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Michael J. Armstrong
Michael J. Armstrong
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Michael Armstrong Obituary
Michael J. Armstrong had an uncanny way of looking people deep in the eyes and telling them things that stuck with them, that sometimes changed their lives.
There was the confused, rambling Grateful Dead fan he met on a train in 1993, who was hooked on drugs and on the run from his parents.
The young man wrote Mr. Armstrong a letter shortly after their meeting that Mr. Armstrong's family found in a drawer when they cleaned out his Upper East Side apartment after Sept. 11.
"After talking to you," the young man wrote, "I've worked everything out with my parents and will be returning to work for them and continuing a drug-free life. I have positive goals but I almost threw them away. I just want to thank you for helping me."
There was the man from the Upper East Side who served time in prison. When he got out, he was shunned by most people; Mr. Armstrong went out of his way to talk to him, to make him feel welcome.
"Since Sept. 11, we've realized what a great impact he's had on people's lives," said Catherine M. Nolan, whom Mr. Armstrong, 34, a vice president of sales at Cantor Fitzgerald, was to marry on Oct. 6.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Maddison A
September 12, 2024
Im using him for a paper im doing on 9/11 he seems like he was a good guy. I wish the best for his family.
Anthony Guy
September 11, 2024
He was really nice and empathetic.
Marc Denker
September 1, 2021
Your friends and coworkers have not forgotten you. We miss you buddy.
Cindy Roe
August 31, 2021
Remembering Michael on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
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Marc
September 10, 2020
I’m better for having known you.
John Heff
August 31, 2020
HBD, MJA!
Michael Rockwitz
September 11, 2019
Went to grammar school with you. You are never forgotten.
Marc Denker
September 11, 2019
G-d bless you and your family. Your friends have not forgotten you.
Marc Denker
September 11, 2018
It doesn't get any easier. Your friends from OMB will never forget you.
September 21, 2017
One afternoon, a bunch of us played run, catch, kiss in the small park at the 84th St. entrance to Central Park, (across from your building)..and you caught me. I was frenzied from the chase and I was visibly anxious. You smiled, leaned in, and kissed my cheek. You were that kind of guy. You knew exactly the right move, and I'll never forget your small gesture of gentility. <3
Marc Denker
September 12, 2017
You are not forgotten. The guys talk about you often.
Patrick McCoy
September 11, 2017
I count myself lucky to have known Mike. I think of him often - but especially on this anniversary. May Mike's dear family and loved ones continue to receive grace and comfort.
May 10, 2017
Visiting the monument for the first time this week,I felt a need to touch one of the names and i reached out and my hands landed on- Michael J. Armstrong. I am a counselor with a portfolio-and his life spoke to me. Good to know some things we say may a difference. Bless his life and loved ones...
Dr. Jayne Gardner
Marc Denker
August 31, 2016
The guys from OMB still remember you fondly. You were a class act, a true gentlemen. If there is a bar in heaven I'm sure your serving drinks and a smile.
September 11, 2015
I knew Mike via business connections as he was working on a platform for trading with my firm. I knew Mike for about 4 months and was always impressed with his calm demeanor and compassionate personality. Mike just stood out, he was a guy you could trust, a guy you could have a beer with , forget business he was a guy you would be honored to call a friend.
Marc Denker
September 11, 2015
I promise I will never forget you. You were a great coworker and a good man.
Heff
August 31, 2015
HBD Mike.
Chris, myself, Tim
Joseph Cain
September 13, 2014
At the 2MB2DC we wore names of victims of 9-11 on our bikes and carried their memory and shared prayers with for each one who gave their life for our country . I was honored to have been selected to carry Michaels name to honor all who had fallen!
Christina McEntee
September 10, 2014
To Mar and all the Armstrong's, When we were just teenagers, Michael once said to me, ya know Moose, don't listen to anybody, you're not that bad. That simple,little statement has stayed with me all this time. I'm sorry you all had to deal with so much pain.You all are always in my prayers.
Marc Denker
September 9, 2014
Michael J. Armstrong made this world a better place. I am a better person for knowing him. G-D bless him and his family this day and every day.
Richard Mansfield
September 7, 2014
Still miss you, Mike. Your family and friends carry on your legacy of love and laughter.
http://vimeo.com/rcmansfield/9-11
Deirdre Kervick
September 11, 2013
It's 11 years today. Every time 9/11 is mentioned in Ireland I think of the lovely gentleman I worked with in turtle bay, ny. It was one of the best times of my life with very kind people. I always felt he was once of 'us' as in 'really' Irish. It was a pleasure to know him- he was just the best of an Irish - American ...a real man. I'm thinking of his loved ones today x
Marc Denker
September 11, 2013
I had the pleasure of working with Michael at the NYC OMB. He was liked by all, a truly nice guy you could always depend on. I will always remember his good nature.
