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Robert Gerlich Obituary
Last month, Robert J. Gerlich rounded up his sons, Matt and Daniel, for an afternoon at Shea Stadium. The Mets lost again, but he didn't complain. He never complained. "He didn't care," Matt said. "He always had a good time."
A lifelong baseball fan, Mr. Gerlich, 56, worked long hours as an accountant for Guy Carpenter & Company. But his weekends were devoted to his family in Monroe, Conn., and to baseball. Though his wife of 23 years, Rochelle, never shared his passion for the sport, he found willing seatmates in his sons. They would talk and joke in between cheers for the Mets or the Bridgeport Bluefish (he was a season ticket holder). And no matter who won or lost, they would have a good time together.
"He's one of those guys you have to know," Matt said. "It's hard to describe him. If you knew him, you knew he was a cool guy."
Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on September 22, 2001.
Robert Gerlich, 56, an accountant and consultant with Reinsurance Solutions Inc., was working for a client on the 94th floor of the World Trade Center's north tower.
Hours after the tragedy, his wife, Rochelle, knew in her heart he hadn't survived. Gerlich was a meticulous, loyal man. His wife of 23 years knew that if he were alive, he would have found a way to reach her.
"I'm pretty sure he was hit immediately," his wife said. "To my knowledge, nobody from that floor was ever heard from."
The Gerlich family--Rochelle and sons Daniel, 22, and Matthew, 19, held a memorial service Saturday near his home in Monroe, Conn.
"He had a wonderful sense of humor and he had a wonderful outlook on life. He really saw humor in everything," his wife said of Gerlich, who worked in Chicago for a consulting firm about six years ago. "We weren't just husband and wife. We were best friends."
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Janet Sayer
September 11, 2024
On this 23rd anniversary, you are remembered.
Janet Sayer
September 11, 2023
On this 22nd anniversary, you are remembered.
M
September 11, 2021
Never forgotten
Tom Abruscato
September 11, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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Janet Sayer
September 10, 2021
As we approach the 20th anniversary of 9/11, may your family know that you are always remembered.
Janet Sayer
September 11, 2020
On this 19th anniversary, you are remembered.
Janet Sayer
September 10, 2019
On this 18th anniversary, you are remembered.
Janet Sayer
September 11, 2018
On this 17th anniversary, you are remembered.
Phyllis Klein Kramer
September 11, 2018
So sorry for your loss Shelly.
I was able to access this because of information from Debbie.
I hope you are well.
Dr MSW
September 11, 2017
From an anonymous "friend" who, like all Americans, was touched by the tragedy of that day. You and all those lost that day will be collectively remembered for the rest of our lives.
Let's Go Mets !.
Allan Nissen
September 11, 2017
Bob, I remember the good times we had. We played on the same basketball team (Long Island Press League) , know as the Wolfpack. Or the time , you, Ted Thompson, and me, on Easter Break, jumped in your car during the gas shortage in the seventies, and drove to Ft. Lauderdale. Our small gang use to all meet at Powers Bar, off 82nd street on Thursday Nights. How about during the winter months when we would met at your apartment in Jackson Heights, drink beer, and watch college basketball. I will always remember you a good man. May you rest in peace my friend.
Janet Sayer
September 11, 2017
On this 16th anniversary, you are remembered.
Tom Abruscato
December 16, 2016
My condolaces to Bobs Family and friends.
We had a 90 birthday party for our High School Coach Marty Rivkin. It was there that I found out my High School friend and teamate Bob had passed .
Bob had Awesome Power. when he hit a baseball.the distance was UN-real when he got a hold of his pitch. He was a good 3rd baseman with a good arm.
I am writing this to let you know that Bob (yes) loved Baseball. We played on a couple of teams Astoria Braves & the high school.
Plus I hope you can find Bob in the team picture his # was 22 . I got you on that one ha ha, Bob liked my sense of humor .
7 of his teamates who miss him
Tom Abruscato
December 16, 2016
2 of bobs teamates and his 90 yr old Coach Marty Rivkin
Tom Abruscato
December 16, 2016
Bobs High School Team 1961 L.I.C.
Tom Abruscato
December 16, 2016
bobs high scool team 1961
Tom Abruscato
December 16, 2016
Janet Westbrook
September 11, 2016
I try to wear the memory bracelet bearing the name of Robert J. Gerlich for each anniversary and pray for your family. Sad for all you have missed in these fifteen years.
Janet Sayer
September 11, 2016
On this 15th anniversary, you are remembered.
Janet Sayer
September 10, 2015
Lighting a candle for Bob on the eve of the 14th anniversary of 9/11. Never forget!!!
Shawn morris
September 11, 2014
Today at work my company did a memorial for 9/11. We were challenged to walk up the stairs - 36 floors - each person making the climb was given a name of a victim who died 13 years ago to carry with them to symbolize walking with that person. In my right pocket I carried the name of Robert Gerlich. Every floor i climbed i pondered about how brave the men were who climbed those flights of stairs to try and save people like Robert. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We will never forget.
