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Christopher R. Zarba Jr.
Christopher R. Zarba Jr.
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Christopher Zarba Obituary
Christopher R. Zarba Jr. was just a baby when the Boston Pops performed a piece composed by his father, "Palm Sunday," in 1954. The younger Mr. Zarba inherited his family's musical genes, and grew up to be a talented pianist and French horn player who performed with local symphonies in his free time. He even married a fellow horn player, Sheila Kiernan.
Mr. Zarba, 47, lived with his wife and young son, Christopher James, in Hopkinton, Mass., before he boarded American Airlines Flight 11. A software engineer by profession, he also painted, gardened, and learned to speak German and Italian fluently. He was perpetually curious, and even keeping algebra and calculus books around the house to read for pleasure.
"He was always investigating," said his only brother, Joe Zarba.
To remember Mr. Zarba, his father, wife, and brother-in-law performed "Palm Sunday" last month with the Thayer Symphony Orchestra in Fitchburg, Mass. His uncle sang the national anthem. Mr. Zarba, who had played with the symphony for more than a decade, talked about performing his father's work, but never got the chance.
"I think Chris would have just loved it," Mrs. Zarba said.
Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on December 8, 2001.
Christopher Zarba came from a musical family. His father was a piano teacher in the Boston area and his uncle is a well-known Massachusetts vocalist. And while Zarba worked as a software engineer for a communications firm, music also played a significant role in his life--he played the piano and French horn. Zarba, 47, of Hopkinton, Mass., was aboard American Airlines Flight 11 when it crashed into the trade center.
Zarba was headed to Los Angeles to work on a computer system there for Concord Communications, said his father, Christopher Zarba. He was married and had a 3-year-old son, also named Christopher.
"The thing that's so sad about this is his son," Zarba's father said. "Those two were inseparable, and now he doesn't have a dad."
Since the tragedy, the already close-knit family has gotten even closer. They tell stories of Christopher, who would have turned 48 on Saturday.
They've also tried to cope by turning off the television, said Christopher's brother, Joe.
"It's a horrific experience watching your brother die over and over and over again," Joe Zarba said. "To know that he had a half-hour of terror on that plane is only helped by the fact that now he is in a better place."
The family held a memorial service over the weekend at a Catholic church in east Boston. At the service, Zarba's father played keyboards while his uncle, Frank, sang.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ashley Rimes
February 19, 2025
I worked with Chris at Data General. I was based in the UK and got to know Chris from various projects we worked on together.
Luckily for me I got the chance to meet Chris when he came to the UK to work and when I went to the US. He was a delightful man to work with and had a great sense of humour. I was fairly young at the time but he clearly etched his persona for me for me to be writing this today.
I remember his humour the most . We had many a opportunities to share our views of our own countries with each other. He learnt cockney rhyming slang really quickly and always shared a moment to greet me in the morning with whatever phrase we had shared that week.
We also played football(soccer) after work in the freezing English weather one dreary late grey afternoon on a field behind the Data General offices with all the team. I, not being terribly skilled at football shared with Chris the art of the professional foul. I still remember him running with that new knowledge on the pitch quoting some cockney slang at me as he chased the football down.
So i remember Chris with great fondness and feel privileged to have shared some brief moments with him. My best wishes to all of his family.
John Balliro
September 11, 2020
Another Sept. 11th.....as preparations are starting to mark the 50th reunion of the Boston Latin class of 1971...I think of all my friends who are no longer with us.......Chris's death is especially hard for me because he was my first friend at Boston Latin.....my thoughts today are with your family Chris and other friends who miss your kind heart...........John Balliro
The Kindred Family
September 26, 2019
We are thinking again of your family and sending our deep sympathy. May your loving memories bring you some comfort. Chris touched the lives of others and is still sadly missed.
Katherine McWilliams
September 11, 2019
Heartfelt prayers on this sad anniversary
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Kindred Family
September 26, 2018
Sending our continued heartfelt condolences to your family for the loss of Chris. The passing of time doesn't always make the pain pass away. May God continue to give you the comfort needed to cope. He will always be fondly remembered.
