Stephen P. Dimino

Stephen P. Dimino

Stephen Dimino Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 21, 2001.
Generous From the Start
When Stephen P. Dimino turned 9, his parents organized a special birthday trip into Manhattan from their home in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. They took Stephen and his sister to see "My Fair Lady," and then they all stuck nickels and dimes into the slots at an automat to get their lunch.

But then the boy spotted an old man sitting by himself who looked hungry. He brought his sandwich over to him. Then the rest of the Dimino family followed suit, said Gigi Ebert, Mr. Dimino's sister. "We ended up giving him all of our food," she said.

Mr. Dimino, 48, who was a partner at Cantor Fitzgerald, continued to be generous. "He was someone you'd want as your neighbor," said his cousin Robert Messina. He loved to give people presents, like venison steaks from the deer he shot and souvenirs from his travels abroad. At home in Basking Ridge, N.J., he showered his daughter, Sabrina, 15, with time, too, "hunting together, playing video games together, riding roller coasters together," Mrs. Ebert said. "He started taking her to Disneyland as soon as she was old enough to remember it. He really took delight in her and in her accomplishments. I thought he was going to burst the day she was born."

Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on November 28, 2001.


Stephen P. Dimino, 48, was 'big' on fun

Stephen P. Dimino was the "Big Dog," and he never let you forget it.

"Steve referred to himself constantly as Big Dog," Robert Messina, a cousin, said, laughing. "We'd go to Yankees games, get crummy seats, he'd say, 'These are not Big Dog seats.' We'd get a crummy sandwich somewhere, he'd say, 'This is not a Big Dog sandwich.'"

"He was not afraid of making fun of himself," said GiGi Ebert, Mr. Dimino's sister. "He enjoyed life."

Mr. Dimino, 48, of Basking Ridge, was on the 104th floor of the World Trade Center's North Tower when American Airlines Flight 11 struck the building Sept. 11.

"Can you believe it, a big plane hit the building?" he told his wife, Nancy, on the phone. "We're evacuating now."

Mr. Dimino was a limited partner and head of the Securities Lending Division at Cantor Fitzgerald. He had been in the World Trade Center at the time of the 1993 bombing, when he comforted two women, holding their hands all the way down from the 104th floor, according to his daughter, Sabrina.

GiGi Ebert said her brother was a shy but fun-loving kid in Brooklyn, where they grew up.

"When he played football on the street, he was always the smallest one," the Somerset resident recalled. "He played bass fiddle in the high school band. He was a big fan of Roman history. He was into the different Caesars, their reigns."

Mr. Dimino was a skilled trap and skeet marksman, and a fisherman and skier. He loved the peace and quiet he found up in the Poconos. He traveled extensively on his job and would always bring back gifts for his nieces and nephews.

"One of the highlights (of family gatherings) was Uncle Steve performing magic tricks," said Greg Ferris of Green Brook, his brother- in-law. "Every Christmas or Christmas Eve, he insisted all his nieces and nephews wear silly hats. It was the Crazy Hat Contest. He'd be the judge and give out awards."

Mr. Dimino had a stressful, high-level job, but he knew how to cut loose. GiGi Ebert said her brother was a very good dancer, a skill he picked up at a young age, with her help.

"He liked Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers," Ebert said. "He used to set the alarm clock in the middle of the night to watch a movie on TV. Our father could come in and see the two of us dancing."

Ferris described his brother-in- law as "a very easy-going, very positive upbeat" person.

"I'm sure he stayed with his friends and colleagues right until the last moment," Ferris said.

A memorial service was held Sept. 29 at St. James R.C. Church in Basking Ridge. Donations can be sent to the Sabrina Dimino Trust Fund, P.O. Box 5056, Village Center Station, Basking Ridge, N.J. 07920.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Stephen Dimino's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 11, 2024

Larry Iannuzzi posted to the memorial.

September 11, 2021

Cyndi H posted to the memorial.

September 9, 2021

Janet Kunert posted to the memorial.

