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Peter Owens Obituary
Peter J. Owens Jr. coached Little League baseball and his nickname was Send 'Em Home Owens. Whenever one of his players reached third base, no matter what was happening on the rest of the field, Mr. Owens would urge a dash to home plate. "Don't listen! Don't run!" parents would scream. "But Pete would send 'em home," recalled his wife, Kathleen, laughing.
While competitive and outgoing, Mr. Owens could also spend hours fly fishing alone on the Connetquot River, not too far from the Owenses' home in Williston Park, N.Y., on Long Island. He had nearly a dozen fishing rods and was learning how to tie flies.
Mr. Owens, who was 42, thought himself lucky, and so did his wife and their children, Joseph, 22, Thomas, 15, and Maryellen, 13. On their honeymoon in Aruba, Mrs. Owens lost her $50 stake in minutes at the casino, while Mr. Owens over a few hours nursed his stake into hundreds of dollars. As a boy, Mr. Owens won a prize for catching the biggest fish. And a few years ago, at a town fair, he won best vegetable for growing an almost 100-pound pumpkin.
"He was so proud," Mrs. Owens recalled. "But really, he only beat out a tomato."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Aryanna Owens
September 12, 2023
I wasn't alive when you died, but every year for the last decade I've heard this voice around September telling me to go through the names and find out if anyone shared my last name. Honestly I was surprised to find out there was one person who shared my last name.
Peter, I pray that you are in a better place, looking down on and protecting your family.
To Peter's family - our name, Owens, means noble, young warrior. And even though I don't know what he was like, I can only imagine he was just that.
Anne Lambert
September 11, 2023
I didn´t know Peter Owens, but wanted to honor an individual today. I randomly chose Peter´s name from the memorial list. My condolences to his family and friends. I´m sure he touched many lives, and I enjoyed reading about his enthusiasm for coaching, and his giant pumpkin! Gone too soon - Rest In Peace Mr. Owens.
Bonnie E Fetzer
May 12, 2021
20th Anniversary coming up. Rest in peace
Connor T. Pianalto
September 11, 2020
To other people Peter might just be another name in a book somewhere that. His name might be lost in the sea of other people that lost their lives on this day 19 years ago. But each and every person that lost their lives that day should be remembered, inducing Peter. He was a man among many but his life matters to you, so remember him and make sure he is never forgotten.
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Christopher Owens
January 8, 2020
Hi, My name is Chris Owens, I am from Alabama and a retired US Army Paratrooper. I work at 4 World Trade Center in the Security division. Perhaps we are not directly related but when I saw Peter's name and my own last name behind it, it reminded me why I moved all the way from Alabama to work her in NYC. With everything I do, I keep Peter and all those who were lost that day near to my heart. Never Again...Not on my watch!
Eileen Petrucci
September 11, 2019
Never forgotten and always in my prayers. Love to Kathy and the rest of Peter's family.
September 10, 2019
In memory of 9/11 victim Peter Owens.....
Nancy Carson
September 10, 2019
Never Forgotten.. Signed: An email friend of John.. The family is forever in my prayers.
Mel Ziel
September 11, 2017
Never Forgotten, In my payers always.
With the deepest of Respect,
Melanie Ziel
DPLG Ontario Division-Syracuse Kiwanis NYD
S.J. Friscia III
September 11, 2016
In Memory with
Honor & Respect.
David Owens
September 11, 2016
My name is David Owens, and my son Chris was on the top of one of the towers on the 4th of July preceding 911. I thank God that The terrorists did not choose that day. I often wondered if there was an Owens that lost a life on that fateful day. Peter sounds like a wonderful man; you must all be proud of him, and love him very much. I will pray for him, and your family. God bless you all.
September 11, 2015
Still thinking about you and praying for you and your family.
Melanie Ziel
September 10, 2015
I will NEVER forget Peter, Jr., or your Father, Peter Sr.
I will ALWAYS be grateful for both of them, on this earth, and to know how they both have touched so many lives.
They both live what we all want..eternal Peace and Happiness.
Respectfully,
DPLG Melanie Ziel
Ontario Division of NYD Kiwanis International.
Peter Owens
May 6, 2015
I visited ground zero in 2014 and stopped at the memorial for a photograph and rested my hand when the photo was taken i looked down to find my hand resting on the plate of Peter Owens. i felt a rush of blood and froze.... My name Peter Owens from England, unbeleavable, i said a prayer and stood in silence for 1 minute.
September 11, 2014
Joe and the rest of the Owens, I just wanted to let you know that you and Peter are all still in my thoughts and prayers.
