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John Iskyan Obituary
John F. Iskyan got up regularly at 5 a.m., rode the train in from Wilton, Conn., and was at his desk in the World Trade Center by 7 a.m. He would return home at 7 or 8 p.m. "Everything John did, he researched it, he studied it, he looked hard at it," Bob Keeling, a brother-in-law, said yesterday. "He didn't want to do it half-baked."
John Iskyan was competitive and loyal, Mr. Keeling said. He played high school lacrosse in Manhasset and became an avid skiier and hiker at St. Michael's College in Colchester, Vt. He joined Cantor Fitzgerald out of college and worked his way up to partner. After the 1993 trade center bombing, Mr. Keeling said, John disliked the building. But he would not leave the firm.
On the Saturday before last, he held a surprise 40th birthday party for his wife, Margaret, at the Old Town Hall in Wilton, with about 50 friends and family members, a two-piece band and a lot to eat. He had started planning the party a year ago, Mr. Keeling said. Even the Iskyans' children, Peter, 12, and Carolynn, 9, kept the secret.
"It was a great night," Mr. Keeling said. "John had done such a beautiful job. And it thrilled his wife."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
David Henning
September 12, 2015
I went to school with John's brother Paul years ago in Manhasset. I do not remember John but read his daughter's message from 9 years ago saying she loved him, it snowed and he would have loved it. This winter I will think of John when it snows. I hope his kids, wife and family are OK. God bless you - we will never forget!
September 12, 2014
Was thinking of John and Margaret yesterday.
Joe G
September 11, 2014
I miss you Isk
Liz S.
September 11, 2014
We will NEVER forget. Wearing your name today on my memory bracelet.
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September 11, 2013
In church, on the Sunday after 9/11, we all drew cards from a basket that had the names of the people who passed away that day. I pulled the card with the name of your husband. We were asked to pray for that person and their family. Still today, I have the card. You are all forever in my thoughts and prayers.
Lisa DeLuca
Fayetteville, GA
Liz S.
September 11, 2013
Thinking of you and your loved ones. We will NEVER forget!
June 10, 2013
My husband graduated from St. Michael's College like John. We just attended his reunion. We were on campus and I saw the beautiful bench outside of the chapel with the inscription to remember John and how very precious life is. My thoughts and hearth to you and his loved ones.
September 11, 2012
I worked across the river when the Towers fell and knew some of the lost. My remembrance bracelet says John Iskyan and I wear it each year to remember and honor Mr. Iskyan and the other innocents lost on that day.
Nancy Fay
September 11, 2012
Remembering John today.
Liz S.
September 11, 2012
Dear John, Today I wear a memorial bracelet with your name. I never knew you but now I will never forget you. I pray for your loved ones as another 9-11 goes by.
Lyn
September 14, 2011
I never knew John because he was several years ahead of me in school, but my parents knew his parents. May he rest in peace, and God bless his family.
Helena
September 10, 2011
The 10th anniversary Sydney Telegraph, has all the names of Victims written on one page. John f. Iskyan was the first name I saw. I keep looking at this name thinking of who you are. I will honour and remember your name & think of your family.
September 11, 2009
You and your family are in our thoughts…
With Love and Peace
South Eastern Massachusetts
Nanci
September 11, 2009
I've been wearing your remembrance bracelet for 8 years. I will continue to wear it in your memory and in honor of those lost on 9/11
Doug Grahn
September 10, 2009
Our family's thoughts continue to be with you Margaret, Peter and Carolynn. We will never forget that you lost your kind and caring husband and father to a senseless act of terrorism. We will always be there for you whenever needed.
Doug Abraham
April 11, 2009
Happy Birthday!!!
Carolynn Iskyan
December 7, 2008
Love you dad, it snowed today, you would have loved it
Doug Grahn
September 11, 2008
It has now been 7 years since 9/11. Our family's thoughts and prayers will always go out to Margaret and the children she and John were blessed with. This senseless act of violence should never be forgotten, nor should all the families who lost loved ones that day. We are thinking of you all.
Best Wishes,
The Grahn family
k
August 21, 2008
Hey John
thinking about you and the laughs we all had at Cantor. You are in my heart and prayers. Til we meet again...
Doug Abraham
April 11, 2008
Happy Birthday!!!
Doug Abraham
April 11, 2007
Happy Birthday!!!
P Tabbernor
November 15, 2006
In memory....
Kristine
October 31, 2006
As I cross-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.
September 9, 2006
God bless, my friend.
frankie
John Hoelscher
September 7, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you Margaret and the kids at this difficult anniversary. Making my way through St. Mikes with Whiskey and the gang made everything funnier and meaningful.
Stay strong Margaret. It's a tough time and I hope that you and the kids are well. My heart goes out to you guys.
