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John Damien Vaccacio
John Damien Vaccacio
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John Vaccacio Obituary
For a while, there was a little urban mouse in Damien Vaccacio's life, and everyone knew it.
"I didn't see the mouse," said his mother, Anne Marie, "but I heard enough about this mouse to feel that this mouse was my grandson." Mr. Vaccacio, who was 30 and a bond broker at Cantor Fitzgerald, discovered the mouse one day in his apartment on the Upper East Side, but couldn't bring himself to set a trap for it. So for a year, they shared the apartment, until the mouse gave up the ghost. Later, Mrs. Vaccacio and her husband came across a stuffed toy rat that sang, "I'm a rat, I'm a rat, I'm a really cool rat." They gave it to their son for Christmas.
It wasn't the only time he displayed a compassionate streak. There was the homeless man to whom he constantly brought leftovers from business dinners. Once he gathered up lobsters and steaks from his table at Sparks, Mrs. Vaccacio said, and gave them to the man. The next morning, her son inquired about how he had liked the meal. The answer: "I've had better."
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Dave Flatley
September 11, 2024
I was Damien's teacher at Holy Trinity. We became friends and spoke about so many things...but mostly BASKETBALL! He was fierce and yet so kind.
Reading through the other remembrances makes me smile because I know I was lucky to have known him.
Jacqueline Agresta
January 19, 2021
I´m thinking of Damien today. Damien and I got to know each other at Brookside JHS. We were both making the move from public school to Catholic HS. We bonded over the entrance exam, waiting on letters of admittance and our excitement about a new start. We went to different high schools and lost track of one another. The last time I saw him was at Jeff and Francesca´s wedding where we had such a fun time reconnecting. Damien still had the great smile and infectious laugh I can still hear. A few years ago a colleague of mine bought a house in Merrick. Upon further questioning I realized it was Damien´s first house on Hendrickson Ave. I was so happy to hear that a nice young couple with a baby was moving into the house. I thought of Damien today because this friend reached out to me to announce the birth of her fourth child. When I enquired about the details she told me his name was Damien. I was brought to tears that there would be another Damien growing up in that house. God bless the new Baby Damien and Rest In Peace Damien. You are not forgotten and live on in our memories.
Dear Vaccacio family - you are in my prayers often, especially when I drive by either of your houses in Merrick and especially each year on 9/11.
Jacqueline Judd-Agresta
September 11, 2015
I went to Middle School with Damien so long ago in the 80's...
I remember when 911 happened thinking when I saw his last name but first name (John) thinking, No that isn't Damien??? It can't be, but it was.
We were in classes together and he was a wise guy from what I remember, full of life..
God bless you and your family on this horrific anniversary..
George Schwartz
September 10, 2015
Met up with you in Holy trinity, you were a fun guy, part a great class and class of people, you will be missed, RIP Damien
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Jolie Porter
September 13, 2014
My husband and I met Damien in October, 2000 while on vacation in Cancun. We met at the resort bar (watching football I think) and immediately hit it off with this outgoing and friendly New Yorker. He gave us his card and told us to call him whenever we were in NYC. I lost his card but I remembered his name was Damien and that he worked at Cantor Fitzgerald. When I visited the 9/11 Museum a few weeks ago, I was hoping I wouldn't find his name, but alas, there it was. My heart is broken all over again at the loss of this memorable young man we knew for such a short time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Vaccacio family.
Dave Flatley
September 11, 2014
The best.
September 11, 2014
Thinking of you
Dave Flatley
September 11, 2013
One of my all-time favorite students at Holy Trinity...I still miss him to this day.
Femi Ford
September 11, 2013
we remember. thinking of you & your family today.
Frank Carney
September 24, 2012
Peace be with him and all The Vaccacio Family.
September 11, 2012
I went to bed thinking I was not going to watch the names being read but when I turned on the tv and they were reading the end of the T's I was exactly where I was supposed to be. Spent time with some old friends this summer, you came up several times. We miss you. I miss you.
Ken Brown
May 10, 2012
Last night our daughter was honored to receive the J. Damien Vaccacio Memorial Mathematics award at Holy Trinity. In reading through the guest book you can see what a special person he was and we are happy to say that a piece of Damien will live on in our daughter. God Bless you Damien and all your family and friends!!
