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Michael Craig Rothberg
Michael Craig Rothberg
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Michael Rothberg Obituary
Do you know what bothered Michael Rothberg about his stationery? It listed a phone number for Cantor Fitzgerald, where he was the director of program trading, with a 1 followed by the area code and phone number. No adult sophisticated enough to call a bond-trading firm needs to be told to dial 1 before the area code, he reasoned.
This qualm was a source of amusement, not ire, and it was a small, silly display of his analytical mind. Put to serious pursuits, as it often was, this inclination was a formidable skill, and Mr. Rothberg shared its benefits with family and friends. "When Mike made a decision, you knew it was a good one," said Susan McDermott, the wife of Matthew McDermott, who worked for Mr. Rothberg.
Mr. Rothberg understood the computer systems used for program trading and the communications skills used for relating to clients. He learned at his first firm, Bear, Stearns, that leading a team offered more pay and autonomy than working behind a leader. He moved to Kidder Peabody & Company to become a leader, and later took his employees, whom he called colleagues, along to Cantor Fitzgerald.
With that experience gained, Mr. Rothberg listened three years ago as his sister Rhonda complained about running a business for a salary while the owner reaped larger profits. He encouraged her to strike out on her own, and within four months she was a business owner. "He was looking out for people," said Jamie Bolton, a friend.
Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on December 24, 2001.
Michael Rothberg, 39, of Old Greenwich, Conn., formerly of Sharon.: Managing director at Cantor Fitzgerald. Rothberg grew up in Sharon and graduated from Sharon High School in 1980. He earned his master's degree in computer science and mathematics from McGill University in 1986. He enjoyed the outdoors, boating, and kayaking. This summer Rothberg rented a house in Chatham for two weeks and hosted his parents, sister, and friends. "We had just spent a family vacation in the Cape during the last two weeks of July. It was something we had never done before," said Rhonda, Michael's sister. In addition to his sister, Michael leaves his parents, Jay and Iris, and his grandmother, Celia.
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September 11, 2019
RIP Michael, we still think about you especially today. Your Greenwich neighbors.
Brian Smith
September 11, 2017
Can't believe it has been 16 years! Every year during this time when everyone reflects on this tragedy I am always reminded of Mike and what a wonderful human being he was to all he knew. I worked in Boston and Mike was my main contact so we talked a lot. He was our "go to" guy when I needed some help or someone to explain something to me. Not sure why this year I felt compelled to write something again, but he is sorely missed!!
Taylor D.
September 11, 2011
My city has a memorial for 9/11 by our library and today we had a ceremony there. And on one of the sides of the pond were little flags all with one name on them for everyone who had died that day. After the ceremony was over we were each allowed to pick up a flag. I walked around and picked up one flag then looked at the name. The name on that flag was Michael's. And I would like him to know that even 10 years after that horrible day he is still remembered and so is everyone else that died that day.
Heather Caine
September 10, 2011
I'm running in your memory today at the 911 Remeberance Run in Las Vegas.
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Chrissy Sanders
September 11, 2010
I knew Rhonda through work & was very shocked & sadden that she lost her Brother in the Towers...9 yrs later I still remember that day...God Bless!!!
kristine
April 25, 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 23, 2007
In memory....
Colleen McGann
September 28, 2002
I wanted to let you know that someone in Arizona thinks of Michael. I never knew him or his name until I participated in a Motorcycle parade on 9-11 to honor those who perished last year ! The plan was to have one motorcycle for each person who gave their lives on 9-11-01. Each of us was given a braclet with the name of a person that passed on. I got Michael's ! We had over 7200 motorcycles, they even shut down freeways for the 14 miles of bikes to ride. I was very honored to wear his name..even thought I knew nothing about him..I knew he gave his life for all of US!
My emotions run very high on this subject and just wanted to let his family and friends know that someone in AZ will always be thinking of him !! Please feel free to contact me through my email of [email protected]
Thanks, Colleen
Lois Horan
September 12, 2002
He was just "Mike" when we were growing up in our old neighborhood in Sharon, years ago. The last time I saw Mike was many years ago in my last year at McGill, which was his first year. We were both somewhat taken aback at meeting there so unexpectedly. He was still a young man then, and always unfailingly polite and cheerful. It seems he made that his legacy in life. I would like his family to know that Kaddish was said for Mike at a small public memorial here in New Hampshire on his yahrzeit.
I extend my sincerest sympathies.
-Lois Horan
Catherine LaJeunesse
September 12, 2002
Michael, we miss those few precious days of summer we spent with you cooking for impromtu dinner parties in your kitchen as your houseguests. We miss your warmth and humour and the fact that even though we had moved far away our friendship was always in the same place.
We miss all the jokes we shared and still laugh at all the fun tmes we spent with you.
With warm regards to the Rothberg Family
Love
Catherine and Andre LaJeunesse
April 13, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL MAN..MICHAEL CRAIG ROTHBERG AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS...STAY CLOSE..PRAY..AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK FOREVER..MAY GOD AND ST.MICHAEL GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Janell Logan
March 13, 2002
I am proudly wearing a BAND with Michael's name on it. By doing this I am reminded to pray for his family,and our Nation on a daily basis. BAND = Bearing Anothers Name Daily. God Bless Us All!