Tiffany Dawson
September 11, 2018
Always Thinking of you and your family Joe.
Katherine Williams McWilliams
September 11, 2018
prayers today and always
Katherine Williams McWilliams
September 13, 2016
prayers always
John Balliro
September 11, 2016
Dear Chris,
It has been 15 years, every year on Sep 11th I think of you and our days on the train from East Boston to Latin School. Today just as the news began a moment of silence when your flight hit the tower a tree crashed down and the lights went out at my home in New Hampshire I could not help but think you were saying hello.
Your Friend ...John Balliro
Katherine McWilliams
September 11, 2015
You will always be remembered in our thoughts and prayers. Kathy
Rina Zarba
September 13, 2014
Wherever you are, we are with you. Love you forever Christopher...each tear is for you.
Elizabeth Weir
September 12, 2014
Remembering that awful day and the added shock that a neighbor was on that plane. Sending love to the family as each year is a reminder.
Virgie Miller
September 12, 2014
I rode with the 2 Million Bikers to DC and 9/11 Truckers in honor of you. You are never forgotten!
Katherine Williams-McWilliams
September 11, 2014
Thinking of Chris on this day.
Pamela Griffin-Zimmerman
June 29, 2014
Chris was a dear friend that I was blessed to know and to love throughout our time with GYBSO where he played the French Horn beautifully and I played in the violin section. Although he went to college at Tufts and I went to music school in NY we remained close and spent time together throughout our college days. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. and Mrs. Zarba and his brother Joe at their lovely home after rehearsals. I felt so loved by his family and hoped so often to see Chris and meet his wife and son on one of my return trips to Boston. It was not until I tried to find Chris and his family recently on a trip home to Boston that I discovered his death on 9/11. I was devastated and truly hurt by his loss and the loss his wife, son, brother, Joe. parents and family have endured. Anyone who knew Chris would know and feel a great loss from his passing. He was truly a man who loved life with every moment he lived and I was blessed to know him. It is my hope that if anyone in his family is comfortable with contacting me, you will and I will know how you are and that you will know how much I loved your Chris and his wonderful family. I will pray every day for Chris and his wife and son and their family as well as Chris's family. Know that you are loved by me and that your story has been told to my husband Joel and my two sons, their wives and in time their children. Chris was strong in life and II know remained strong through his passing and in his death. He will never be forgotten. My address is 1752 Dawncrest Drive in West Bloomfield, MI 48324. My heart is always with you.
Jo Anne, Paul, Madeline, Caraline and Kristen Konz
September 12, 2013
I think of the Zarba family every 9/11. I will always remember Chris picking up "hubby bubby" at day care and sitting down in the grass to talk about their day. Everyone would be busy trying to get home, but those 2 wouldn't even notice! It was always very heart warming to me and forever etched in my mind.
Dani Reardon
September 11, 2013
I worked with Chris on the M/V Rocket 3 a day trip fishing boat on Boston Harbor. Chris was a college student at this time. I was. In high school. I often looked back on those days to remember Chris ,
So kind, intelligent and optimistic. He taught me to be kind and open to people. He loved getting ribbed by the fisherman and Ribbing them back dressed in blue jeans and a red bandana on his head.
I will remember you
Dani
Rina Zarba
September 11, 2013
You are loved and remembered more each year and we will forever be grateful that you were a member of our family. Your soft spoken, sweet and gentle ways are forever embedded in my mind, as is, in others who were proud to know you.
john balliro
September 11, 2013
Chris remembering you on Sept 11,2013
and always ..... John Balliro BLS 1971
Katherine Williams-McWilliams
September 11, 2013
To the Zarba family on this day, I still say prayers for all of you and think of Chris, he was an incredible person. May God keep you all in faith, love and hope.
September 11, 2012
Support to Chris Zarba, his son.
Katherine Williams McWilliams
September 11, 2012
I always think of Chris playing his french horn on this day. May peace and blessings be with all of his family and friends.
