children strength and peace.
Nicole Wetzold
June 19, 2004
Susan - words cannot express the sorrow I continue to feel for your loss. Your strength is an inspiration. I hope that the wonderful memories you must have, time, and your beautiful child have helped you deal with such a devastating tragedy. I think of you and Dave often. It seems that so many of us describe him as one of the first people we met at Colgate - I think that says a lot about him and how much laughter he brought to each of us as we figured out what college life was all about. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jon Zalesne
March 5, 2004
As I often do, I found myself thinking about David this morning. I still miss him as much today as I did on 9/12/01.
Susan -- Happy Birthday. You are a rock. I love you.
Michelle Owens
March 3, 2004
I was a classmate of David's at Weston High School ('86). I was deeply saddened to hear about David's death. I pray for him, Susan, and the entire family. David, you are missed!
Mark Retik
November 4, 2003
David,
We miss you so much.
Love,
Your Family
Alyse Winston
September 12, 2002
To the Retik family - I too am a resident of Needham and, although I never met him, I feel I lost a kind and gentle neighbor in David. My thoughts are with you and I hope with all my heart you find some peace and comfort in time to come...
Be well and take care.
Sept. 11, 2002
Kristian
September 11, 2002
I am a 14 year old boy, and at school we were given 3,200 names I was given David's and a woman named Berinthia they were both on flight 11. My deepest sympathy for your loss. I will pray for you and your whole family.
Nature's first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.
-- Robert Frost
Jodi Mata
September 11, 2002
My church too, passed out cards with names on them so that we might pray for the families. My prayers are with your family and will continue to be. May you have comfort and peace-
Jodi Mata
Beverly Troup
September 11, 2002
I just wanted to let you know that we had a ceremony here in Huntsville, AL this morning. Each person was given a carnation with a name attached to it. My carnation had David's name on it. My prayers are with your family.
Brenda Bouvier-Pleasant
September 11, 2002
Just a note of to say how sorry I was to hear about David. I went to Weston High School, class of '86, and was very sorry I wasn't able to attend the recent class reunion or the ceremony/memorial at the high school. I remember David most as a kind & cheerful person who always had a kind word for everyone.
Wendy Maher Sangston
September 10, 2002
Dear Susan,
My thoughts are with you and your family now as they have been so many times over the past year.
Dave was one of my first friends at Colgate. We met during soccer pre-season freshman year. We had so many laughs. I will always remember him with a smile on his face. He was one of the kindest people I have ever met. I found a picture that I took of Dave and Gordon at the beginning of freshman year...it seems like yesterday. I wish you strength and peace...
Jeff Rosenzweig
September 10, 2002
Susan,
My thoughts are with you on this day. I think of you often and hope that you and the children are well. I hope that you can find comfort in the fact that David is now guiding your lives and making sure that you are all safe.
Jeff Rosenzweig
Nicole Schlenger - Weiss
September 8, 2002
Susan and the Zalesne Family,
My love and prayers during the Jewish Holidays and always...
Nicole Schlenger Weiss
Joanne Wood
September 8, 2002
Sorry for your loss, May god give you strength, you all are in my prayers.
Tanya Mathis
August 15, 2002
Susan-
As we are creeping up on the one year anniversary of 9/11/01 you and your family continue to be in my thoughts and prayers, daily.
Your strength and courage would make David real proud. Hugs and kisses to you and the kids.
lauren levine
June 14, 2002
Susan, I saw your story on Oprah today, and it affected me so deeply, and I don't even know you. I have to say it must give you peace seeing your new baby and the resemblance to David that you spoke of. Even though your time with David has been incredibly and unfairly cut short, you must treasure the wonderful memories and keep him alive for your children. You seem so strong, and it's quite admirable. Wishing you the best for the future. Sincerely,
June 10, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL MAN..DAVID E.RETIK AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN..FAMILY AND FRIENDS.GOD BLESS AMERICA..MAY GOD AND THE BIBLICAL DAVID GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN....AMEN
Jay Mokotoff
May 1, 2002
Susan:
I think about you, Dave and your children all of the time. My brother, Julie and I - and my entire family - keep your family and situation in our thoughts and hope for peace. I wish you and your family lots of strength and comfort.
-Jay
Kathleen McCarthy
April 18, 2002
Dear Susan,
Just to let you know our family is so deeply saddened by David's loss. David was an usher at my niece's wedding on 9/8, (Michelle & Kevin's)and a day doesn't go by when I don't think about you, the children, your new baby, and the horrible reality you face of life without him. Know that, in time, life will get easier for you, and by cherishing all the beautiful memories you have of David, he will always be with you in your heart. He will always be with us, in our hearts, as we look back on our wonderful family wedding that we were so lucky to have him be a part of. Since love is the most powerful force in the universe - may you always stay strong in your love, as only this will conquer hate. With the warmest aloha......
Sheila Werland
March 29, 2002
I am terribly sorry for the loss of your husband and father of your children. I know he is with them in many ways and watching over you. May God give you his strength and healing power and be with all of David's family and friends.
Rob Pflieger
March 11, 2002
I knew David professionally -- we served on a Board together. All of the eulogies have been right about him -- an incredibly bright, warm, humorous person. I've thought of him a lot as the anniversary of 9/11 has approached. The world is a sadder place without him.
Kathy Swaringen
February 14, 2002
On February 9, 2002, 1 mile was walked to honor the life of David and all the family, friends and loved ones he left behind. May you find some comfort in knowing that you do not grieve alone.
David, may you rest in peace, you will not be forgotten,
Teresa Jahn
January 11, 2002
May David's practical jokes, his life and love live on in you. He has such a heartwarming smile in this picture which must reflect his heart. We are deeply sorry for your loss. Our hearts cry with you.
