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Peter Girard Gelinas
Peter Girard Gelinas
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Peter Gelinas Obituary
The future Michelle Gelinas was 23, enjoying the single life in Manhattan. It was 1993. A friend from a cubicle near hers at work invited her to a comedy club. It turned out to be a triple date, with one Peter Gelinas. He was a broker at Cantor Fitzgerald in the trade center. "We just hit it off," she said.
Fast-forward to 2001: Peter was still working at Cantor, enamored of his role as father to Jack Gerard, now 4, and Griffin Clark, 1. A few weeks before the terror attack, he took Jack camping in Pound Ridge, N.Y. "Most people thought he was crazy for taking Jack camping. Who takes a 3-year-old camping?" Even she had her doubts, telling them, "Forget it, I'll see you at 10 o'clock tonight." But the two braved the elements, followed deer and slept peacefully in a tent.
All Michelle can do now is make sure her boys understand that she is here to protect them, and how important they were to their father. "He really wanted to be part of their lives," she said. "He was so psyched for what was coming -- the bike rides, the Boy Scouts."
Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on November 8, 2001.
Peter Girard Gelinas, 34, of Bronxville, NY, died Tuesday, (September 11, 2001) at the World Trade Center in New York City, NY. Peter was a partner with Cantor Fitzgerald, working in the Mortgage-Backed Securities Department for ten years. Peter, raised in Madison, was a 1982 graduate of Our Lady Of Mercy Country Day School, a 1986 graduate of Xavier High School in Middletown and a 1990 graduate of Villanova University in Villanova, PA. He leaves behind his loving wife, Michelle (Vittoria) formerly of Scarsdale, NY; two sons, Jack Gerard 4, and Griffin Clark, 1 of Bronxville, NY; his parents, Susan B. Gelinas formerly of Madison, now of Branford; and the late Gerard Peter Gelinas; his sister, Mary Beth Gelinas Towery of San Francisco, CA; and his grandmother, Helen A. Brown of Harwich, MA. A memorial service will be held at the Church of Saint Joseph, 15 Cedar Street, Bronxville, NY, at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 20. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in the name of the late Gerard Peter Gelinas, to the American Cancer Society or The American Red Cross, PO Box 97089, Washington, DC 20090-7089.
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Isabelle Delalex
September 11, 2021
20 yrs on, you are still remembered, bless you and your family.
Renee Maturo
September 11, 2020
On this very sad day, I'm thinking of beautiful Susan in heaven with Peter and Gerry.
And here left behind, her beautiful daughter Marybeth.
God Bless you all,
Renee Maturo
August 16, 2019
Rest peacefully Peter.
Doug Natal
September 11, 2017
Pete:
Thinking of you this day, 9/11/17. My family & I went to see the 9/11 memorial last year. Looked for Pete's name and found a white carnation stuck to the engraving. It was his birthday. Very spiritual moment. God bless his family and friends! Doug & Kaz
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Neil Torres
September 11, 2016
I'll always remember how we became friends while we were working together as teenagers at the Madison Flower Shop. I remember the time you loaned me your car so I could go out on a date (I was grounded from my parents cars...of course). What I'll remember most is the person you were and the values you held strong. I'll never forget how you pushed me to come work in NYC and how you changed my attitude about life and how I lived it. And how your death reinforced that philosophy. You were right, and I finally got it.
Stephen Parri
September 11, 2015
We buried Mr. Mcfadden today Peter at St. Margaret Catholic Church. They mentioned you and I remember many, many times we played football at 90 Liberty Street.
Paladino told a story about you, later in the day, you made him shave his head before the first game, 1986 Xavier senior year.
Much love 'G'. Never forget.
Stephen Parri
Cynthia C.
September 11, 2014
This photo of Peter reminds me of the winsome and happy young child that I occasionally babysat. His grandfather lived next door to my family and little Peter was ALWAYS so happy! His joy exuded from every pore! One vivid memory I have of Peter sounds so pedestrian, but actually it has always been a vivid image for me (before and after 9/11). He was smiling, laughing and running around with his sister in the driveway next door. It is 40 years later, and the memory of Peter's joy that day has never left me. I'll always remember him.
L .
September 11, 2014
God Bless
October 21, 2013
Its so nice to see all of these messages people have sent over the years. You were loved by so many. Everybody misses you. You would be so proud of your sons. We miss you every day.
September 11, 2013
Pete,
You are not forgotten.