Rina Maimon
September 10, 2012
September 11, 2012
11 years have passed and you are remembered as fondly as ever. From a fellow musician of Tufts' woodwind quintet.
Peggy Childers
September 9, 2012
To the family and friends of Christopher R. Zarba, Jr.:
Christopher 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.
alex naya
September 13, 2011
GoD BLESS U <333333
Katherine McWilliams
September 12, 2011
To the Zarba Family: I was blessed to have played with Chris in the Norton Singers and Chaminade Pit Orchestra and in a lovely woodwind quintet that used to rehearse in the Brannan Flute Factory in Woburn. My thoughts were with you all yesterday, 10 years and the memories of how great Chris was will always be with us.
Fondly,
Katherine Williams McWilliams
Bassoonist
Erin Kouri
September 11, 2011
The Zarba family is one filed with love and generosity that knows no bounds. Thinking of you today.
Weir family
September 11, 2011
Thinking of you on this day of observance of the worst of humankind. With love and God Bless
Your at the time, Granite street neighbors.
Lee LoPilato
September 11, 2011
Chris, On this day ten years ago you and I were going to make a busniess trip out to California. We were to go on the Friday before that dark day, for what ever reason a family function re-scheduled the date to the following Monday the 11th and I was no longer needed on site. I miss you my friend and often pray for your family and Son with whom you always spoke so fondly about. God bless you and your family.
M Mazzarini
September 10, 2011
God Bless the Zarbas
"Peace to those who wait for us until we meet again, Amen."
Nik Lopez
September 10, 2011
Hey, im nik. I go to Houston County High, yesterday my whole school wore a name tag of someone that sadly lost their life on 9/11. I wore Christopher's name. God bless you Chris.
Jennifer Sanborn
September 10, 2011
Sheila and Christopher Jr., yours are the faces I think of as this anniversary approaches. Though I didn't have the privilege of knowing your husband and father, I remember well the gifts of music, laughter, and togetherness at his memorial service--your capacity to remember with joy was inspiring then and now, and I hope you are both well, growing in love and delight each day.
September 10, 2011
God bless you Chris - you were such a sweet, kind man.
Barbara Severson
September 8, 2011
After 9/11 my home church distributed silver bracelets, each with the name of one of the victims, that they may never be forgotten. I have worn my bracelet every day with the name Christopher Zarba inscribed on it. Although I have never met the Zarba family, I want them to know that I think about them and pray for them and will continue to wear this bracelet in remembrance of their son.
Ten years later Chris and you are etched in our hearts and minds.
Rina Maimon
August 31, 2011
Earlier this year, I visited the 9/11 Memorial in Jerusalem, Israel. It is entitled: A Reminder of Shared Loss and a Call for Peace Among Nations. This memorial, dedicated by the Blank family of NYC, was one of the first major international memorials to mark the tragedy and honor the memory of its victims. The bronze sculpture depicts a waving American flag which evolves into a memorial flame. It is 30 feet high and rests on a base of gray granite, part of which came from the original Twin Towers of the World Trade Center destroyed in the mammoth airliner attack on September 11, 2001. The sculpture is surrounded by a circular, crater-like plaza and reflection area, tiled in stone, where the names of every victim of the attack (nearly 3,000) are etched in stone. There I found Chris’ name and would like to share that photo with the community here.
August 18, 2011
Hello cousin. I never knew you personally, but it will never change the fact that we were related. Peace.
Paul Battaglia
Greg Habel
May 5, 2011
Each year on 9/11, Chris is the first person I think of. I hope the family is doing well and Chris is riding his bicycle somewhere up there.
Memories from Data General.
David Hastings
May 4, 2011
Gone but not forgotten. As we approach the tenth commemoration of that sunny Tuesday morning when Christopher met his fellow musicians of the heavenly orchestra, we smile at memories of him and think warmly of the loving family members left behind. Someday we will be reunited and the brass players from Tufts will once again offer our serenades in splendid harmony.
Judy Schmitz
May 1, 2011
I still think of Chris often, especially when I hear music that we played together with the TSO. I remember exchanging stories about our baby boys and proud he was of Chris. It is happy day today to know that Osama bin Laden is gone.