Geej Allsopp Forbes
April 1, 2002
I knew John and Margaret at St. Mike's and was so very sad to hear about his death. I have such fond memories of his laugh and sense of humor. In fact, he dubbed the group of women I lived with the "Yallies" and that name has stuck 20 years later. When I asked him why this name he said -- "Oh, you guys just come into a room like a group of cackling geese -- yallie, yallie, yalling all over the place." He was right -- we did and still do.
My heart goes out to Margaret, Peter & Caroline. I can't imagine your sense of loss. Just know that your Dad was a kind and funny man. I still smile when I think of his humor and the time he dressed up like a flasher for Halloween our Sophmore year.
We will miss you John -- Take care Margaret.
Geej Allsopp Forbes
Denver, CO
February 4, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS YOUNG MAN JOHN ISKYAN AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN STAY CLOSE AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01.GOD BLESS THE REST OF HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS.GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..MAY GOD AND ST. JOHN GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Walter Chapin
January 15, 2002
We lost a great friend. A good man, without whom our lives will never quite be as full or as fun. As housemates in college, and soulmates journeying through life – we have shared hundreds of adventures together big and small – from ski trips to casual phone calls where I can still here him saying after cracking a joke - “gotta go.” I will always remember John as brave, steady and humble. He is the one you would always want on your team should you have a mission to accomplish or a job to do.
And how John loved to ski. John would never turn down an invitation to adventure. Anywhere, anytime, any condition, you name the terrain. He did not hesitate. He did not complain. He seized the opportunity to turn down any pitch with calm determination. John enjoyed the thrill, the challenge and the sense of freedom of this sport he loved. John had “serious” (to use his phrase) talent with a steady modesty I admire. At Stowe last year, he left me in the dust and he was grinning ear to ear.
John’s heros were American soldiers and explorers. John loved to learn about the challenges, brave decisions and the sacrifices they made. He was a deeply patriotic “soldier” himself who died in a battle he never had a chance to fight. I miss having him here now "on our team" to face the difficult challenges we face. We lost our wing man. We are a man down. We will miss you John.
Faithfully,
Walter Chapin
Teresa Jahn
December 28, 2001
We are very sorry for your loss of John. May John's determination to do things the right way, his life and love live on in those 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
Rich Bolton
December 26, 2001
Rest in peace buddy
Bill Rider
December 11, 2001
On behalf of our family I extend our deepest sympathies to Margaret, Peter, Carolyn and their extended families. John, you know how Sheryl, the kids and I felt about you. What a blast we had getting to know you, particularly on our shared trip to Sunday River....the perfect skiing and vacation venue for you to showcase your multiple talents as father and outdoorsman. I'll never forget our late day "AfterBurner" runs or our traipsing across the "GoatPath" with Margaret and Rich. You'll be sorely missed not only by our family, but also by the entire Wilton community and particularly the Wilton Lacrosse Association. Your committment, enthusiasm, courage and humor drew all of us to you....made us love you. I'm sure we'll cross paths again.....Until then, Happy Trails. Keep those tips up!
Ted Carmone
December 3, 2001
Margaret, Peter and Carolyn.
There's not a day that goes by, that I don't think of you all.
God bless you.
Ted
Chanelle Peters
November 3, 2001
This message is for Peter and Carolyn. I just wanted to extend my sympathies and to let you know that your father will forever be remembered in the nation's hearts and will live on forever.
Carla Leone
October 21, 2001
What a great guy, John Iskyan. I knew him from Manhasset and St. Mike's. I wish this didn't happen. My prayers are with your family, John, I know how much love exists between you.
Tim Heaton
September 30, 2001
John,
It's difficult for me to express the privilege I felt on having you on my team at Cantor. I recruited you because you where loyal to the firm, but I was not prepared for the extraordinary contribution you made to my group. I’m honored to have been your customer, boss, friend and kindred spirit. Thank you for keeping me in line and watching my “6”.
Tracy Ryan
September 28, 2001
I grew up in Manhasset with John and his family, and know what a wonderful person he has always been. My prayers are with you all in this most difficult time. God Bless.
Barbara Bolin
September 24, 2001
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU ALL.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
JOHN MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.
Karen Zakalik
September 20, 2001
I did not know John, but his father Jack when I was the Executive Director of the Oriental Rug Importers Association. I was reading the New York Times Tuesday night and saw John's picture. It was his dad's face that I saw and recognized. There only thing I can tell you is that I am terribly sorry for your loss and that of thousands of other people. I am deeply sad for all of your family.
Sincerely,
Karen Lee Zakalik (nee Beshar)
Bill Butterworth
September 17, 2001
So sorry to hear the news. Even though we havn't seen each other in years, I still remember u guys like it was yesterday. Stay strong and we'll miss "Whiskey"
Butter
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