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Hernando Salas Obituary
Hernando R. Salas used to dream of New York City. Back in Cartagena, Colombia, he longed to see the Statue of Liberty. So he and his wife moved here in the 1960's. Their two children quickly followed. "He was here when they started building the World Trade Center," said their son Carlos. "He always dreamed of working close over there. When he got the job, he was so happy."
Mr. Salas, 71, had worked part time for the past five years as a clerk for the Civilian Complaint Review Board, on the third floor of 40 Rector Street just south of the trade center. Upbeat and gregarious, he never wanted to retire. People who did nothing risked getting Alzheimer's disease, he told Carlos. He didn't want that. He wanted to stay tuned in.
A week before the attack, Mr. Salas visited relatives in Florida. He returned home to Elmhurst, Queens, saying Florida depressed him. It rained all day there, he said; in New York, it rains for a while, then it lifts. Mr. Salas was found in the street outside the Rector Street building and was taken to New York University Downtown Hospital, Carlos said. There, he suffered a heart attack and died.
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Muriel Pauwels
September 11, 2012
The fire of your sweet soul burns brightly ever day. You are never forgotten. I love you and miss you my dear uncle.
Stephanie Pauwels
September 11, 2012
Another year has passed, and your memory is always with me. I will always miss you. I know that my uncle is in a better place now, but I truly miss him.For all the families that lost someone so special to them on this day, my thoughts and prayers are with you. The memories of our loved one will always be in our hearts.
Brenda Serrano
September 11, 2011
Hernando Salas, hoy recordando y orando por tu alma. Desde Kissimmee Florida con respeto y pidiendole a Dios q su familia se encuentre bien, Daniel, Arnaldo y Brenda una familia Puertorriqueña pasando a dejar un mensaje de reconocimiento. Este con Dios disfrutando su eternidad, Dios bendiga su familia siempre. En una actividad de recordacion, recojimos una banderita con su nombre. RIP
Jennifer Ortiz
September 11, 2007
jessica: on***
Hernando, another year since you passed away, another day to remember, you will forever remain in the history of this Nation as well as in the hearts of everyone in your family whom misses you, loves you, and prays your soul is at rest.
R.I.P.
Love You!
Jennifer Ortiz
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Jessica Ortiz
September 11, 2007
I will always remember Sept. 11, 2001. I can't believe it's been six years! :( I think about you all the time... I can understand why God wanted you close to him... because you truly were an angel earth.
WE LOVE YOU. WE MISS YOU.
Stephanie Pauwels-Ripoll
September 11, 2007
Another year has passed, and your memory is always with me. I can still see your face, always smiling. You were a great uncle and I will always miss you. I know that my uncle is in a better place now, but I truly miss him.For all the families that lost someone so special to them on this day, my thoughts are prayers are with you. The memories of our loved one will always be in our hearts.
kristine
May 4, 2007
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
February 28, 2007
In remembrance....
Karen Spiker
February 18, 2007
ON Sept 10, 2005 I attended Waterfire in Providence, Rhode Island. That night they were having a memorial for victims of 9/11 and passed out carnations tagged with names of victims. The tag also made a request that the recipient perform "a random act of kindness in the name of a vicitm." THe name I received was Hernando Salas. I have waited until now, hoping to find just the right thing. This weekend I learned of a young wife with four children whose reservist husband is leaving for Afghanistan. They are a working class family, living in Kentucky, and money will be tight. I decided to buy her an airline ticket to Ft. Dix, New Jersey so that she could spend a few days with her husband before he left for his tour in Afghanistan. My husband is an Air Force vetran of 30 years and we understand the sacrifice of families like this. I wanted you to know that in giving this gift I told the family it was in honor of your Hernando. May God bless you and your family as well as young men and women like these who fight to keep us safe, that we may never suffer another day like the one that took Mr. Salas.
Jennifer Ortiz
September 11, 2006
It has now been 5 years since the family last had the great privilege to have you near. You are very much missed, always loved, and in our prayers for ever. I know you are in a better place to day, it hurts to not have you with us any longer but we are ever so lucky to have you as our guardian angel. May God Bless You!
Stephanie Pauwels-Ripoll
September 11, 2006
It has been five years since the sudden death of my uncle. There isn't a day that I do not think about him. I miss him so much. I want to thank everybody for their thoughts and prayers. This is a day we will always remember. May God Bless everybody who lost someone so dear to them and their families. I love you Tio!
Heriberto Salas
December 17, 2005
We will never forget. May God bless you and your family.
Stephanie Pauwels
June 3, 2004
I really appreciate all your prayers for my uncle. I means so much that you guys took time to write something about him. My uncle was a fun loving man. My only wish was that he was still with us. My aunt also wants to thank you. She was here in Florida when she heard about my uncle. They came down to celebrate my cousin's 15's. Te amo Tio. Nunca te olvidare!
Vickie Prezelin
September 12, 2002
Last night my family and I attended a Vigil of Remembrance. There were thousands of people there. It was very touching. The officiants gave out red paper hearts to pin on our clothes with the name of one person that passed that tragic day. My heart was Hernando's. Even though we never met, I feel a connection and he and his family will always be in my thoughts and prayers forever.
Many Blessings.
cara
September 11, 2002
hello, my name is cara. on 9/11 2002 my school had a memorial. each student wore a bracelet with the name of a victim of 9/11 on their wrist. mine just happened to be dedicated to your loved one hernando
r salas. I wore that bracelet proud. It seems from his profile that he was a funloving man and a great spirit to be around. he enjoyed life to the fullest not knowing when that infamous day would come.
gracias mi amigos
cara - wilmington MA
Norman Salas
May 26, 2002
From the Salas family of Curacao, Netherlands Antilles....God bless you and your family. We will NEVER forget...NEVER. Rest in peace my brother.
April 20, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL MAN..HERNANDO R.SALAS AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA..NEW YORK AND THE GOOD PEOPLE OF COLOMBIA...STAY CLOSE...PRAY...AND NEVER LET ANYONE FORGET 9/11/01..MAY JESUS AND HIS SAINTS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Michael Salas
February 11, 2002
I saw your name on the list that first came out in our paper, here in San Antonio.
It made this whole horrible thing shake within me.
Several times I looked for something on your life.
We have the same last name.
And the same appreciation for what we do on this earth....
Teresa Jahn
December 13, 2001
We are very sorry for your loss of Hernando. 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
Scott Lindgren
November 24, 2001
To the famiy of Hernando R Salas,
My prayers go out to you in your time of grief. I recently purchased a Mercy Band from mercyband.org and recieved a band with the name of Hernando R Salas. I proudly wear the band in honor of your lost family member. May God bless you.
Christine Alvarado
September 25, 2001
Nos recordamos, condolencias a la familia de Hernando y Dios les bendiga.
Maria
September 24, 2001
Our prayers are with all of you. May God gives you comfort.
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