May 1, 2011
I am thinking of the Zarba family on this day. Remembering my tiny daughter hugging Christophers mom and the pain of 9/11. May this nightmare be over.
John Flaherty
September 11, 2009
I met Chris only once, I believe, when I was about 19 and he was in his mid-teens. His father, Chris Sr., was the orchestra and band leader at Watertown High where he was very influential and inspiring in many peoples' lives.
Every year at this time, I think of Chris.
My heart goes out to his family and all who had the honor of knowing him.
John Flaherty
September 11, 2009
I met Chris only once, I believe, when I was about 19 and he was in his mid-teens. His father, Chris Sr., was the orchestra and band leader at Watertown High where he was very influential and inspiring in many peoples' lives.
Every year at this time, I think of Chris.
My heart goes out to his family and all who had the honor of knowing him.
Greg Habel
September 11, 2009
I worked with Chris at Data General.
Each year on 9/11 I remember Chris, his humor, contageous smile, and generosity. His memory still remains strong.
Christopher in Scotland, 2007
Sheila Zarba-Campbell
February 8, 2009
Hi everyone,
It is great to read your memories of Chris. This is a wonderful tribute to him and I will share it with our son Christopher J. Zarba, who is 10 years old. Thanks so much.
Love,
Sheila Zarba-Campbell
Jane Tessier
January 4, 2009
I am a caregiver and I had the honor of doing an overnight with Chris's dad last night. I heard many interesting stories from him. I myself am Italian and he told me all about Italy and how beautiful it is there. I hope that someday I will be able to visit. Chris played piano for me and to hear him play took my breath away. And his paintings were just wonderful. Of all the stories that he told me, the one about his son being a victim of 911 saddened me. Even though I never met him, it brought a tear to my eye. My heart goes out to his family and to his father. I read that Chris was following in his father's footsteps. If so, then he must of been a very special man. May he rest in peace!
Sarah Michael
September 12, 2008
Chris and I worked together many years ago at Blue Cross/Blue Shield. We often went to Chinatown for Dim Sum at lunch. One day he took a dish of dark gnarled little bits off of the server's tray. I asked what it was and as he put the dish on our table, committing us, the waiter cheerfully replied, "Chicken feet." It became our joke, drawing chicken feet on scraps of paper and tossing them over the cubicle wall. Then I moved to Texas and we wrote for awhile before losing touch. I was excited to look him up when we moved back, but he was gone.
And yes, Chris ate those chicken feet at the restaurant that day, I just couldn't.
Claire Coyne
September 11, 2008
Chris Zarba was one of my friends at work at Data General/EMC. He was such a great and caring person. I can still remember the call I got, and couldn't believe it. I think of Chris often and his family who happen to live next door to my son. I said a prayer for him and his family this morning on this anniversary, and may the memories comfort his entire family. He was a gifted person, but was also a gift to his family, and to the human race. Rest in Peace, Chris!
Matt Baddeley
September 11, 2008
It's been seven years, and I am still saddened by Chris's death. Those who worked with Chris at Concord were devastated. I just want to assure Chris's family that he is not forgotten.
Elizabeth Weir
September 11, 2008
Rest in peace Christopher Zarba. We will never forget.
This morning my daughter wept for you, our Hopkinton neighbor we had never met.
God bless
Charlotte
July 27, 2008
I still think almost daily of the victims of 9/11 and pray for them and their loved ones left behind.
P Tabbernor
June 9, 2007
In remembrance....
