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Andrew Kates Obituary
On the Saturday morning before Sept. 11, Andrew Kates woke up to find his three children bouncing on the bed, all ready to play. "He just looked right at me and said, 'I love our family,' " said his wife, Emily Terry.
He spent every spare moment with his two daughters and son, ages 5, 3 and 1. He gave them piggyback rides around their Upper West Side apartment. They played hide-and-seek. Every weekend last winter, he packed hot chocolate and took the two older ones, Hannah and Lucy, ice skating for hours in Central Park.
An athletic 37-year-old, he had brown hair, green eyes and dimples creasing both cheeks. His son, Henry, looks a lot like him. He managed to see the best in every situation, whether it was at home or on the job at Cantor Fitzgerald in 1 World Trade Center, where he was a senior managing director.
Perhaps it sounds like a cliché, his wife said, but he did manage to enjoy life to the fullest. "He is one of the people I know who had very few regrets about his life."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Janaki Kates
September 11, 2021
Dear Kates Family,
Remembering Andrew today and always. His legacy will not be forgotten.
From the family of another Andrew Kates.
August 16, 2019
In beloved memory of Andrew....
Jane Tischner(Pope)
September 16, 2011
I worked in Andy's father's law office in Phila. many years ago. I was shocked to hear that Andrew Kates was one of those killed in the attacks of 9/11. I remember his dad talking about him and Seth and Paul. I also found out recently that Andy's dad Lewis Kates had passed away. I send my condolences to the entire Kates family.
September 11, 2011
I remember...
Frank p
London
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P Tabbernor
November 21, 2006
In remembrance....
Kristine
November 7, 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.
Andy Kates
February 25, 2004
Dear Emily,
I have just read the tribute to your husband and my namesake. Andy sounded like a wonderful person and it is a tragedy that he was taken from you.
From reading what other people have written it is clear that he was admired as much in his line of work as a family man.
Please accept my sincerest of condolences.
Regina Moore
September 28, 2002
Im very sad that you lost such a wonderful and caring husband and father. In rememberance of Sept 11 the college Im attending had us take a name of one of the victims and wear it for the day. Your husbands name drew my attention. What a wonderful person he was. Best wishes to you and your children. If Im able to help you please feel free to contact me at my email account. Im willing to help in any way possible.
Joan Harrison
September 19, 2002
Dear Emily,
We met only once years ago, at Joel Goldberg and Margot Frankel's wedding. My husband Michael and I are so sorry for your terrible loss. We wanted you to know that when we got married last year in LA, on September 29th to be exact (Julia Goldberg was our flower girl), we remembered Andy in our ceremony. From what Joel and Margot have told us, you and Andy exemplify the kind of marriage Michael and I aspire to. It felt right to honor Andy in that moment, and we strive to live up to the way you lived with Andy and carry on without him, making the most of every day and putting family first.
Yours, sincerely,
Joan Harrison and Michael Janofsky
Bruce Jakubovitz
September 18, 2002
Dear Emily,
You don't know me but I worked with Andy back in what were the "good old days" at CUC International in Stamford, CT. I joined the AutoVantage team at CUC in August of 1992 and Andy was one of the first people I met there. I'm fortunate to be able to say that he quickly became a friend. People couldn't help liking Andy. He had an infectious personality and a real thirst for life. I remember him always smiling, making others feel good and showing genuine interest in whatever anyone had to say. He enjoyed a good joke as well and was often either the author or recipient of some practical joke played in the office. He was good-natured about it either way.
When I learned that Andy was in the Trade Centers on that awful day one year ago, I found myself without words. The horror of that event is incomprehensible and the pain that you and the rest of your family have been through since then is literally unimaginable. I am glad to see that Andy was found and returned to you so that you could at least have a proper funeral.
There is little that most of us can do to ease your pain and I don't know if reading words like these help or make it worse but at least you will know that others are thinking of you.
May God comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Holly Cohen
September 12, 2002
Dear Emily, Hannah, Lucy and Henry,
I grew up with your husband, dad, for the first 8 years of my life. I lived across the street from him on Greenwood Avenue in Wyncote. I just wanted to let you know that even back then, everyone loved him. He was the best team player and always made every one in our little gang feel good. There was a group of us, Seth, George Goldman, Tod Keats(sp), me, and of course Paul, who was quite young at that time. We played most every evening until dark, riding bikes up and down my family's long driveway and just goofing around. We especially loved to play hide and go seek tag and baby in the air. I hadn't seen Andy for years, but I often thought of him fondly. He was so kind, even as a child. I ramble on. I can't imagine your loss. I am so sorry this happened. I read your article in New York Magazine yesterday and just wanted to touch base. Be healthy and well. Have a very happy and healthy new year this year and always.