Maj Tim Flynn USMC
XHS 87
Art Trombley
June 22, 2013
My stepsisters married name, just thought i would say a few words to Peter, I'm sure your camping with the kids, and keeping them safe from evil wherever they go. You had a lot of love, that lives forever.
September 11, 2012
Hard to believe it's been 11 yrs. After all this time, I still smile when I think about all of the laughs we had at Nova and after graduating.
Always remembered and never forgotten!
March 9, 2012
I was a friend of Pete's from Villanova. His positive attitude and zest for life was infectious. Coincidently I moved to the town where Pete grew up and have met many of his childhood friends. We all share fond memories of him. God Bless. SH
Cris Tremaglio
January 1, 2012
My prayers are with the Gelinas family. I went to school with Peter at Xavier. Class of 86. He was in most of my classes.
Cris Tremaglio
1986
September 12, 2011
Pete, it's been 10 years since you left us. I still remember good times at 'Nova and will never forget. God Bless!!
September 11, 2011
I did not know Peter but had the honor of meetings both his sons Jack and Griff at Camp Tecumseh. Jack told me about his Dad a few years back. I too lost a parent in a sudden way years ago. Jack and Griff are "special" boys...........There Dad would be very proud of them. God Bless them, their Mom, and America.
Bill Aronson
Sherri Wilson
September 11, 2011
Thinking of you on this tenth anniversary,Mary Beth. You are in my thoughts and prayers on this day and on so many others in the past. All my love.
Coach Mendyka
September 11, 2011
On this tenth anniversary of the World Trade Center tragedy you are not forgotten Peter. You were in my thoughts and prayers today as were your family and all the lost souls of that awful day. May God bless you always.
August 26, 2011
Thinking the good thoughts. They alway's bring a smile.
Toast
Kathy Gelinas
August 24, 2011
I came across some pictures the other day of you and our family at Thanksgiving 1988. I have alot of found memories of Thanksgiving with you and the family. Miss you Pete
L
January 21, 2011
Thinking of you
LR
September 24, 2010
Hello, I know we never met, but at this moment I am sitting on the bench dedicated to you at the Surf Club in Madison. As I sit here holding my baby girl looking at water thinking of those who lost there lives 9yrs ago., I can't help the knot in my throat. I just want to say all of you are not forgotten any may you rest in peace. ~ LR
September 11, 2010
We miss you so terribly much Pete. So many people miss you and love you.
stephen parri
September 22, 2009
I was going through some old pictures and I found several of Pete on our boat when we were kids... even in this picture, so many years ago, he was smiling, his trademark.
As we get older our memories fade and the times we had become even more distant, but thanks for the daily joke you'd always have and the lessons you taught me.
I think about you often.
peace
SRP
September 11, 2009
You will always hold a special place in my heart. Miss you!!!
Diane Kalafut
September 10, 2009
Thinking of Pete's family today. I hope that time has started to heal the sadness for them.
Doug Abraham
August 6, 2009
Happy Birthday!!!
July 21, 2009
To the Gelinas Family,
I've kept this website bookmarked for the past couple of years and visit it from time to time to remember Peter and 9/11.
My grandmother is Joan Guidi, sister of Peter's grandmother.
While I never got to meet Peter, reading through these entries has given me some insight into what a great man he must of been.
My wife and I send our prayers to all of his family and hope that his legacy continues to live on.
David Lawler
December 14, 2008
I was just watching a program of that terrible day and of course Peter came to mind. I was a few years older at Viillanova, but Peter never seemed like a freshman, he was great fun and wonderful guy. I pray for him and his family and wish you peace especially during this Christmas season.
Shannon Mary Lauziere "Gelinas"
December 2, 2008
From all the Gelinas Family (Cousins) in Indiana, God's Speed until we meet again in GOD's good graces.
Roberta Manning
September 11, 2008
Thinking of you all....
Rusty (John) Robertson
September 11, 2008
Your brothers will always be thinking of you...
We miss you Pete!
Matt Raab
April 25, 2008
The last entry to this guest book was almost 7 months ago....so sad...we should never forget those that went before us....Pete and I were fraternity brothers at Villanova.....although he was a few years younger than me he was advanced in his ways! I still have a picture of him playing football in the mud with his fellow pledges! Pete was a great person and, i'm sure, an even better father and husband. He will always be remembered.