Patricia McLean-Wind
September 11, 2006
Dear Family of Chris,
My friendship with Chris goes back to our days at Tufts. Although we eventually grew apart, to this day Chris is never far from my thoughts. He had a profound impact on me during our time together at school and my admiration of him has, and will always be a source of warmth and inspiration. Being a year older than Chris, I played first horn in the Tufts band until Chris came and dazzled us all with his tremendous talent. It was with Chris's humorous, supportive prodding and earnest encouragement that I began to take music seriously. His gentle, humble nature allowed me to truly understand the simple yet powerful relationship between talent, hard work and an unpretentious joy of accomplishment. Chris didn't do things well for the glory of recognition, he did things well because in his eyes, there was no other way to do them. He was, above all else, a gentleman and a good and remarkably thoughtful person. After playing in various Tufts musical ensembles together, he dropped out of band in his junior year. Why? So I could play first horn in my senior year. No amount of trying would convince him to reconsider (much to the chagrin of the conductor, I might add). Every memory I have of Chris has a thread of sweetness and compassion running through it. When I learned of Chris's passing, like everyone who knew him I was in utter disbelief of how this could happen to someone like him. Yet, I guess we have no choice but to believe there was a higher purpose for Chris - certainly no one is more deserving than he. Despite the indescribable sorrow of his leaving a child behind, I was so very happy to learn that he had a son. I know that Chris lives on in this little boy. Even though they had only a short time together -- with Chris, no amount of time is truly enough -- but any amount of time is just enough to be profoundly impacted by him. I know this little boy will grow up to be the man his father was guiding him to be. He is part of Chris, and as such, he must be very special. While I do not know you Sheila, I know you must be very special as well. Because Chris was kind enough to invite me to his home, so many years ago, I have met Mr. Zarba and Joe. I know there is nothing anyone can really say to help, no matter how much time passes, but, I just wanted you to know one more story of someone who's life Chris touched and enriched. To all of you, I wish peace and solice in the knowledge that Chris's spirit lives on in the lives of those who knew and loved him.
Very Sincerely,
Patricia R. McLean
Rina Zarba
September 10, 2006
My Dear Nephew Christopher:
Five years, and still I find my conversations with you are continuing - there is no need for words, sometimes they come and sometimes they fail me. But, we are still here knowing that you have something to do with every good thing that happens in our lives. You were always quiet, but you were always visible, now you are more verbal and visible...funny, but you were always full of surprises. We love you. Your Dad and brother reflect you more and more and a new baby girl is coming for your brother Joe and Helen - I tell them it is your gift of love. God Keep you safe for us. Kisses and Hugs, Auntie Rina
Jennifer Sanborn
September 10, 2006
Sheila, I can't ever pass this anniversary without thinking of you and your son, and wondering how you are. I still remember the music from Chris's service and the stories that brought to life a man I never met. Thinking of you and sending you peace....
Elizabeth Weir
September 10, 2006
Tomorrow is 5 years. The day was surreal as it was. Waiting for the school bus to hug my child. But to find a neighbor, Christopher, would never hug his child again made 9/11 that much worse. My daughter, only 8 rang the doorbell and hugged his mom. If only that could have helped. 5 years later we still hold the Zarba's near and will never forget.
Christopher Rudolph Zarba Jr.
Rina Zarba
September 14, 2005
E-Man
September 10, 2005
Remembering you, KAppy.
You are missed.
Theresa Zarba-Kenny
July 4, 2005
I never met my second cousin but my brother is also named Christoper Zarba. I recieved many calls that day from friends and family offering support. Although glad it was not my Christopher Zarba, I have come to know the Chris who was taken fom us. Through the e-mails posted here, and stories from family members I feel I have truly missed out on meeting a special and loving individual. May he rest in peace and may we live up to his example. Theresa Zarba-Kenny
Jennifer Durant
May 26, 2004
Our son, Chris Durant, was Christopher James' Zarba's good friend when 9/11 occurred. At 3 years old, the reality was far too close for both boys. Sheila, Chris' wife, is a friend of mine. Now, as the boys are 6 years old, and life inevitably goes on, may happiness envelope all of you. Peace be with you, with Chris the dad, and with all the victims of 9/11. The angels hold your hands. I'm certain of that.
Janice D'Amore
March 23, 2004
Dear Cousin Chris,
If you and I met it was brief. I do know my sister Mary knew you and your brother Joe. Naturally, your grandmother Elivira, looms large in our memory as do most of our wonderful Italian matriarchy. I suppose that is why I am not surprised to hear you described as gentle, kind and thoughtful, if nothing else, this was our heritage from the Bataglias.