Very truly your, Holly
Marc Garber
September 12, 2002
My brother and I remember Andy from Camp Alton. No words can capture our feelings for your family. We are, simply, so sorry for your loss.
Maureen Hanley
September 11, 2002
Dear Emily,
Today I am overwhelmed by the passage of time since last years tragedy. I have intended so many times to sit down and write to you and to search for pictures of Andy. I knew Andy for many years back in Wyncote. He was at my sixth birthday party and a member of most of my classes through high school. If your children know one thing about how he was perceived by others - it was as a gentle, smart and funnny person. I have thought about Andy and your family so many times this year. I hope you are doing well. When I pray with my children at night we send our warm thoughts to your family. My hope for you and your children is peace and comfort always, but especially today.
God Bless You,
Maureen Hanley
Elise Adams
September 11, 2002
Dear Kates family,
My heartfelt sympathies go out to you all. As Paul is one of my very best friends, I heard, over the years, all the wonderful stories of Andy and his amazing family. Although the time was brief, I had the pleasure of meeting Andy, Emily and the kids upon Paul's completion of the NYC marathon, and I got to personally see what a caring, giving and loving family Andy and Emily had.
My thoughts and prayers have been with you each and every day, but today on the one-year anniversary, I hold his memory close to my heart.
Elise
Sam Mitra
September 11, 2002
To the Kates Family,
Very few people make an impression on me, particularly from one meeting alone. Yet, that is exactly the number of times I had the sincere pleasure of meeing Andy--once. It was at a poker game near Princeton, NJ, several months before 9/11. In addition to being extremely down-to-earth, I think the things that impressed me the most about him were his modesty, sincereity, and kindness. Having also been an UWS Resident at the time, he very graciously offered me a ride home that evening. On that night, I met several new faces for the first time, but Andy is the one I remember most.
NATALIE WILSON
September 10, 2002
TO THE KATES FAMILY--
I NEVER HAD THE HONOR OF MEETING ANDREW BUT I HAVE HAD THE CHANCE TO MEET PAUL. PAUL ALWAYS SPOKE SO HIGHLY OF ANDREW. HE MUST OF BEEN SUCH A POWERFUL FORCE IN ALL YOUR LIVES. THERE WAS SUCH AN OUTPOURING OF OVERWHELMING SUPPORT AND LOVE AT ANDREWS MEMORIAL SERVICE THAT I HOPE YOU CARRY THAT WITH YOU EVERY DAY OF YOUR LIVES. MY CHEST ACHES AND MY HEART HURTS, I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
Susan Reeves
September 10, 2002
My son Benjamin (10 years old) received your name at church this past Sunday. You and your family have been in his prayers this week. May God bless and keep you.
Wendi Carroll
September 10, 2002
To the Kates family,
As unbeliveable as it might be, it's been one year since Andrew was with you. I am sure the pain is as fresh as it was a year ago.
I grew up in Cheltenham myself, just a few years older then Andrew. I now live in NYC, I belive close to where Andrew lived. His death touched me deeply. I think of him often, although I didn't know him.
I pray that his children are smiling again and that his wife, parents and siblings are remaining strong. I am sure that is what Andrew would want. May god bless you all during this very hard time.
Wendi Caplan-Carroll
P.O. Tracyann Ricaa Truck# 2 - Harlem
April 15, 2002
To The Kates Family,
I was an officer working at Ground Zero that Thursday morning on Sept.13th. I and several other officers retuned Andrew to your family. May God be with you and your family.
Steve Gross
April 7, 2002
Dear Emily & the Kates Family--
I grew up with Andy and went to school with him dating all the way back to Wyncote Elementary. I remember playing after school in his basement on Greenwood Avenue (this is surprising in light of the fact that I can't remember what I had for breakfast!) I played soccer with Andy for many years, and came to rely on him as he played fullback in front of me, protecting me from the ball, being that I was the goalie. I wish there was a way to have protected him and everyone else and to make this all one horrific nightmare, but in that it hurts to pinch myself, I know that it is not and that this--tragedy isn't a strong enough word--is something we will never forget.
I sent a letter to Emily--I hope you received it--with some anecdotes of Andy perhaps you might share with the kids one day. In the meantime Andy, know that we all think of you and we'll always remember.
Stacy Meyer
March 18, 2002
To Andrew Kate's family -
I wanted to let you know that I am deeply saddened at the loss of your loved one. I do want you to know that I have a Mercy Band that I wanted to wear in memory of 9-11 and the one that I was given was of your loved one, Andrew Kates. I wear the band every day in his memory. May God bless you.
Richard Goldfarb
March 11, 2002
TO: Judy, Seth and Paul.