Matt Raab
VU Class of 1987
Adam Coppola
September 19, 2007
Peter was my next door neighbor for the first five years of my life. He was good friends with my brother, Chris. I remember peter being the fun neighbor that would hang out and play with my brother, Paul, and I when we were roaming the neighborhood. I was only five at the time. I barely remember Peter, but from what my brother and parents say, he added joy and friendship to our neighborhood.
My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with Peter and his family on september 11th of each year.
Sincerely, Adam Coppola
Kate Miller
September 11, 2007
Dear Susan, Mary Beth, Michelle, Griffin, & Jack,
I will always remember Peter as larger than life, a wonderful guy. How proud his parents were of him, and Mary Beth.
It wasn't enough that they lost Gerry, but a son, brother, husband, and father. six years later I send this prayer, That Gerry, and Peter are looking down on you with profound love, and care. God Bless you are gone but never forgotten.
Dan Sullivan
September 11, 2007
Pete,
Thinking of you and your family.
Doug Abraham
August 6, 2007
Happy Birthday!!!
Kristine
October 25, 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....
Veronica and David Grimes
September 11, 2006
My children Camille 3 and Will 1 planted a tree in Memory of Pete. My daughter and I named it "G". We will care for it and decorate it often .
My prayers continue for Michelle, the boys and Marybeth & Family.
Kari Seymour
September 11, 2006
I remember fondly Pete's big personality and fun spirit from Villanova days. My husband (Brian) and I both knew him. We extend our thoughts today to his family on this 5th anniversary. He may be gone but is not forgotten.
stephen parri
September 11, 2005
'G', as he was simply known was bigger than life and in his death he still inspires me.
To all his friends spread throughout the country, I'm sorry for your loss and to his wife and children, I hope you're happy.
May his memory live forever. Love ya brother
Stephen Parri
Michelle Gelinas Jenkinson
March 2, 2005
My father called me the morning after and told me one of our family members has gone to the lord. I'm truly sorry for your lost and hope that the memories of his life will for ever live on in the hearts of the people who knew him best.
God Bless
Michelle Gelinas Jenkinson
Conway, Ar
Doug Natal
September 12, 2003
My wife, Kaz, and I recently found out about Peter's tragic death in the 9-11 bombings. We had many happy times with Peter during our college days at Villanova. Peter was always the hit of the party. He was energetic beyond belief and loved to have simple laughs with practical jokes. I don't know what happened to Peter on that tragic day. I know in my hart that Peter would have been trying to help others get to safety or cope in some fashion with the realities of their situation. Peter was not the kind of individual that would ever be alone. God bless your family and God bless the United States.
lisa waters
September 11, 2003
my name is lisa waters and i am 24 years old and my mother works with a gina gelinas in forest park georgia. i do belive that this is peters sister in law. i would just like to say that i am truely sorry for your lose. this was a huge lose to everyone, i belive that everyone knew someone that lost a family memeber in this horriable attacks on america sept. 11 2001. my thoughts are still with those families, and you are always in my thughts and prayers. lisa
John McAndrews
September 12, 2002
Mary Beth,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the whole Gelinas clan. Your brother was such a great guy and I remember how fond my father was of him as well. I know that he is missed by many!
John
September 12, 2002
Chris Gubera
September 11, 2002
To Mary Beth,
I know how important your family is to you and I am very sorry for your loss. I want you to know that you are in my thoughts on this day (and many in the past) and I hope you, Mark, Olivia and your family are doing as well as possible.
Cathleen Quinn Montrose
September 11, 2002
I will always remember Pete as a good friend to Goose and to all his Villanova friends. I remember on my wedding day to Mike, he went to the wrong church ! but still made it on time to be an usher in our wedding party.
I am thinking of all of his family today and everyday.
Cathy Montrose
Philip A. De Simone
September 11, 2002
Dear Michelle,
I wore a tag with Peter's name on it as I sang the Mozart Requiem at Hitchcock Presbyterian Church in Scarsdale this morning (9/11/02) as a memorial to those lost last year.
May Peter dwell in the Love which is in God's heart and may he continue to share this Love with you and your family so that you find peace.