I know my sister Mary had spoken of our Buddhist practice and had let you know about 'Nam-Myo-Ho-Renge-Kyo' and its beneficial effects. Life is a struggle and the moment of our death unknown-as Buddhists we believe life is eternal and that death is a temporary abscence from the temporal world and the moment of one's death holds great significance. Tragic as your death and the deaths of all who perished on 9/11 is, Mary and I have found solace in the knowledge that on Flight 11 you were seated next to a long time member, David Aoyama. We believe David would have been chanting 'Nam-Myo-Ho-Renge-Kyo' at this crucial moment and that the strength of his prayer ushered you into a most favorable state of ku (latent existence). We chant your rebirth will be filled with fortune.
The Keohane Family
September 11, 2003
On behalf of my family, I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the sorrow your family has endured because of this tragic moment. I am familiar with the Zarba family because my son was a tenent in one of your family owned apartment buildings near Orient Hieghts in East Boston. My son also an artist was so moved by the sorrow he saw in Christophers' Fathers eyes that he entered the military and several months later marched to Bagdad. Along the road, always the artist, he drew pictures of which I have not yet seen but hope to see him and those pictures soon.
On that tragic day many things changed, my family too, has grown stronger and closer. Christopher Zarba will not be forgotten in our family home and hearts.
JOHN BALLIRO
September 11, 2003
CHRIS AND I RODE THE SUBWAY EVERY DAY FROM EAST BOSTON TO BOSTON LATIN SCHOOL, HIS HORN CASE ALWAYS GOT IN THE WAY, I REMEMBER HIM AS A KIND INDIVISUAL WITH A BIG SMILE FOR EVERYONE. MY DEEPEST REGARDS TO HIS FAMILY ON 9/11/03
christopher barzola
September 23, 2002
to the family: i'm sorry that mr. zarba died...my name is christoper, too...i learned about mr. zarba when my class studied 9/11...he was a very good band player...he was good at math...i always wanted to learn german...he learned it...i wish he could've taught me...
Rina Zarba
August 13, 2002
Dear Chris:
It is hard to believe we shall be approaching the anniversary that God and your Mom Catherine called you home. I know you are in a beautiful place - with so many other angels around you. We have had many angels here, your Dad is very courageous, your brother Joe, your aunts, uncles and cousins. All the people you ever touched remember how kind and gentle you were and I talk with you every day. You have helped the Thayer Symphony Orchestra develop a new Community Music School and a room is to be named after you! Imagine. Auntie thought you would like a scholarship fund and there is one in your name Wow! and guess what? a Siberian Husky was adopted with the name ZARBA - your Dad smiled and said that you would love that. But most of all Chris, you gave your Dad the impetus to write more symphonies and we know you will be there to listen with us on September 21st, 2002 when your dad will again conduct his Sinfonia Da Camera - an intimate symphony, just for you and mom. Maestro Wada is so greatly indebted for the fact that you gave life to his dream and most important Christopher James will grow up to know how wonderful you were and are. We all love you and thank you for being in our life and also looking down from Heaven. Kisses - Auntie
David Lawler
July 16, 2002
I worked with Chris at Data General and had kept in touch with him after that.
The loss of Chris is a loss for all of us. A very talented person, very intelligent, very patient, and yet very modest, Chris always had time for people and always shared his smile.
What I remember most about Chris was how the birth of his son Christopher impacted him. Chris adored his son and valued every second they could spend together. While he will now grow up without his father, Christopher should know just how much his father loved him.
Chris' values were a model for all of us. We are all worse off now that Chris is gone.
David
N. D
July 13, 2002
To the Zarba family..I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May Christopher rest in peace. He'll neva be forgotten.
God Bless.
Stephanie ann DeAngelis Moulton
June 14, 2002
May god protect my beloved cousin cris Zarbar.I really miss him soo much even though I really didn't know him that well.My mom carol moulton misses him so.