Larry Iannuzzi

September 11, 2024

Dear Dimino Family members,
Growing up in Brooklyn 70+ yrs ago Pat & Connie, Stephen & Gigiwere "family" with the Iannuzzi´s, Victor & Marie and my 2 brothers, Victor & Richy.
For the past 23 yrs I´ve been honoring Stephen & the Dimino family by visiting the 9/11 Memorial at Eagle Rock Reservation, West Orange NJ.
I´d like for you to know that he will never be forgotten.
Gigi, love to you and the Family,
Peace,
Larry Iannuzzi
Verona NJ

Cyndi H

September 11, 2021

It’s been 20 years since I drew your name out of a basket at church and spoke it aloud during the prayer said for all who were killed that day. I still remember your name and speak it aloud every 9/11.

Wherever your soul is, I hope it’s peaceful.

Janet Kunert

September 9, 2021

To the Dimino Family,

I had the pleasure of working with Steve during my time with the Comerica Institutional Trust Dept. Whenever he was in Detroit, he'd stop by our offices, and that's when the fun started. He always made sure say Hi to everyone and his visits were the highlight of our day. 20 years later I can still picture him walking up to me to see how I was doing, which was very much like him to put others before himself.

Please know that even 20 years later, he remains a positive influence on me and I will never forget him, his wonderful personality and kindness to all he came in contact with.

I will always remember Steve and keep you all in my prayers. God Bless.

Cindy Roe

September 7, 2021

Remembering Stephen on the 20th anniversary of 9/11....

Brian Dry

November 3, 2020

How can it be so long as I write this in 2020. I knew Steve for 5 years between 1995 and 2000. Whenever he came to London, we always made sure we went out to a nice restaurant or most likely, a pub. Our original contact was through our mutual business in Securities Lending but after a few meetings we found we had much more in common in our personal lives with our children being of the same age and similar home life, work balance etc. I'm sorry it has taken so long to find this website and write my feelings. It was a pleasure and a privilege to have known Steve and my thoughts have most often been with his family for the past 19 years. May an everlasting peace be with you and your family Steve.

Cyndi H

September 11, 2016

https://youtu.be/GscnbE4TZF8 (Video of my church choir performing "Kyrie" by Rene Clausen)

What an emotional way to start the choir season again. All I could see as I sang this was the people jumping out of the windows of the WTC. I don't know how I got through the song. I don't know how anyone got through it, but we did it together. God bless.

***

My church held an impromptu Mass on the day of 9/11/01. Names were passed out on little strips of paper, and at the appointed time, everyone read the name they had.

The name I got was the name written on my hand in the video: Stephen Dimino

I looked him up.

He worked in the World Trade Center. "Big Dog" was a joking way he referred to himself. He was a generous man who knew how to dance and did magic tricks at family gatherings.

Stephen, we never met, but your name is always on my mind. You are not forgotten, and your family is in my prayers.

September 12, 2012

My name is Bill Dimino, I am the brother of Angela Fischetti who left a message here as well. Wanted all to know that when I heard that a Dimino was killed that horrible day that personally my life changed forever. In addition, we almost lost three cousins from my Mother's side that day as well, but thankfully they all got out in time. Love you Steve!

Angela Dimino-Fischetti

September 11, 2012

Dear family of Stephen
My name is Angela Dimino Fischetti
I don't know how I may be related to Stephen but my entire Dimino family mourns for your loss. I watched all day today to hear his name mentioned. I pray to God for your entire family now and always

Tracey P

December 28, 2011

My thoughts are with you and your family for all that has been stolen from you. Wishing you all peace and love. XXX

September 13, 2011

Always and forever in my thoughts. love, your wife

Sean Brennan

September 11, 2011

Steve hired me when on one else would. Ian his boss was a big part of that. To this day I have never forgotten what the two of them did for me. It is because of their great understanding of the human condition that every chance I can I try to pay it forward!
I will never forget the year I spent on the 105 (I think) floor with Steve, Ian and Andy.
Thank you for being the great people you were and I will always try to pay it forward. I will never forget!
Sean Brennan, Merrimac , Ma

Cyndi H

September 11, 2011

I waited for the date to post this.
-----
Only Gray
By Cyndi H.
9/11/11

The sky changed in the blink of an eye.