Most sincerely,
Philip A. De Simone
Liz Warthen
September 11, 2002
Michelle,
I am thinking of you and your sweet boys, thank God we have them to always remember Pete...they are a testament to how wonderful he was. LIZ Warthen
Bob Duffy
September 11, 2002
Peter will be missed- The photo you have chosen for this site shows the gleem in his eyes, and that is something I will always remember about Pete. I hadn't seen Pete in years, but the photo of him reminded me of the years we spent together at OLM and Xavier. I was a year ahead of Pete but played sports with him- and occasionally against him in rec-leagues. He was super competitive and always positive. It's not suprising to me to read about him beating the odds and keeping his three year-old son out camping all night- he must have heard the challenge. I'm extremely sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Bob Duffy
The Muir Family
September 10, 2002
We were neighbors of Pete and Michelle for only a few years in Bronxville, yet he made such a strong and positive impression on all of us. Matthew, who is now 10 1/2 remembers Pete as the man who always smiled, was always nice to people and had time for everyone. Caroline who is now 8 1/2 remembers Pete as the man who was always really nice to her. We all remember Pete as Mr. Nice Guy...one of the good guys....and someone you were always happy to be with.
Our loss is God's gain!
Pete Regan
September 9, 2002
Dear Michelle:
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Your husband, Peter Girard Gelinas, was a wonderful person.
Like Pete, I grew up in Madison, CT. and although we attended different high schools, we often ran into each other at local parties. To me he was known simply as "G", and to him I was "regs". And when we hung out it was all about laughter- and that laugh of his- unforgettable! In fact, I can still hear it, pure, joyful, eternal, and free.
May God bless you and your two children.
Elizabeth Harrison
September 5, 2002
Words seem so inadequate at this time. Peter's family are in my prayers. I wear his Mercy BAND and I do say a prayer when I glance down at his name. I know that God will continue to hold you all in the palm of His hand.
Rick Gelinas
June 1, 2002
To Michelle, Jack, Griffin, Mary Beth and Aunt Susan:
It has taken a while for me to get my thoughts and emotions together to tell you how saddened I am about Peter. Although I had not seen him since Thanksgiving 1977 he was often in my thoughts. I remember playing football before and after we would eat. He was always active and smiling unless he missed a ball I threw to him and it hit him in the face or tackled him too hard.
I remember sticking up for him when Jonathan would pick on him. That seems like an eternity ago.
I was thrilled when I learned that he was trading Bonds in New York. I tried to call him one night to tell him I was proud of him, but his roommate said that he was at The Garden watching the Knicks.
I was very happy when mom and dad told me that he was getting married. I would have loved to have gone but I was not in a position to get to New York at the time. I heard from mom and dad that it was a beautiful day that was celebrated with a huge roomful of friends and family.
I wish I could have made the Lobsterfests at Uncle Jay's to catch up on old times and to tell him that I was very proud of him.
Peter, in my mind, will always be remembered by me as THE cousin who was quietly successful. The cousin who at an early age showed enthusiasm and determination to succeed and win in everything he did. And when he didn't win, he didn't fuss or whine. He would shrug his shoulders and cock his dark-haired head knowing that he had given his best and would the next time around.
I loved him and wish the best for Michelle and the boys. I pray that Mary Beth and Aunt Susan and all of his family in New England and New York pass on their memories of Peter to his children so they will not forget what a good young boy he was and what a loving, caring and successful man he grew up to be.
Barbara Skinner
April 28, 2002
My thoughts and prayers are with the family
Michael Iezzi
April 25, 2002
Father we entrust our brother Peter to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
Karen Morano
April 19, 2002
It's nice to see how many people commented on Pete's smile - it was infectious.
I went to Villanova with Pete and, years later, would often run into him in the World Trade Center concourse on my way into work. You could spot that smile a mile away! I hope that his sons inherit his smile and enthusiasm and brighten as many people's days as Pete did.
May God bless you. I think of and pray for you often.
Kevin Callahan
March 11, 2002
To Pete family:
My deepest sympathies. I taught Pete at Xavier back in the 80's. I remeber a kid who was full of life and always raring to go.