Peter Owens
May 22, 2014
Hi
Just on Facebook "like you do"
Put my name in,knowing I'm not in ",I'm from the UK (near Huddersfield ) my name is also Peter Owens (28/03/58) actually in Greece Kephalonia on holiday with Tracy my wife,I am a Christian /Catholic I will say a prayer for Peter & you all take care
charleen conway
September 11, 2012
Dear kathy and family,
Dear kathy and family,
I can't believe that it is 11 years that peter is gone. We think of him often.God bless you all
sincerely charleen conway
I can't believe today is 11 years that peter is gone.I think of him often also kelly .God bless you all
sincerely charleen conway
Kristen S
September 12, 2011
My high school had a memorial this afternoon for the victims of 9/11. I was given a red flag with your name on it to be placed into the garden. I have never met you , but you have now made an impact on me. May you rest in peace Peter J Owens Jr.
kathleen adams
September 11, 2011
Hi Kathy and kids,
Thinking of you.... especially today.
a loving friend from HS
Eileen Flanagan Petrucci
September 11, 2011
Kathy & family,
My love and prayers are with you all always. Never forget!!
September 11, 2011
Kathleen and Kids-
I'm thinking of you all, and hope that everyone is doing well.
-From an Old Friend
Chief Warrant Officer Owens
September 10, 2011
I never knew you, but I carry your last name. After 9-11, I talked with your family in emails. I carried your name on every mission I performed over the years while serving in the military. I still remember...
August 31, 2011
THINKING OF YOU
Mineola Resident
September 11, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Owens'family. God bless Pete and everyone.
Mrs. Eaton
September 11, 2008
Kathy & Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you -always - Today I wanted to let you know,
God bless you.
P Tabbernor
January 23, 2007
In memory....
Kristine
November 29, 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.
Clifford Albert
September 14, 2006
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Maggie Brown
September 12, 2004
I never knew Peter growing up, but I knew of all of "the cousins" I had up there. My mother was Virginia Hadden Morrison. I think of Peter everyday now; we were the same age, and even our children are similar in ages. 23, 17, 15. I wish all of you the best. I know he watches over you in heaven.
God Bless,
Maggie
Cathy Markardt
January 5, 2004
May God have mercy on Peter and all the faithfully departed.
Rest in Peace.
Alan Bosworth
September 11, 2003
Peter, here it is two years later and I still cry with sadness.
I know that God has lifted you up and put a fly rod in your hand. Maybe you can even eat the fish up there.
You were the best damn broker that ever lived, and damn good friend. I miss you buddy.
p.s. You know I was trying to lift that offering.
Boz!
Jayson Litrio
September 11, 2003
The Owens Family:
Back in High School, I had participated in activities with Peter's son, Joe. I can vividly remember Peter kindly giving me a ride home from play practice, and I remember sitting in the back of the car, taking in the way Joe and his father were interacting. I could tell right away that they had a great relationship and at that moment I knew where Joe had gotten his charm from. My heart goes out to Joe and his entire family; I can assure you that Peter is still in your life. Keep strong!
Diane Regan Stuart
May 30, 2003
I never knew Peter. I am a friend of his cousin Kathy. I lost my nephew at the WTC too. My heart goes out to his family. May God hold our loved ones close until we are together again.DRS
Dan D'Allara
April 20, 2003
Myself and Scotti Weaver prayed the Rosary on Good Friday 2003 at the family room overlooking the site.
We prayed for my brother NYPD/ESU Officer John D'Allara and Scotti's son NYPD/ESU Officer Wally Weaver.
WE also prayed for the burden of grief to be lifted from all the 9/11 family members.
Beneath the sobs of another family I quietly met John Owens. Here was a man who understood our pain. He told me his brother Peter was in one of the upper floors. I told him my brother John was beneath Peter working his way up to that location.
Thousands of photos are on the walls in the family room.
I asked John to show me a picture of his brother Peter.
There was Peter's photo directly above the photo of my brother John. Just as their location had been that morning.
CW2 S Owens
December 11, 2002
God Bless you. We are all sorry for your loss. Words can not express my feelings.
Signed,
a soldier
Jodie Miller
September 25, 2002
On 9/11/02 my husband and I rode a motorcycle in a charitable ride for the 9/11 victims. Each rider was given a braclet and we got the one that read Peter J. Owens Jr. World Trade Center. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. I still have the braclet and would be happy to send it to you if you'd like it. It's a white plastic band. I just wanted you to know that we rode in honor of Peter Jr. on that day. There were over 7200 bikes that day going through Phoenix to Downtown. It was really awesome!
Chasity Gallagher
September 13, 2002
I never knew Peter and I don't know most of his family. But I do however, know someone who is close to me that thinks about Peter everyday.