Amid pillars of smoke and ruin,
God swooped down.

He scooped up the souls of the dead.

He guided those left behind towards the light.

He took away their colors.

There was no more black and white--
only gray hands and faces.

And from those ashes, like a phoenix rising--
Heroes.

Cyndi H

September 9, 2011

God Bless.

Cyndi H

September 9, 2011

When September 11th happened almost ten years ago, my church passed out the names of the people who were known to be dead and we called out those names in prayer. I got Mr. Dimino's and I never forgot it. Ten years and his name is still a part of my prayers.

God bless.

Nancy Dimino

September 11, 2009

8th aniversary and you are still in our thoughts and in our hearts. Your Wife Nancy

Doug Abraham

June 2, 2009

When I am dead, my dearest

When I am dead, my dearest,
Sing no sad songs for me;
Plant thou no roses at my head,
Nor shady cypress tree:
Be the green grass above me
With showers and dewdrops wet;
And if thou wilt, remember,
And if thou wilt, forget.

I shall not see the shadows,
I shall not feel the rain;
I shall not hear the nightingale
Sing on, as if in pain:
And dreaming through the twilight
That doth not rise nor set,
Haply I may remember,
And haply may forget.

By Christina Rossetti
The Poetry Foundation

Kristine

October 27, 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

September 26, 2006

In memory....

Danielle Redli

July 22, 2004

I knew Steve when I worked in the Securities Lending Department at Comerica Bank - I always new when Steve was in town - I could here him and Tucci talking all the way from the elevator. Steve was always a happy guy, told great jokes, and always had a kind word to say to me that made me smile - even when I was having a bad day. Everytime I hear something on the news about 9/11 - the first person I think of is Steve, and I smile cause that's what he would want us to do. I didn't know him as long as the others in that department did - but I considered him my friend, and he will be missed. My prayers go out to his family - God Bless!!!

Deborah Fattibene

September 11, 2003

I knew Steve years ago when he met his wife Nancy. I remember him as a very sweet & fun loving man. My daughter Melissa Rugolo and I wish his family peace & comfort thru these trying times. Our thoughts are always with you and your family. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS

Donald Kennedy

September 11, 2002

I had the privilege of singing in the Mozart Rolling Requiem in honor of all of the lives lost on 9-11, about 2 hours ago, with Stephens name as my person of honor. It was very emotional to think about what had happened exactly 1 year ago, so many people suddenly taken from us by terrorists with no warning. I am close to Stephens age with a family of my own. My heart goes out to the family and may he rest in peace.

Frank DiGrazia

September 5, 2002

Stevie was one of my most treasured relatives. He was very important to me growing up in Brooklyn. Being 5 years younger made him a role model for me. We were all one big family and spent every weekend and holiday together. Since my move to California we lost the contact we had growing up. I would see him occasionally on visits to NY with my family. The last time I saw him was when my dad passed away almost exactly 1 year before the 9/11 tragedy. He was the one person that gave of himself without question or need of reciprocity. He was a truly a gift from God for us all. I think about him daily now and wish I had kept in better contact with him since I left for California. I have my memories of my childhood that bring big smiles to my face and love to think about our fun times together. Some I cannot express on this entry. Those of you that know me understand what I am talking about (Family parties when we were all of age). In closing I wanted him to know I loved him dearly as I do the rest of my family and I will miss him.