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
jan zagoria
December 1, 2001
Dear Lynn,
I was privileged to accompany you and your family on your visit to the WTC Disaster site. In that brief time we spent together you and your family became so very special to me. I told you that day that I would always hold David in my heart. I hold all of you in my heart, and think of you so often. My prayers are with you and your family. Jan Zagoria
laurie
November 22, 2001
I am honored to wear the braclet for David Retrik. My prayers go out to his family and hope that in time there lives will get a little brighter. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!
myrna asher
October 17, 2001
you wre very beautiful on 48 hours the other night. you were elegant and our hearts go out to you all. myrna and howard
Benjamin, Tutogi & Tony ASHER
October 16, 2001
Dear Susan, Ben and Molly,
Our hearts go out to you at this most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
With deepest condolences,
The Asher Family
Erin Sykes
October 8, 2001
Uncle Alan, Aunt Bonnie, and Susan,
I have no words to express my deep sadness over the loss of David. I think of you often and cherish the few memories I have of David. It saddens me to know that the kids will know of their fathers greatness only through the stories and memories of others. You are in my prayers.
I give you this one thought to keep- I am with you still- I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not think of me as gone- I am with you still- in each new dawn.
Native American Prayer
With all of my love to my family at this hour of deepest pain,
Erin
Jeremy & Erin Miller & Sykes
October 8, 2001
I wanted to let the Retik family know that Erin and I are keeping you in our prayers.
Michelle Tovell Quinn
October 3, 2001
Dear Sue,
I am so terribly sorry about Dave. Words cannot express how deeply saddened I have been for you and your family since I heard about Dave. As you know, Dave was someone from our class at Colgate that was liked by all. He always had a smile on his face and kind words to say. I hope that you have a lot of support through this terrible time and going forward. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Michelle Tovell Quinn
BARBARA BOLIN
September 27, 2001
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU ALL.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
DAVID MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.
Heather Parlor
September 22, 2001
My prayers go out to the family & friends of David Retic.
As my sould takes flight to paradise
upon a snow-white dove...
I'm free to roam in my heavenly home
safe on the wings of love.
As I leave this world and fly away,
To a place where dreams come true...
My soul has found it's paradise,
But my love lives on in you.
My Deepest Sympathy
Michael Schnabel
September 20, 2001
Dear Retik family, Alan has brought my family many years of medical miracles and you each have a very special place in our hearts. Our prayers are with you as we remember David.
Jon Zalesne
September 20, 2001
Susan -- I love you.
Demian Gage
September 20, 2001
Susan, Ben, Molly and Baby Retik,
I want you to know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Dave was one of the first people that I met at Colgate when we were freshmen, and his friendly, easy going way really helped me during that first day of college.
Demian Gage
Edward Finkel
September 20, 2001
Dear Susan,
My heartfelt condolences you, Ben and Molly, and the entire Retik and Zalesne family on your loss of David. May you all find warm and loving memories to embrace amidst the anguish and pain of his tragic and senseless death.
I pray that you will seek and find comfort from a caring community of family and friends.
May David's life be forever for a blessing.
- Edward Finkel
Sue Poor
September 19, 2001
Susan, You and your family are in our thoughts everyday. We are very sorry for your loss. With Love, Sue and Jim Poor
Lisa Unger Stanton
September 17, 2001
Sue,
My heart aches for you, your children, and the entire Retik family. May you be comforted by friends who care and love you.
Lisa
Patrick Noble
September 17, 2001
I played soccer with Dave in Weston, I always was amazed at his skill and admired him in general. We are all diminished by this loss. My condolences to his family.
Kathy Sherwood Brown
September 15, 2001
Susan...Although I couldn't be at the service yesterday, my thoughts and prayers are always with you and your family. I love you, Kathy
Lou and Julie Kavoussi
September 15, 2001
Alan and Lynn, Our hearts are broken for you and your family..David will be in our prayers. With love, The Kavoussis
Amy & Matthew Rosenthal
September 14, 2001
To the Retik Family,
We are deeply saddened by your loss. Our thoughts and condolences are with you.
Mary Beth & Chris Kopf
September 14, 2001
Susan, words cannot express our sadness for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Lev Buslovich and Family
September 14, 2001
Dave will be remembered fondly. B'Shalom - With Peace.
Sue Lavigne
September 14, 2001
Susan - My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am so very sorry.
Ken Silverman
September 14, 2001
Sue, our sincerest condolences at this terrible time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ken Silverman and Carin Khatchikian
Robin Molan
September 14, 2001
Dear Retik Family-
May you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you through this tragedy.
Nancy Gertner
September 14, 2001
John and I are deeply, deeply saddened by the loss of your son. As we have said -- in a note that we hope gets to you --for someone who cared so wonderfully for our son, we can only begin to imagine what your pain must be over your son's loss.
We love you,
Nancy Gertner and John Reinstein
Yee-Ann Cho
September 14, 2001
Susan--My heart goes out to you and your family at this impossibly difficult time. I will be there with you in spirit today at 2:00 pm. Love, Yee-Ann
Andrew Amster
September 14, 2001
My deep condolences to Susan and to the rest of David's family. Words are inadequate.
Debbie Uyar Mueller
September 14, 2001
Susan: Doug and I are deeply sorry for your loss. You are your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kim Emmons-Benjet
September 14, 2001
Susan - My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I'm sorry I could not be at Dave's Memorial Service today, but will be praying for your at 2 p.m. Love, Kim
Cheryl and Barry Kogan
September 14, 2001
We are so very sorry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Warmly,
Cheryl and Barry Kogan
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