My roommate, Kristal Campbell, thinks of him as cousin. In the past year, I have learned about a man who was so much more than just a man. I wish I had the chance to get to know him and I hope that in the future I get to meet all of the wonderful people who have had an impact on my life with out even knowing it!
You are in my thoughts and prayers daily!
May God Be with you,
Chasity
Annie VerSteeg
September 11, 2002
Dear Owens Family,
On this, the one year anniversary of your tragedy, I rang the liberty bell in honor of Peter J. Owens Jr. A local radio station, 100.7 fm held a memorial service in the parking lot of the Qualcomm Statium, here in San Diego. Starting at 6am pacific time one person would step to the microphone, read the persons name, age and location of where he/she was killed. When my turn came, I was given Peter's name. I stepped to the microphone and said, "In loving memory of Peter Owens Jr. Age 42, World Trade Center." I was honored to be a part of a memorial honoring the men and women who were killed and the strength and love of the families who have found a way to go on. I can't imagine your pain. I hope you find a little comfort in knowing your Peter has not been forgotten.
With love,
Annie VerSteeg
mother of 2 wonderful kids.
Maureen Dillon
September 10, 2002
I knew Peter and Kathy in high school. There is no sense to this tragedy. I wish I had words of condolence that would ease your pain. Just know that the Owens family has been in the thoughts and prayers of many this past year, and especially on this difficult anniversary. We won't forget.
KAREN HOPKINS (KELLY)
May 14, 2002
HEART FELT THOUGHTS TO THE FAMILY. MAY YOU FIND THE PEACE FROM GOD WITH KNOWING THAT HE NOW HOLDS PETER'S HAND. MAY THE JOY FROM HAPPIER TIMES FILL YOUR HEART.
GOD BLESS YOU AND THE FAMILY
GOD IS LIGHT
Nancy Carson
May 1, 2002
To the family of Peter Owens. Just to let you know that I wear a Mercy bracelet with Peter's name on it. Every morning I say the Lord's prayer for him and your family. I wanted to let you know that he is always remembered, even by a stranger in Texas. God be with you always.
Magi and Cameron Trotman (nee:Immler)
April 15, 2002
I looked for God in all the Mosques, Temples and Churches and found him in my heart~~~
(ghandi)
~To the Owens Family~
Keep love in your heart to be a soothing healing ointment for your souls.~~
with love~~Magi and Trot
Fred Hadden
March 30, 2002
The ache of this loss will gradually
fade, but the memories of so fine
an individual,will last a lifetime,
and beyond.With heartfelt sadness
at this senseless tragedy I place
this burden in the hands of God.
Anonymous
March 19, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL MAN..PETER J.OWENS AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS...STAY CLOSE AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK..MAY JESUS AND ST.PETER GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Cathy, Doug and Scott
March 11, 2002
When somebody dies, a cloud turns into an angel, and flies up to tell God to put another flower on a pillow. A bird gives the message back to the world, and sings a silent prayer that makes the rain cry. People disappear, but they never really go away. The spirits up there put the sun to bed, wake up grass, and spin the earth in dizzy circles. Sometimes you can see them dancing in a cloud during
the daytime, when they're supposed
to be sleeping. They paint the rainbows and also the sunsets and make waves splash and tug at the tide. They toss shooting stars and listen to wishes. And when they sing windsongs, they whisper to us, don't miss me too much. The view is nice and I'm doing just fine.
May every simple thing bring a thought of Peter.
Angela Shibetti-Swift
January 28, 2002
To Tom, John and the entire Owens family,
I am so sorry about the death of your brother/son Peter. I just happened to see his name in the Post and at that moment a funny feeling came over me. I just knew it was your and Tom's brother. I remember how Tom looked up to him because he spoke about him so often in college.
I pray each night that God will give your family strength during what must be the most difficult time of your lives. I pray for Peter's wife Kathy, and their children, that the loving memories that they have will sustain them until they are too brought home to God.
May God bless and hold you all,
Angela Shibetti-Swift
Geraldine Campbell
January 26, 2002
Peter, I am thankful to God for blessing my life with you for a cousin. Growing up, you were one of the older cousins who added to the laughter of my childhood at family reunions, family gatherings at 73 Park Ave and countless visits to the Owens house.
As adults we may have not seen each other often, yet the gift of laughter was still there. As adults I had the honor to see a beautiful gift unfold in you, that of being a father. There was something special about watching you interact with your Joe, Tom and Maryellen. The laughter and love that flowed in and through your family was such a joy to be around. It's not surprising that our last conversation was centered on your children.
I trust you are in heaven with Grandma, Aunt Sis, Uncle Ed, Uncle Tom, and the rest of the McDonnell clan. My prayers continue for Kathy, Joe, Tom, Maryellen as well, as for your folks, brothers, and sister. May God's love and the love of family and friends give them comfort.