While Andy was a grade below me in HS, I always had known Andy as a good guy. As my memories have faded from childhood, I will always remember him as his older brother, Seth was always organizing things with the younger kids and that was where I had gotten to know Andy.
Enrique Gandarilla
March 6, 2002
My condolences to Andy's family during this trying time. My thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Kate Holden
March 4, 2002
To Andy's family:
I went to college with Andy--Paul Levitan was on my freshman hall, so I saw Andy quite a bit. He was even nice enough to give me a ride to Philadelphia at spring break one year. I remember him as one of the nicest guys I knew, self-possessed and positive. These traits really stood out at Wesleyan, where most people were floundering around, just trying to figure out who they were. But Andy already seemed to have a jump on life.
His death is deeply felt, even by those who knew him only briefly, as I did. Reading this guest book, it is clear that even in death, he is continuing to affect those who knew him. I know that I approach each day with that much more appreciation.
--Kate Holden
Anonymous
February 11, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL MAN ANDREW KATES AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS WIFE..CHILDREN..FAMILY AND FRIENDS.STAY CLOSE AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01.GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK .MAY GOD AND ST.ANDREW GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN..AMEN
Wendi Brandeis (nee Ash)
February 6, 2002
Emily,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss.
I am sorry that I have never met you and your beautiful children. I went to middle school and high school with Andy and we were in many of the same honors classes. He was one of the nicest, smartest, cutest, and big hearted people I knew. And, what an athlete! I have
fond memories of being in Miss Fricker's calculus class with him as well as Mrs. Bornfriend's english class. And, I even remember the graduation party at his house - lots of fun and friends and joy. Paul and I were dear friends and I know he and Andy had a special relationship. At our recent CHS 20th reunion, we remembered Andy, and it truly touched everyone's heart. I wish you and your children only good health and happiness always. I feel blessed to have been friends with Andy. Take Care.
Wendi
Fran Levenstein-Ewart
February 4, 2002
I knew Andy through Joey Goldberg. Whenever he would visit Joey we would all go out. He truly was a person who loved to have fun and make people happy. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Most sincerely,
Fran Levenstein-Ewart
Washington, D.C.
Anne Campbell
January 16, 2002
Emily, Hanna, Lucy and Henry:
Andrew touched so many lives in such a positive way. I know he will live forever through you. I will treasure his warm smile and endless energy.
Sandy Smith
January 15, 2002
Emily, I was so sorry to hear about your loss. I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers have been with you, your kids, and your entire family. I don't know if you remember me - I went out with your brother Jim for 2+ years in college - but I have many fond memories of hanging out on weekends with you and your Mom at her old apartment.
Best wishes,
Sandy Smith
Teresa Jahn
December 28, 2001
We are deeply sorry for your loss of Andrew. May his enjoyment for family, 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
Gianni Riotta
October 17, 2001
Dear Mrs. Kates,
on Monday morning, September 10th and Tuesday morning, September 11th, my daughter Anita and Hannah rode the bus together to school. As a journalist I learned of the passing of your husband while covering the WTC disaster. My wife Marila, my son Michele, little Anita and me are very close to you in this hour of mourning. Our prayers are with your family. Anita speaks about Hannah often and I hope they will meet and play together again
May God bless you
sincerely
Gianni Riotta
Vivian Evans
October 2, 2001
At the installation of Mark Sisk as Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New York,we were all given names of one of the victims of the 9/11 attack to call out during the Prayers of the People. I received the name of Andrew Kates.I will continue to remember him and those he left to celebrate his life and memory.
Karen and Adam Feinstein
September 28, 2001
Andrew was a dear friend of our brother Marc. We are filled with sorrow at his passing and our prayers are with his friends and family.
Barbara Bolin
September 24, 2001
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU ALL.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
ANDREW MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.
Honey Meyer
September 23, 2001
The depth of sorrow I feel for your loss cannot be calculated, nor can it be expressed or described. To Bea, Emily & Family, Judy, Paul & Seth, Honey & Family, Betsy & Ed & Family--my most sincere condolences. Andy's talent, humor, joy of home,love,and friendship, his wholesome being will be missed. This brilliant light is gone, but not before it kindled the light in all those who knew him, all of whom have been blessed by his presence. I am so very sorry. Honey Meyer
Debra Papacena
September 22, 2001
My sincerest condolences to the families of Mr. Andrew Kates, a great personality silenced too soon.
May he be rewarded in heaven, and be safe. God Bless his families, and keep them strong during this trying time.
Debbie
Jessica Seiden
September 19, 2001
My deepest sympathies and prayers for Andy's family and dear friends. As an account manager from Instinet Corp., I have worked with Andy several times and have great respect for him. God Bless.
Jennifer Grochowalski
September 19, 2001
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
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