David Gore
February 4, 2002
I knew Michael just for a couple of years in the late 80's when we both lived on the upper east side. He was a really great guy and I regret that I had lost touch with him. I particularly remember a fun Halloween party that he hosted. He was very pleasant and calming to be around. An extremely tragic loss to all who were lucky enough to have known him. My sincerest sympathies to Rhonda and the rest of the Rothberg family.
Mark Russo
January 28, 2002
My memories of Michael will always be with me. My deepest sympathies to Jay, Iris, Rhonda, Celia and the entire Rothberg family.
Derek Flionis
January 13, 2002
When lives suddenly come to an end, we often struggle to find words to eulogize our lost ones. If there ever was an exception, Michael Rothberg is the epitome. My cousin was one of the elite few to combine the often-contradictory traits of benevolence and personal success. While employed in the most unforgiving industry, Michael managed to exhibit tremendous humanity while simultaneously ascending into the top ranks within his profession. The impact Michael left imprinted on those who were once privileged to be graced by his presence will never be forgotten.
Anita Groves
January 13, 2002
While living in Greenwich, I met Michael through his housemate, Jamie Bolton. I found Michael to be one of the most generous and genuine people I have ever met. His home was open to everyone (I don't think they locked the doors)and Michael made sure everyone felt at home. In the summer he would load everyone onto his boat for an evening ride.
His character is a tribute to his family and will never be forgotten. The world has lost a wonderful person.
Iris Rothberg
January 9, 2002
Michael was the kind of son every mother dreams of having...loving, giving, thoughtful, helpful, generous and smart, too. Whenever I had a problem, Michael always had the solution. Whether it was helping his sister, Rhonda, go into her own business or advising a friend, or donating to charitable causes, Michael did it quietly and never wanted recognition. He always remembered every occasion and anniversary with beautiful cards, flowers and gifts, no matter how busy he was.
He shared his home with us and his friends for holidays and parties and everyone always felt welcome at Michael's house.
Michael touched so many lives with his kindness and his gentle spirit. This was evident by the outpouring of love from so many people not just from the United States but from Canada, England and Singapore. Michael, my beautiful son, you were savagely taken from us on September 11, but your shining spirit will live on in my heart and the hearts of all your family and friends.
I miss you and love you "from here to China and back again" as I used to tell you when you were a little boy.
Mom
Debbie Flionis
January 9, 2002
It's the little day-to-day things that only a few shared during conversation that made Michael so special to me.
Weeks before September 11, Michael invited my sons to a day atop the WTC inside the company of Cantor Fitzgerald. Soon after this invitation, Michael learned a huge deal would take place on that particular Monday and it would require all of his attention. He did not postpone their visit or even mention his pending circumstances. Derek and Kurt made the trip to New York and shared the experience of a lifetime as they observed the amazing qualities of their cousin Michael at work. Now, they are both holding on very tight to this memory, a precious, last gift from Michael.
During his family vacation on Cape Cod, Michael invited my mom, (his grandmother) to go for a leisurely drive in his new convertible. Along the way, he stopped and purchased for her a wide brimmed hat that tied under the chin. Always thinking of others, his intention was to protect her from the sun.
If you spent any time with Michael, I'm sure special moments are popping into your mind remembering the little things he did for you.
Michael, I will always remember you as my brother's little boy, smart, witty, and entertaining at age four as you were at 39. Always in my memory, with special love and gratitude
Auntie Debbie
Teresa Jahn
December 14, 2001
We are very sorry for your loss of Michael and yet very glad you spent time at the Cape with him recently. May the memories of that vacation together bring a peaceful warmth to your hearts. 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
Greg C.
October 26, 2001
To the family of Michael Rothberg:
My deepest sympathy and prayer goes out to Michael Rothberg's family. I had recently spoken with Mike and remember vividly his account of how much fun he had at this year's U.S. Open. He was a kind and thoughtful person whom I'm sure will be missed by many.
Marty Rainbow
October 19, 2001
My deepest sympathies to you and your family at this time. Michael and I were friends many years ago when we lived in the same residential building in Manhattan. We spent several fun weekends and one great New Year's Eve together along with our friends. Michael hosted a coctail party before we were all meant to go out on New Year's Eve, but everyone was having such a nice time in his home as he was such a great host that we decided to stay there instead. It was one of the nicest New Year's I can remember.
My sincerest thoughts are with you now and always.
Sincerely,
Marty Rainbow
sara miller
October 3, 2001
To Rhonda&Family,
May your family spared further sorrow. Our deepest sympathy.
The Millers
montreal ,Canada
Jean Matuschek (Best Electric)
September 30, 2001
Rhonda & Family,
My thoughts & prayers are with you in hopes you can hold on through this tragic time. Michael will forever be in your heart as you keep all the wonderful memories you shared.
God bless you.
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