Sherri Hill Palmer
March 5, 2002
Dear Michelle, My heart goes out to you and your family. I grew up in Madison and lived across the street on Neck Rd. from Our Lady of Mercy. I knew Pete, the Currans, Brandan Feeney, and so on. My heart was crushed to hear Pete was in that tower. I always thought he was such a nice kid. It didn't surprise me to see how successful he had become. Just to let you know I still pray for him and the others of 9/11. I am sure he is still looking down on you and your sons and is so very proud and will always be. From the bottom of my heart, Sherri H. Palmer
Peggy Byassee
February 1, 2002
Im so sorry for his family for this sad tragedy i wish you all the best with your sadness
Anonymous
January 22, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS
BEAUTIFUL YOUNG MAN PETER GIRARD GELINAS AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD
BLESS HIS WIFE AND SONS ...FAMILY AND FRIENDS.GOD BLESS AMERICA AND
NEW YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..MAY ST.PETER AND ST.GIRARD
MEET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN.AMEN
Kevin Schroeder
January 13, 2002
During my childhood, Peter and I lived only a few miles apart from each other, and on many occasions we competed in different sports. My memory of Peter is that of a superb athlete, an excellent student, and a genuinely nice person whom I admired. More than 15 years later it comes as no suprise to find out that Peter Gelinas, the husband, father, and professional, continued to have so many admirers. He was simply a good person and I am certain that his family and loved ones will always be proud of him.
Lori Tarangelo
January 1, 2002
To all those that loved Pete,
I am so sorry for your loss. I attended Villanova with Pete and he was such a bright light on campus. He never forgot a face, he always had something nice to say and he always made us laugh. I feel blessed to have known him and I wish his wife and family the best. Although we have never met, I have thought of you and of Pete often over the past few months. You are all in my prayers. God bless - may the memory of Pete's shining smile brighten your days.
Don Tencellent
December 31, 2001
Dear Michelle:
As this awful year comes to an end, my thoughts are with you and the boys. Yesterday, in church, I felt Pete's presence in the sunlight that streamed through the stained-glass windows. It was bright and shining, just like his smile. He is a model for all who knew him. All Christmas Day, Pete was with us as DJ wore the Winged Foot Hat in memory of his great friend. Please know that you all are in our daily thoughts and prayers.
Teresa Jahn
December 30, 2001
May the sorrow in your hearts be lightened by the precious memories of the beautiful moments in your lives. We are deeply sorry for your loss of Peter. May his children and those who love him always feel the warmth of Peter's love radiate into their hearts. May Peter's happiness, life and love continue living in those who love him. Our hearts cry with you in your loss of Peter.
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
John Dalton
December 16, 2001
Dear Michelle,
Peter was very special to me...he was a good friend of my brother Pete who passed away in 1985. I have always looked up to Peter from our days at Mercy and throughout my journey to adulthood. He was constantly there for me...taking me under his wing when looking at colleges and even when i looked for jobs in ny he met me at the WTC and coached me on how to interview. I will never forget how special a person he was...I'm proud to say I knew him. Love John Dalton
Sarah Wright
November 29, 2001
Dear Susan and Mary Beth: What fond memories I have of Pete from OLM and high school days. I always loved his bright smile and his wonderful sense of humor. Indeed, these are what I remember most about him.
I am so sorry for your incredible loss. Please know that so many people grieve with you and that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Sarah Wright
Paul Curran
November 13, 2001
Michelle:
I was saddened to hear from Peter Signori of the loss of your husband Pete. Though I didn't know him personally, Robby Kelly (my roomate from G-town) spoke very highly of him. It doesn't seem too long ago that the Signori's, Curran's, Boyle's, and Vittoria's all piled into the car-of-the-week for CCD classes at IHM. It seems like just yesterday we were at Georgetown. I wish you strength in these difficult times but know you will be OK. If you are ever in SF, please look us up. Good luck with everything. While your husband might be gone in body, his spirit lives on in your family and in all of us. He will endure because his spirit will always be with you. Take care.
Julie,Jeff,Christine&Laura Atkinson
November 9, 2001
Michelle, Jack and Griffin,
WE are honored to have known Pete and know that he is one outstanding all round great guy!!! He must be in heaven as a new elected official in prestigious welcoming team!!!
Vicki Biehn Swan
September 20, 2001
Dear Sue,
I am so very sorry for your loss of Peter. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and your family during this tragic time.
Vicki Biehn Swan
Donna Taylor
September 18, 2001
I am so very sorry to hear about your beloved Peter..Though I didnt know Peter..I do still care and will pray for your family at this time of sorrow...I am just a proud American who cares...I pray God gives your family strength to carry on..
Good Bless
PATRICK GILNITE
September 18, 2001
MY HEART BLEEDS WITH ALL OF YOURS.I PRAY ALL YOUR HEARTS STAY STRONG AND ALL OF PETER'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS HELP EACH OTHER THROUGH THIS.GOD BLESS YOU PETER AND MAY YOU REST IN "PEACE".
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