Del Newberry
July 5, 2012
Michael was indeed a person who we all need to honor by being friends to all others while we are here on earth. Yes, comparisons to Jesus seem to be appropriate. My heart reaches out to Catherine and other friends and family who were so tragically affected on that day of his loss. Much love from Texas,
Barbara Boam
March 12, 2012
Barbara Boam & Kim Rogers walked a mile for you (mile #82) on 3/12/12 as a dedication to your life.
December 6, 2011
To The Family,
In my effort to reach all families of persons who lost their lives on 9/11, I personally extend my condolences to you in the passing of your loved one. It's truly sad when a young life is snuffed away for no reason. In reading the obituary obviously, Michael was a person who cared about others. When on earth Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. Everyone who exercises faith in me, even if he dies will come to life." This is an assured hope that you will have the opportunity of seeing Michael J. Armstrong alive again in the very near future. May God's Spirit be with you.
Sincerely,
Mr. Terry of NC
September 14, 2011
Your story is so touching, I had to send a message to let you know that you and all the others who lost their lives will never be forgotten. Hardly a day goes by that I don't think about 9-11 and pray for all of you. I will pray for you and for your family and for your fiance. I can only imagine the heartbreak she felt when she lost you. I pray that she has found peace and has been able to carry one, keeping the memory of your love close to her heart. God bless you.
Kymberli Colbourne
September 11, 2011
We hold you in our hearts.
Michael Armstrong
September 11, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with Michael’s family and friends. As the names were read this morning on the 10th anniversary of this tragic time in our lives I heard Michael’s name. We both share the same first and last names and later reading about Michael online I realized we were also about the same age. I know one day I will visit the memorial in N.Y.C. and I will seek out Michael’s name and say a prayer for him, his family and all those who lost their lives on 911.
Berl Jones
September 11, 2010
A nice trubute was given today at National's Park in Washington, DC. For some it was another day at the park or remembering a dark day in history, but for others we had a moment to reflect on those we lost and their families. As always, you were present.
Kelly Filbert
September 10, 2010
I worked with a friend of Michael's that tragic day (Mark D. Speed)and continue to pray for him and friends of mine whose lives were claimed that day. God Bless you and your family.
August 31, 2010
Happy Bday Mike.
Heff
Melissa Rodriguez
March 24, 2010
Michael,
As time passes and we age I can only think back of those wonderful times back in St.Iggy. You and so many of us shared wonderful moments. I am sad that you are no longer here to brighten our days, but you are so often remembered fondly. So many miss you! Thanks for those special times.
Melissa Amalbert Rodriguez
December 24, 2009
Mike,
Merry Christmas we all miss you.
Billy
Berl Jones
September 14, 2009
Mike, as always thinking about you and your family.
Berl and the Jones'
Larry Silfen
September 11, 2009
Mike-
I still remember us as 12 year olds playing ball all day in the schoolyard and all night in the Church. You were always the nicest kid. Rest in peace.
August 31, 2009
Happy Birthday Mike.
JFXH
Bill Golden
August 21, 2009
I miss you soo much! Happy Birthday I Know your birthday is comming up soon. Please know I miss everyday!
Miguel Salgado
September 17, 2008
Hey Mike, just remenbered what a good you were.
Berl Jones
March 15, 2008
Mike, I am sorry I am just getting around to writing. Having headed back to NYC as a firefighter to search for fallen friends, I had no idea you were one of them..You picture hangs in my office reminding me every day why I do what I do in emergency management. So many years have passed since your brother and I watched over you as kids ourselves, playing stick ball and stoop ball, flipping baseball cards, watching the Mets, Yankees and Cardinals. You turned out to be a fine man and touched many.
Your friend always,
Berl
Larry Silfen
September 16, 2007
I grew up in the same neighborhood as Mike and used to play ball with him and the boys from St. Ignatius in the schoolyard at PS 6. Until I saw a pal from the old days, I did not know of Mike's passing. All the wonderful things written about him are right on point. Best wishes to your family, Mike.
Bill Golden
September 11, 2007
Not a day goes by that I don't think about the great fun and friendship I had with Mike. I will never forget. $ Bill
Don Harrington
September 3, 2007
Happy 40th Old Man! Your a good soul and you are missed.
Doug Abraham
August 31, 2007
Happy Birthday!!!
Heff
August 31, 2007
Happy 40th Mike.
Rick Roode
March 18, 2007
God Bless all the american heros!
Dawn Sproules
March 18, 2007
My sincere sympathy to this family.I so sorry for your loss
aj
November 20, 2006
god bless
Kristine
October 11, 2006
As I 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 vane. We will always remember.
September 19, 2006
May your family remember the wonderfuly times you shared during your brief stay on Earth.
Christopher Armstrong
September 11, 2006
Rest in peace my brother, my friend. I promise that we will honor your life by never forgetting the terrible tragedy that happened five years ago.