Love your cousin,

Frank DiGrazia

LOREN MESSINA

February 15, 2002

I WANT TO TELL YOU ABOUT MY UNCLE STEVE. HE WAS A GENEROUS, FUN LOVING LIGHT HEARTED PERSON, WHO ALWAYS HAD ALOT OF FRIENDS. I HAVE ALOT OF SPEICAL MEMORIES OF MY UNCLE, AND I ALWAYS APPRECIATED EVERYTHING HE HAS DONE FOR ME. I MISS HIM EVERY DAY WHEN I GO TO WORK AND HE IS NOT THERE TO COME VISIT ME AND MY DESK OR TO TAKE ME FOR CHINESE FOOD FOR LUNCH. HE WAS A GREAT PERSON, AND IM SURE HE IS IN BETTER PLACE NOW. UNCLE STEVIE I MISS YOU!!! AND I LOVE YOU!!!



LOVE LOREN

January 11, 2002

DEAR LORD BLESS THIS KIND MAN STEPHEN P.DIMINO AND MAY HE REST IN

PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS.GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD

BLESS AMERICA AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01...AMEN

Teresa Jahn

January 4, 2002

We are deeply sorry for your loss of Stephen. May his generous heart, his life and love live on in those who have been touched by his life. We thank him for what he has done for others. Our hearts cry with you in your loss of Stephen.

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

Tula Kyprianides

November 27, 2001

Steve,

I can still here the colorful metaphors you used when trying to get our tax reclaims from brokers.



Our department always knew when Canter Fitzgerald was visiting, your presence always brought a smile to everyone.



Since you are not physically here right now I wanted to tell you thank you for writing a letter of recommendation on my behalf. You see I did receive the Quality Award and when I got a copy of the letter you wrote in June, I was so overwhelmed with emotion.



So where ever you are right now, thank you so much.



Rest in peace and know you will never be forgotten because you have touched so many.



Respectfully,

Tula

Amy Arnudts

November 8, 2001

Steve,

It has been my pleasure working with you for the past eight years. Your practical jokes and sense of humor will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.



Amy

Mary McCartney

November 8, 2001

Steve was more than a valued colleague, he was a perfect gentleman with a unique sense of humor. I had fun working with him on the Cantor/Comerica Securities Lending relationship. His face was one of the first that flashed through my mind on the morning of

9-11-01. He remains in my prayers, as he did from that first tragic day.

leslie miller

October 30, 2001

All over the country, we pray for you to find strength and courage. You will never be forgotten- you're in our hearts forever.

Eileen and Steven Dimnio

October 26, 2001

Stephen was our cousin, one of four Steve's in our family. We will always remember his smiling face, sense of humor, and his love for his family and friends. We still can't believe you're gone, but now you are at rest with your Mom and Dad. You will remain in our hearts forever.

Becky Brooks

October 22, 2001

My deepest sympathy to your family. You will be missed greatly.

Alison Brooks

October 13, 2001

I met Steve in 1991 when he was working for The Bank of New York. He was the first person I interviewed for a book I was writing about securities lending. He had nothing to gain from helping this "beginner'" in the industry but showed great patience and kindness towards me. Later, he read and commented on the manuscript - again, taking the time out of sheer helpfulness. He was a kind of "mentor" to me in those early years. After his move to Cantor Fitzgerald and for many years thereafter, I interviewed him as a financial journalist and saw him regularly at trade conferences. He was always warm and friendly towards me and I know I speak for many in the securities lending industry when I say that I will miss his intelligence and good humor. I extend my heartfelt sympathies to his family for their loss.

Axel Rivera

October 12, 2001

I met Stephen about 2 years ago, Jim Straine introduced me up high in the Tower. I was on a business trip from Puerto Rico. I can only say I'm so sorry this happened and I hope to Jehovah that that he gives his family much needed comfort. God bless you all.

Rob Kumpf

October 4, 2001

Hello, my father is the Police Captain in Basking Ridge and I just wanted to say that I am truely sorry for your loss.

Barbara Bolin

September 23, 2001

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU ALL.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

STEPHEN MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

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Not sure what to say?

September 11, 2024

Larry Iannuzzi posted to the memorial.

September 11, 2021

Cyndi H posted to the memorial.

September 9, 2021

Janet Kunert posted to the memorial.