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Davis G. "Deeg" Sezna Jr.
Davis G. "Deeg" Sezna Jr.
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Davis Sezna Obituary
Davis G. Sezna Jr. – known to his family and friends as Deeg – was in New York for boot camp, his basic training in the world of finance. A freshly minted graduate of Vanderbilt University, Mr. Sezna was ecstatic about his job at Sandler O'Neill & Partners on the 104th floor of 2 World Trade Center. He showed up for work early, insisted on wearing business suits in an office where business casual was the attire du jour, and refused to call his boss by his first name.
Sept. 11 was Mr. Sezna's sixth day on the job, but already Jimmy Dunne, a managing principal at Sandler O'Neill, knew that he would succeed. "He was high energy, a hard worker," Mr. Dunne said. "He knew he was fortunate to have a job, and he was going to make this shot work."
Twice a day, Mr. Sezna, 22, and his father, Davis G. Sezna Sr., spoke about their lives and their game plan ‹ the crux of which consisted of the younger Mr. Sezna's leaving the West Village and coming home to Delaware to run the family's hospitality business, which owns golfing clubs and restaurants. "He was a very, very intelligent guy who had a bulldog's tenacity when he believed in something," Mr. Sezna said.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Rosalie O. Rutkowski
September 16, 2024
Never forget!
September 11, 2024
Never Forgotten!
Derek Francart
September 11, 2024
Thinking of you old friend. Sending the family my love on the anniversary of this horrific tragedy
Kim Large
September 11, 2024
We will never forget. I never met Davis but his name is imprinted on my heart as one of the many who had such a bright future that was stolen away. God’s blessings on your family.
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Tom Tomashek
September 12, 2023
He was a nice kid, the kind of kid you hope your son or grandson will be at the age he was on 9/11, just out of college.
Rosalie Rutkowski
September 11, 2023
God bless you. I will never forget.
Mark C.
October 27, 2021
We'll always remember you Deeg!
Rosalie Rutkowski
September 14, 2020
“Never Forget”, May you Rest In Peace.
Tom Tomashek
September 11, 2020
Every day on 9/11I think about a private conversation I had with Davis several weeks after tragic day. I haven't seen Davis in more than 16-17 years since, but as the father of 3 and having known Deeg I feel a sadness for Davis and Gail but can't even imagine about the pain they must feel every day, but especially on this day.
sherry marshall-jackson
October 2, 2019
To the family of friends of Deeg. I never forget. I own the 911 bracelet with his name on it and wear it proudly in his honor and those that lost his life that terrible day. God bless us all!
James Marlowe
October 1, 2019
You will be remembered always.
Tammy Cummings
September 11, 2018
17 years later after watching the towers collapse on tv from my dorm room at Vanderbilt, I still don't know what to say. I will never forget the day Deeg fell. Deeg was the definition of a good guy. My thoughts will always be with his family.
September 11, 2018
God bless the Sezna family. I will never forget.
sherry marshall-jackson
September 19, 2016
Will not forget! God Bless
Rosalie Rutkowski
September 12, 2016
God bless you. I will never forget
Willard Glenn
September 11, 2016
You are remembered. God bless you.
Rosalie Rutkowski
September 11, 2015
Never forget!
September 11, 2014
I will never ever forget,
September 16, 2013
Dear Mrs. Sezna, my prayers are always with you. Rosalie O. Rutkowski
September 11, 2013
To the Family of Davis G. Sezna, Jr.
I just wanted you to know I think and pray for you always.
Barbara (Formerly the woman who served you many times at Piccolo Mondo, Wilmington, DE)
Lou Marconi
September 11, 2012
Deeg, still thinking of you eleven years after.
Rosalie Rutkowski
September 11, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the Sezna family. Your boys are in heaven and so proud of both of you.
September 12, 2011
Dear Mrs. Sezna, My prayers are with you and your boys on this anniversary. Keep the faith and God bless you.