Mandy Evans-Kirk
September 11, 2011
Today has been an emotional day for all Americans, more so for others. Our thoughts and prayers are with your folks and Chris on the 10 year anniversary of 9/11. Much love to you Damien, you are certainly missed.
September 9, 2011
I will never forget you.
May 2, 2011
I really thought I would have felt different today. I thought I would be able to find some peace. But you're still gone and life will continue to go on as it has for the past 9 years 8 months.
Miss you-
February 28, 2011
They are starting to count down to the 10 year mark. I read through this on line journal- re-reading the notes I left you as if you could read them. Time may have put some distance, but the thought of you swells my heart and floods with me with emotion.
September 10, 2010
Nine years, feels like yesterday. I drive by your parents house every once in a while and I smile when I see the flag they fly. They are so proud of you. Life has gone on as they said it would but don't think for one second I have forgotten. I will carry you in my heart all day tomorrow-
October 6, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
September 28, 2009
Marco Ciccocioppo
September 26, 2009
May you rest in peace, Damien, as I just learned about your fate.
You were such a great guy.
You will never be forgotten !!!
Maria Totten
September 11, 2009
Damien is remembered always. For four years, we shared homeroom (end of the alphabet:) Good Times!
Darryl Vasconi
September 11, 2009
I loved Damien; whenever I go back home to Merrick I drive by his house and I think of him.
He transcended all of us.
I see his picture and cry.
September 11, 2009
8 years. The weather today reflects the mood. Facebook has given us all a whole new place to miss you. We continue to find peace in knowing that you are in heaven, some days are easier than others. <3
September 11, 2008
7 years....... I see your mom every now and again- it's nice to see her. I miss you.
Joseph DiGorga
July 16, 2008
I grew up with Damien, we we're friends throughout middle school. I remember best what a great friend he was and all the fun times we had together. He was an outstanding person and even after 25 yrs since we had those great times playing video games at his parents house I will miss him.
P Tabbernor
April 4, 2007
In memory....
March 2, 2007
I grew up in Merrick and went to elementary school with Damien at Sacred Heart and met up again in high school at Holy Trinity. We were on the same bus.
Although Damien and I weren't friends throughout school, (in fact we never saw eye to eye). I saw him some years later after college we were both on the LIRR getting off in Merrick. We smiled and said "Hi" to each other and somehow, at that moment, it was peaceful, like we finally put the past behind us. Everytime I get on the platform in Merrick I think about that day and am happy that the last memory I had of Damien was a pleasant one.
I now have a newborn son, I will teach my child to be kind to others and to always forgive and forget as life is way too short to hold grudges.
I am so sorry for your family's loss. I can not imagine the pain and heartache your family has endured. I hope each day gets a little easier.
I find great relief in one day running into Damien in heaven and knowing we'll smile and say "Hi" again. May Damien rest in Peace!
Heather Theissen (McCarney)
September 11, 2006
Damien was a kind and thoughtful friend and so much fun to be around! We all
loved "hanging out" in his basement playing pool and using the arcade
games. My heart breaks for his family. I am so sorry for your tragic loss.
Just another sad American
September 11, 2006
Five years ago today, your kindness to mice and men was ended far too soon. How the world needs people like you. I never knew you and I never will but all of American misses you.
Cyndi Termini-Hickey
September 11, 2006
On this, the fifth anniversary of 9-11, I would like to say to Mr. and Mrs. Vaccacio, Damien will never be forgotten. I was in his home room for four years at Holy Trinity and I will never, ever forget him.
Cynthia Termini
Karen Roth
September 11, 2003
Jim, Ann-Marie and Chris,
Although I never met Damien he is brought back to life by all the memories I have heard during these past 2 years. On this 2nd anniversary Damien remains in my thoughts. He lives on through you and will never be forgotten. May you find comfort from your fond memories of your time together. You are in my prayers.
Jennifer Hawkins
August 19, 2003
My heart sank when I found out from another high school classmate. Damien sat behind me in homeroom and in almost all of our classes. I sometimes gave him answers to a test because he's cute. I will never forget his smile and his kindness. He's in my prayers and my sympathies to his family.