May 28, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL MAN..CHRISTOPHER R.ZARBA JR. AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.GOD BLESS AMERICA..MAY JESUS AND ST.CHRISTOPHER GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Lindsay
May 14, 2002
Hey i am only 12 years old but i know how this attack scared us all. I am very sorry for your lost in which i know how it feels to lose someone special or close because i lost my grandfater April 20th 2002.Again i am very sorry for your lost.
Nancy Feagans
April 5, 2002
Though I didn't know Chris, my son Kelly worked for the same company as one of their west coast representatives. Kelly said he'd exchanged email and phone calls with Chris, and that Chris was excited about coming to California that morning. To Chris' family and friends, I extend my sincere condolences. He was clearly a good man who was loved and respected by many. May he rest in peace.
Sheila Werland
April 2, 2002
I wish to extend my condolences to the family of Christopher. Although I did not know him personally, I can see we have lost an intelligent and talented man. His family and friends have lost a comforting and compassionate man. I pray for the healing of his family thru the memories and continuations of his musical gifts. Peace be with you.
grena bowers
April 2, 2002
I just read of the loss of your loved one. Please allow me to convey my condolences. May the God of all comfort Jehovah, be with you this day.
Rina Zarba
March 20, 2002
My darling nephew Christopher was taken from us on September 11th 2001 but his memory is as big as life in our daily life and hearts...A memorial concert was held in his honor on November 10th, 2001 at the Thayer Symphony Orchestra under the auspices of his good friend Maestro Toshimasa Francis Wada, where he was a french horn player in the orchestra.
To keep his memory alive a Foundation was founded by his Aunt Rina to keep the music he so loved available to those children who have creativity but are not able to afford lessons with Maestro Wada's newly instituted Community Music School of the Thayer Symphony Orchestra in Leominster. All and any donations are needed to create this Scholarship Fund in Christopher's memory. Donations can be sent to Thayer Symphony Orchestra, 14 Monument Square, Suite 406 - Leominster MA 01453
Daniel B Banks
March 11, 2002
Peace
Kathy Swaringen
February 27, 2002
1 mile was walked to honor the life of Christopher and all the family, friends and loved ones he left behind. May you find some comfort in knowing that you do not grieve alone.
Christopher, may you know that you may be gone, but you will never be forgotten. May you rest in peace.
Teresa Jahn
January 11, 2002
We are very sorry for your great loss of Christopher. May his enjoyment of music, his life and love live on in all who love him. 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
Susan Thorne Gagnon
January 7, 2002
My deepest sympathy oes out to the Zarba family. I was devastated to learn that Chris was aboard the AA flight. We were classmates at U Lowell and performed together in the Wind Orchestra. I have such warm memories of him as a very kind, generous and gentle person, as well as a wonderful musician. I have a special memory of Chris - On a bus trip with the orcestra to perform in Wash. D.C. I was motion sick and Chris took me under his wing, asking the professor to let me sit in the front seat. I always remembered his kindness to me that day. His family are in my prayers.
stephenie pridgen
November 21, 2001
Dear family of Christopher Zarba, I am very sorry for your loss.He seems like a wonderful man.Please remember God is with you.With love Stephenie Pridgen
Cala Scott
November 2, 2001
Dear Zarba Family, Hello, my name
is Cala Scott. I learned specifically about the terrible
tragedy that took Christopher's
live through a program at my
church called Mercy B.A.N.D.
My pastor's wife Lenya Heitig
wanted a way for us to pray for
your family. Prayfully, she conceived the idea to have nice
silver bracelets made up with
the name of the victim. I wear
it daily and pray for little
Christopher, his mother, grandparents, aunts and uncles. All
of those that loved and lost
Christopher on that horrific
crash of AA#11. May God give you
peace and comfort as my words are
inadequate for how my heart hurts
for your family. God bless and
keep you. Cala Scott ([email protected].
carmen leng australia
carmen leng
November 2, 2001
hi i am in Australia and I just wanted you to know I am thinking of your loss .I know i am just a stranger but you are in my thoughts. love carmenxx
Deanna Michaelson
October 29, 2001
My family and I wish to express our sincere sorrow for your loss.