I will forever remember your smile and gentle laughter and your gift of fatherhood.
Thank you God, for blessing the McDonnell/Owens family with Peter.
Jerry and Mary ann Cifarelli
January 24, 2002
WE WERE VERY HAPPY TO READ ALL OF THE BEAUTIFUL TRIBUTES TO PETER. OUR FAMILY IS BLESSED TO HAVE KNOWN PETER, HIS PARENTS AND HIS GREAT BROTHERS AND ALSO HIS SISTER KATHY. WE HAVE BEEN HIS NEIGHBORS FOR 32 YEARS AND TO WATCH HIM GROW UP TO BECOMING A LOVING SON, HUSBAND, AND FATHER GAVE US TREMENDOUS HAPPINESS. HE ALWAYS GREETED US WITH A BIG SMILE, THAT WE WILL NEVER FORGET...
LOVE TO THE WHOLE OWENS FAMILY.
JOHN OWENS
January 13, 2002
There are no words I can think of to express how much Pete meant to my life. He was a loving, compassionate, kind & gentle soul...whose very presence added immeasurable value to my life. Whenever I needed him, he was always there, without question. He was a role-model, who by his example, taught me how life should be lived. I admired him tremendously...a feeling that has only deepened since his passing. The way in which he lived his life, with such dignity & character was an inspiration. In life, Pete was many things to many people. Whatever the unique bond one shared with him, you were always in the end - his friend...& he cherished that. Of all the roles he had, the ones that meant the most to him were those of dad & husband. It was in these where he truly thrived and wanted for nothing. Kathy,Joe,Tom & Maryellen were his world. With them he had realized his dream. I Thank GOD for granting me a brother in Pete. He shared with me his zest for life, his love & his family...& all without condition. It was my honor & privelege to have known him, to have called him brother...to have called him friend. These feelings too..have only deepened since his passing. We, his family, love him & miss him. We look forward to seeing him again, & until then, we will remember his sense of humor, his laugh & his smile. He was, & will always be - the BEST!
Pete - you are gone from our lives, but never from our hearts. You're our Spirit in the Sky...God Bless & Thanks for it all.
Joe Dawson
January 10, 2002
To the Owens family-Having grown up in Williston Park and remembering your wonderful family, it is with deep sorrow that we in California pray for you at this time. Know that God is holding Peter in the palm of His hand.
Dawn Kartee
January 8, 2002
To the Owen's family:
There are few words of comfort when one loses a loved one. As you know, we lost mom this year, yet your lost seems even sadder. Please know that our thoughts are with you and that we understand the void and pain left behind.
With respect and warm regards,
Dawn, David and Rylee.
Kristal Campbell
January 6, 2002
Unforgettable
The Sound was loud and shocking
A flame like hell shot out
The impact was amazing
As if it were some movie
The avalanche slowly tumbled
Leaving nothing of the mountain behind
Our history forever changed
Peace was shattered on that day
Many lives were taken
Things held for granted
Found importance once again
Every second found significance
Every problem not so grand
It took an enormous tragedy
To turn us to the outstretched Hand
And unite us all as one
For many gave their lives for us
And heroes made memories
Together we still stand today
In America, this Freedom Land
Kristal Campbell
October 2, 2001
In Memory of Peter Owens
Teresa Jahn
December 16, 2001
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
ursula izurieta (nee trainor)
December 13, 2001
To Peter's family,
I went to St Aidans school with Peter and remember him as a very nice kid. I was the kid everyone picked on, but he was one of the few that did not join in the fray. For that I was grateful, and always remembered him.
Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss, I hope you can find comfort in the fact that he is with Christ and you will see him and be with him again.
God Bless You-
Ursula Izurieta (nee Trainor)
Bob Heinisch
November 11, 2001
Our thoughts and prayers are with Peter's family. Peter is with God now and smiling down on us as we continue in our lives.
Sarah Owens
October 31, 2001
My family sends our condolences and prayers to you in the coming months and years ahead.
God bless.
Maureen Murphy
October 24, 2001
Dear Pete,Dolores, Peter's siblings, Kathy and children,
Please know that many thoughts and prayers continue to be with you these days.
Many years ago, I taught Peter at St. Aidans. He was a real nice kid then - and a good student.
What a beautiful tribute his Memorial Mass was.
May your faith and wonderful memories of Peter help you. I believe Peter is now with God - and so has joined the saints we celebrate on November 1.
With sympathy and love,
S. Maureen Murphy, SC
Lori & Greg Terrazi
October 17, 2001
Our thoughts and prayers are with Peter's family & friends at this time.
Randy Paul
October 2, 2001
Please accept my most heartfelt condolences for your loss. May God comfort you in your hour of need and suffering.
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