Kelly Pharis (Kotte)
May 5, 2003
There is not a day , even one single one, that I do not think about Damien & his family. I did not learn Damien was at the WTC until about 5 months afterwards, but in my heart I knew someone I had known from my past was there. I was so saddened to find it was him. Damien & I had grown up together, sharing many grammar & junior high school moments. He was my boyfriends best friend. He was my friend. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family -I can't imagine how they are coping with this tragedy. He is sorely missed...Someday we will meet again & I look forward to hearing that cackle laugh once again. Until that day....God Bless.
alfred poto
February 9, 2003
Damien we miss you everyday of our lives.You were a special person with a great smile and a big heart. Jim and Annemarie we will keep his memory alive forever with all of us.
Maureen Ridge
October 3, 2002
Damien-I was so sad and shocked to hear what happened! I remember all the good times we had at Holy Trinity and you will forever be a part of such great memories. I can still see you on the basketball court tugging your socks and shirt before every throw-you were so funny! that's how I will remember you- always smiling=)
John Jason Zamora
September 23, 2002
I'm a student at a school in San Jose. My name is also John. We read about you in our Social Science class when we were studying 9/11. I'm sorry that your family has lost you...
Karen Yanch
September 21, 2002
Damien,
Words cannot express the sadness I felt when I heard we lost you on 9/11. Even though we lost touch sometime after high school, you are and always will be a part of my happiest memories of some of the best years of my life. We had some good times and laughs and although it is still hard for me to believe you are gone, my memories of you will always keep a smile on my face. My love and deepest sympathies go out to your familiy. God belss you and keep you until we meet again. -Karen
sean callahan
September 11, 2002
i think back to the four years in high school,all the good times we had, all the games we played in and it makes me smile, and even through we lost touch after you are sorely missed.god bless you mr and mrs vaccacio
Maeve Casey
September 10, 2002
Dear Damien: Never forgotten! You will always live in our memories and our hearts. Brendan, Dan, Clare, Eunice, Maeve and Brendan
Janet Jordan
September 10, 2002
Dear AnnMarie and Jimmy,
May God Bless you during this most difficult time. You are in my prayers.
Love,
Janet Jordan
Theresa (Terry) Scarborough
September 9, 2002
Dear Mr & Miss Vaccacio
& Chris Vaccacio
My god bless your son damien and bless your family im so very sorry for your loss
My Condolences
Orlando Rizzo
August 19, 2002
Oh my god , i would have never thought you died over at the world trade center! All i would have too say about this is that you were a great person and its sad to say that you are gone and not living on this earth become some terriost group wanted to prove a point! All i have too say is, when i see you up there, it will be good to see your smile once again. Its sad that you had to live you life really short from someone elses hand!
Angie Campbell
May 29, 2002
May you rest in peace forever more!!
May 15, 2002
MAY THE BEAUTIFUL SOUL OF JOHN DAMIEN VACCACIO AND THE SOULS OF ALL THE FAITHFULLY DEPARTED THROUGH THE MERCY OF GOD REST IN PEACE AMEN.
May 15, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL YOUNG MAN..JOHN DAMIEN VACCACIO AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK.MAY JESUS AND ST.JOHN GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN..AMEN
March 29, 2002
I played CYO basketball with Damien in grade school. I always enjoyed his company and competitiveness. He touched the lives of many people and will be missed dearly.
God Bless you and Damien.
Kathleen Gleason-Perdie
March 22, 2002
Dear Jim and Anne Marie,
I send my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I worked for Jim @ Glickenhaus. God Bless Damian.
I pray for your family.
Yours, Kathy Gleason-Perdie
John Rojas
March 11, 2002
God Bless you Damien.... Although our paths did not cross much post-high school, my life was touched by your's and Jason's passing... We will all remember you by your exuberant and high-spirited soul. John Rojas
Teresa Jahn
December 8, 2001
We are so sorry for your loss.
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
Patricia Schaefer
December 3, 2001
May God bless Damien and family...I remember Damien from his time at Holy Trinity High School...vibrant and exuberant.
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