My 2 1/2 year old son goes to the Main Street 'campus' for childcare that Chris' son attends. Although at different places, we are part of the extended family whose heart breaks over your tragedy.
We never met Chris personally, but may have passed smiles or nods at a childcare sponsored event. I am sorry that we never made a more personal connection.
With our deepest condolences, the Michaelson/Siegel family
Mary Ragone
October 24, 2001
I've been friends with Christopher's brother Joseph for many years. Sadly, I never got to meet Chris. I have been spending time with Joe recently, opening my heart, and sharing his tremendous burden. My heart goes out to the Zarba family: Sheila,his wife, little Chris,his son, Joe and his wife Helen, and Dad. The sorrow and loss you feel is enormous and interminable. But so is the power of love, and in this love, Christopher lives eternally in the light of God, and in every thought you have and every breath you take. He will always be with you.
Joan Libbey
October 21, 2001
We heard an angel sing on his way to heaven on that very day.
Penny Arslanian
October 19, 2001
I knew Chris when he was at U. Lowell as a horn major. His dad was my jr. high and h.s. band teacher. My heart goes out to your entire family.
Mary Kay Santoro
October 16, 2001
Chris, you were the neighbor we never got to meet, just 3 houses away... God rest your soul and
keep you.
Donna Pecci
October 15, 2001
I was a nursing student of Chris's mother in laws, Kathleen Kiernan. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you everyday....special prayers to little Christopher
Rina Maimon
October 9, 2001
I was devastated to read that Chris was on American's flight #11 that crashed into the World Trade Center on September 11th. His tragic death was untimely and unwarranted. He was a wonderful person and friend. We played together in a woodwind quintet at Tufts University for many years and I was honored to call him my friend. He was a warm and caring individual and an excellent horn player who not only loved to play the french horn, but loved to listen to great horn soloists. He was gifted and humble and I remember him dearly and fondly. My heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Sheila and son, Chris Jr. and to his father, brother and other close family members.
BARBARA BOLIN
September 28, 2001
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU ALL.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
CHRISTOPHER MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.
Kelly
September 24, 2001
I did not know Chris,but i would like to say that i am very sorry for the loss of someone that sounds like a great person.God bless the family,and friends of Chris.Again i am very sorry.
Father Taurasi
September 23, 2001
I wish to express my sincerest sympathy and condolences to the family of Christopher Zarba. When we were children, Christopher, his brother Joseph, and I were altar boys at St. Lazarus Church in East Boston. I remember Christopher as a very kind, faithful, and loving person. While his untimely and tragic death deeply saddens me, I commend his soul to Almighty God, trusting that He will grant Christopher eternal peace.
Lois Ravagno
September 21, 2001
I am very sorry to hear that this was the boy I remember. I lived around the corner on Breed St. I remember Chris and his brother as very nice boys. I remember one day being invited to his house by his Mother and listening to him practice the french horn. It was the first time I had ever seen one let alone heard one played. He was very gifted. I will miss him and I am sorry that we had not kept in touch over the years. May he rest in peace with God.
Sacha Zarba
September 21, 2001
It's not very often that you come across someone with the same last name as you--Especially "Zarba". I'm hoping that someone can reach out to me in his family. My deepest, heartfelt sympathies go out to the Zarba family.
Rob Marchetti
September 19, 2001
A few years back I had worked with Chris at a company in Andover. He was an outstanding Software Engineer and a very intelligent man.
He was a pleasure to work with and have known.
Our prayers go out to his family.
Franklin Zarba
September 19, 2001
Christopher R. Zarba Jr. was born in East Boston, MA and lived on Leyden St. He attended St. Lazarus School and Boston Latin. Graduated from Tufts College and Lowell State College. He was a Software Engineer. He was an accomplished musician playing french horn, piano and organ. He leaves wife Sheila, a son Christopher a brother Joseph and a father Christopher. He was a highly respected and dearly loved.
LOIS Ravagno (Iannelli)
September 18, 2001
I am not sure if this is the Christoper Zarba that I knew as a child in East Boston. But wether or not it is him my prayers go out to his family.
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