Robert J/ Gerlich
September 23, 2013
I have no idea if we were related, but I wish to honor you, as I spent many times in the Windows of The World -- it might have been me. Godspeeed to your family.
Janet Sayer
September 11, 2013
On this 12th anniversary, remembering Bob. Although we only met by phone for work reasons, it turns out we were almost neighbors. Thoughts go out to Bob's family on this day.
Lauren Ocasio (Burdo)
September 11, 2009
Rochelle,
We used to work in Filene's together, and I just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you today. Hope you are well.
Love,
September 17, 2008
To the family and friends of Robert J. Gerlch,
I would just like to extend my thoughts and prayers to all those who were touched by knowing Robert. I never met him, but I had the honor of reading his name at this year's ceremony. I was extremely proud to do so and I feel this will forever connect us.
Sincerely,
John Darcy Sq-18 F.D.N.Y.
Christina Rosenzweig
September 11, 2008
To Danny and Matthew - I used to babysit you both back in Bethel when you were little. It's been a long time since I've seen you but I hope you are doing well. - Tina Bond Rosenzweig
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.
P Tabbernor
October 19, 2006
In memory....
Elizabeth Gerlich Harris
September 8, 2006
Cousin Bobby - Still remembered in our prays. Thinking of you on this day. Be at peace.
Patricia Barraza
September 11, 2004
With a terrible sadness we mark this day, the third anniversary of the morning we lost each of you. In the end it is only a marker. The grief, sorrow and the incredible possibilities that we lost in those horrific moments remain with us every day. We weep, no, sob from a place deep, deep inside that has been left empty by your absence. And we pray, for you, your family, your friends, and your colleagues. And for ourselves may God give us the strength to go forward and honor you with our lives. We will never forget you.
Patricia Barraza
Janet Westbrook
March 19, 2002
To the family and friends of Robert J. Gerlich. I wear a Mercy Band with his name and pray for your needs several times a day. Even though I do not know you, I feel very close to you in your grief. Seeing the bracelet links me with you and the larger Christian family who are also praying and reminds me how much we all need God's strength. May God grant you His peace and comfort in all the moments you miss Robert. May He heal your hurt and provide for your needs. May He hide you in the shelter of His wing.
Janet
Patricia Barraza
March 19, 2002
We Remember Them
From the Gates of Repentance
New Union Prayer Book for the Days of Awe
Author Unknown
At the rising of the sun and at its going down,
We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter,
We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring,
We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer,
We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn,
We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends,
We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
When we are weary and in need of strength,
We remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart,
We remember them.
When we have joys we yearn to share,
We remember them.
When we have decisions that are difficult to make,
We remember them .
When we have achievements that are based on theirs,
We remember them.
As long as we live, they too shall live,
for they are a part of us, as we remember them.
In Loving Memory of our Beloved RSI Colleagues, Stephanie, Aida, Bob, Glenn, Bill, Nancy, Sandy, Joe
& all of the other innocents who were the first heroes in the this war on terrorism. May their sacrifices serve to strengthen our resolve, and may we never forget how they laughed and lived and worked and loved. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
CINDY WELTJEN
March 11, 2002
May God bless you in this difficult time. May he give you peace as you carry on with your life. I have a Mercy Band with the name of Robert J. Gerlich from the WTC. The family is in our prayers. God Bless.
Cindy
January 23, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS
WONDERFUL MAN ROBERT J.GERLICH AND
MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD
AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS WIFE
SONS...FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS
AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..THE METS ARE
GOING TO DO IT THIS YEAR....
MAY ALL THE SAINTS MEET YOU AT THE
GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Barbara Hewitt
January 15, 2002
Rochelle, Daniel and Matthew, I just wanted to tell you that I am wearing a "mercy band" bracelet with Robert's name on it and that I am praying for you all. I sorrow with you. May God in His infinite mercy bless you and keep you.
Love,
Barbara
Teresa Jahn
December 30, 2001
May Robert's humor, life and love live on in those who love him. We are very sorry for your loss of Robert. 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
Clare Longo
December 5, 2001
I worked for North Star in the early 80's, and recognized Bob the second I saw his photo on the CNN "missing" site. I didn't know him well, but my heart goes out to his family and those that did.
Anne Grant
November 16, 2001
I just wanted to extend my deepest sympathy for the three of you. I am the Mom of Dan's friend Christine Rossitto, and I think of you often. If there is anything I can do to help you through this please do not hesitate to ask and I will do my best to help. I keep Robert and all of you in my daily prayers. God Bless You all. Anne Grant
Kathy Richards
October 5, 2001
My daughter's high school started a prayer program for the victims. Each were given a bracelet with a name, she received Robert Gerlich. She is praying for him and for your family daily. We also pray that your pain will lessen over time...
Rhonda Feuz
September 25, 2001
To the Gerlich family in Monroe, our thoughts and prayers are with you every day and night. Our hearts go out to you at this very difficult time.
Barbara Bolin
September 23, 2001
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU ALL.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
ROBERT MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.
Judith Wright
September 21, 2001
God Bless You!!
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