Don Harrington
September 6, 2006
It is nearly 5 years since we spoke. However, I can still hear your voice. I miss our talks and your jokes. Your friendship is special to me and lessons you taught me will never be forgotten. Although you have been torn from so many lives, each of those lives were blessed to have known and shared life with you!
Take care and I miss you.
P Tabbernor
August 20, 2006
In memory....
Amanda Lundgren
November 19, 2005
To the Armstrong Family; Happy Holiday's. And many prayers from Minnesota!! In rememberance of Michael J. Armstrong
Jim Bamford
January 13, 2005
Just thought of you today. I only wish I could have gotten to know you better Mike. Your soul still shines bright on all of us, and will forever. I hope your family and friends are finding some peace as the days and months pass.
Heff
September 2, 2004
Another belated birthday wish. You appreciate my tardiness.
Andrea Annese
September 11, 2003
My son, daughter in law, their 2 young children and myself live 2 doors down from Michaels family. They are such a warm and giving family, always a hello and a smile for us when they see us, always terrific to the children. We would all like to say that our thoughts, and prayers are with them today and always.
Mary Colarossi-Cantwell
September 10, 2003
Michael
Thinking of you and your family at this time.
You've done St. Ignatius and Fordham very proud.
Rest in Peace.
John Heffernan
September 8, 2003
Hey Poss-
Happy belated birthday. Thinking of you.
Heff
Teresa Conaty Marler
September 12, 2002
I knew Michael many years ago from Loyola. Although I had not seen him in years I have always remembered him as a great guy who was always friendly and involved. To Micheal's family, fiance, and friends I am so sorry for your loss. I hope the memories you have of Michael have bought you comfort this past year and I hope they will bring you peace in the coming years.
Paul Cannon
September 12, 2002
My name is Paul Cannon. I participated in the Rolling Requiem today, which was a worldwide performace of Mozart's Requiem Mass. As a part of the concert, all orchestra and chorus members were asked to take a name of a victim and represent that person as they played. I picked Michael J Armstrong's name.
I read his article before the concert, and it gave me an edge of emotion in the performance. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Pat Moran
September 11, 2002
Although I didn't know Mike personally, my sons were among his many friends. My sincerest sympathy to his family and fiancee. He will never be forgotten.
Go mbeannai Dia thu ! Pat
Christina Schellhardt
September 9, 2002
Although we never met Michael, my husband and I are college friends of his brother Jerry. One year later, we continue to send heartfelt wishes and prayers for the Armstrong family. God bless.
Christina,Tim and Timmy
Jim Bamford
August 26, 2002
It was my pleasure to have met spent time with Mike at a few bond market outings; one in Boston, the other in Los Angeles. We shared a few laughs together...mostly about how bad we both were at golf! I snuck Mike down behind home plate at a Red Sox game in Sept.2000...from our terrible seats way down in left field! Although I knew him for a very short time, I can't agree more with the tributes written by his family and close friends. He was a great person. As 9/11/02 approaches, I wish much continued strength and courage to all those close to him.
Fordham Friends 93
April 17, 2002
As a member of Fordham's class of 93, I want to send my deepest sympathies to the Armstrong family and Cathy. As one of Mike's 5,000 or so friends, I would like to commend the Armstrong family and Cathy for the strength, wisdom and courage they showed during his wake and funeral. You are true role models at this time of national tragedy and I can only imagine how difficult it must be losing someone like Mike who is so close to you.
I think about Posse all the time, especially when I hear "God Bless America." I miss the warm geniune welcome he would always give. At the very least, he was a stand up guy who was always good for a couple of laughs.
Good bless you Posse, I hope to see you someday again.
Nancy
April 14, 2002
I am wearing a Mercy bracelet with Michael's name. To let you know that even though I never met him, he is part of my everyday life as I say the Lord's prayer for hime and his family. Reading the tributes makes me so proud to show his name to everyone and know that he is a true angel. God bless all of you
Nancy
Tyler, Texas
katie gustern
February 6, 2002
as i am reading these tributes, i can't do anything but reinforce what a special, talented, kind, and caring person michael was. he was inspirational and will never be forgotten. my prayers are with everyone...friends, his family, and for the world. i havent seen him for a couple years, but i will always miss him. he made a positive impact while in this world. he touched many people and inspired people. he wont be forgotten.
respectfully,
katie g.
harvey black
February 6, 2002
How terribly sad that Michael Armstrong will no longer be able to touch and save lives as he did. How wonderful that he was able to do so. He will live through those he helped.
Linda Kettenring
February 6, 2002
I knew Michael and the rest of the family some time ago from St. Ignatius days and on. Michael and the rest of the Armstrong family members are the kindest people. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Linda Kettenring
Erin
February 5, 2002
I am terribly sorry for your loss. I did not know Michael, but am an old friend of Gerry's from college. Please know that the prayers of many not known to you are with your family. The tribute is wonderful. Kind, genuine
personalities must run in the family.
God Bless You.
eleanor evangelista
February 3, 2002
I WAS SO SADLY AFFECTED UPON SEEING MICHAEL'S 'PORTRAIT' IN THE TIMES THIS WEEKEND. I ATTENDED ST. IGNATIUS WITH HIM & SAW HIM MORE RECENTLY ON 93RD STREET, WHERE HE REMEMBERED AND APPROACHED ME AND ANOTHER FRIEND, WHO ALSO ATTENDED SCHOOL WITH US. HE HADN'T CHANGED AT ALL FROM 20 YEARS AGO! HE HAD THE SAME EXACT FACE,AS WELL AS THE SAME FRIENDLY DISPOSITION. I AM SO SORRY FOR THIS TERRIBLE LOSS; MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIS FIANCE AND HIS FAMILY.
ELEANOR (MIRAKAJ) EVANGELISTA
DESIREE CACCIA-MCMURRAY
January 14, 2002
I knew Michael all the way back in St. Ignatius of Loyola grammer school. I saw the report on the news with his pictures and those of his brother and sister, whom I have also met in school. Seeing his photo again instantly sparked pleasant memories of this wonderfully pleasant and happy-go-lucky fellow. I have recently come across an old personal school photo of him that I would love to share with the family. Please contact me by e-mail and I will gladly send it along. My prayers are with all of you as you now continue on with your lives. Know that he is in a better place and keeping watch on all of us now with eternal peace. God bless you, Michael, and the entire Armstrong family and circle of friends and aquaintances.
Teresa Jahn
January 9, 2002
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
Karen Watt Mathews
December 10, 2001
Cathy,
I realized on Saturday, 12/8 about Mike. I confirmed this morning through this tribute page. I am devastated. We went to grad school together at Baruch. You both attended my wedding about 3 1/2 years ago in Freeport, Long Island. I had been thinking about Mike for about 2 weeks prior to this not remembering that he had moved to Cantor Fitzgerald. Please know how terribly sorry I am and sorely missed he is. He was a wonderful friend. God bless you and his family. All my love are prayers are with you. Please feel free to contact me at anytime. Really.
IRENE STAPINSKI
December 4, 2001
GOD BLESS MICHAEL J.ARMSTRONG AND MAY HE REST IN PEACE...GOD BLESS HIS
FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA FOREVER...AND MAY WE NEVER
FORGET 9/11/01
elizabeth
November 20, 2001
Anyone who knew Mike knew that he loved life and did everything in his short time here to make sure everyone around him did too. Our loss is heaven's gain.
Justin O'Connor
November 16, 2001
I worked with Mike at the Bond Buyer for about three years. We traveled together often on business. Even after he left the Bond Buyer we talked almost weekly. Two weeks proir to Sept 11th we played a round of golf at some Irish outing, I will always remember that round as my most enjoyable ever. We had the entire day to reminice over the past four years and all the good times we had. Anyone who knew Mike feels like they lost a brother, because that is how he treated everyone. There was never a nicer guy.
Yong Lim
November 13, 2001
I worked with Mike when he was at the Bond Buyer. Will always remember his bright smile and firm handshake each morning. May you rest in peace and God bless your family.
Kyle D'Arcy
October 26, 2001
All of our thoughts and prayers are with Cathy and the Armstrongs. Posse you were the best, you will be missed by many.
John Paradise
October 25, 2001
Mike,
We are all going to miss you very much and we are thinking of you often. We were all very lucky to have you in our lives. Our POSSE will never be the same. Peace.
John Paradise (FCO '89)
Angela Heffernan Toussaint
October 11, 2001
Although I was not fortunate enough enough to know Mike personally, he was a dear friend of my brother, John (Fordham '89). John and his wife, Sheila, have spoken to me about their heartache at the loss of such a wonderful person. Their descriptions have made me feel that I know him. I am terribly sorry about your loss and pain. Sincerely, Angela Heffernan Toussaint
Mark Baard
October 10, 2001
Mike
We knew you best through Andy K., our mutual, and very dear friend.
We remember you best for your smile, when we celebrated Andy's and Kristin's wedding not long ago.
Rest in peace,
Mark Baard and Lisa Sergi
Dione Sackman
October 6, 2001
I am terribly sorry for your loss.
Lissa Robelo
October 1, 2001
Michael it seems like just yesterday! You & your family will always be in my prayers. I will never be the same.
Kathie K
September 28, 2001
May God bless you in this terrable time of sorrow.. rest assured all will be made right some day.
nardia
September 24, 2001
My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family and friends of Michael.
Susan
September 23, 2001
My heart goes out to all the lives that Michael touched. I am sorry. Peace be with you.
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