Rosalie O. Rutkowski
Sherry Jackson (Marshall)
September 8, 2011
As the ten year anniversary approaches I am still sadden by the date of 9/11. However, each and every year, I wear the bracelet with Davis (Deeg) Sezna, Jr. on it that I received from the Mercy Band memorial fund. I wear it without ever having known Deeg, but remembering his spirit, praying for his family and hopeful for this country. Lets remember all who were lost on this date. God Bless Us All!
Mark Shields
September 4, 2011
Deeg is very much in my thoughts as we approach the 10 year anniversary
Dave
September 13, 2010
I had the honor of knowing Deeg while we both played at Hartefeld. May he keep smiles on another's face. I know he did mine.
Patrick Glean
September 11, 2010
Your memory lives on Deeg! Prayers sent to Gail and Davis.
Rosalie O. Rutkowski
September 11, 2010
On this clear and blue summer day I will think of your sons and pray for them.
September 12, 2009
deeg thinking of you today
Craig Vint
September 12, 2009
Hey Deeg, just want you and your family know that I and my family were thinking and praying for you and your family. Every year 9/11 brings back very painful memories, and very wonderful memories growing up with you and your brothers in Landenberg Pa. GOD BLESS + RIP + YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN
September 11, 2009
I loved you through the eyes of your parents and grandparents. I miss them and you. Only love.
CJV, British Columbia
A B
September 11, 2009
Still remembering, still praying...
September 11, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you on this sad anniversary. Deeg was such a great guy and a friend to so many. I think about him often and can't believe that six years have passed since I last saw his smiling face.
Rosalie Rutkowski
September 11, 2007
On this sad annivesary I am praying for your sons. I will never forget.
kristine
June 9, 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
March 8, 2007
In remembrance....
Gina Reeves
September 11, 2006
Dear Gail, Davis & Willy,
I think of both Deeg and Teddy often. They both embodied vitality, energy and senses of humor. I remember them as young boys and watched them grow up. I think of you often as well.
Katie Blake Kroeger
September 9, 2006
I think of Deeg often & remember a bright, kind, polite, hard working gentleman.
Allen Goldberg
September 1, 2006
Hello, i am a junior in Windsor High School. I have just made a memorial bag for this man. The bags of all the lost lives in teh 9/11 attack were made by school student. Im very sorry for anyone who has lost a great man like Davis.
Bob Ingersoll
September 7, 2005
Dear Gail: I am sorry I never got to meet Deeg, I am sure I would have liked him immediately. As the 11th approaches, I know your heart must be heavy. I hope your fond memories help to carry you on past. Gayle and I send our love, and may we see each other again soon,
Bob
Rosalie Rutkowski
September 11, 2004
DEAR SEZNA FAMILY, YOURS SONS ARE IN MY PRAYERS ON THIS SAD ANNIVERSARY. ROSALIE RUTKOWSKI
Mike Albainy
September 11, 2004
Deeg -
I can't find another outlet to write this to you, but I came across this site as I was searching through pictures, recalling memories, and reading the amazing things people had to say about you. I miss you buddy.
For the past three years I have tried to model my life by the legacy you left with me. I loved your passion for life, your ability to take advantage of a beautful day by bagging geology class for the golf course, your spirit, your way of folding the Wall Street Journal into a new form of oragami, and your ability to win an argument merely by poking me in the side with that ridiculous look on your face. It is impossible to match you as a person, although your memory keeps me striving to do so every day.
Wherever you are, please know that your friends down here will always be gracious for the times we spent together.
Your friend always,
Mike Albainy
Melinda Donawick-Tillett
September 11, 2003
It's been a long time since I've seen your family but I want you to know that I am thinking of you. I am married now, living in North Central, WY and we have a 4 year old daughter. I can't imagine the pain and grief you have had to endure... My prayers are with you. Please let me know if you are ever out this way. It would be wonderful to see you.
Brad Winton
September 11, 2003
Dear Davis and Gail,
There is not a day that goes buy that I don't think about Deeg. My prayers are always with you and I hope time can ease your pain.
Kristin Andrews
December 18, 2002
Dear Sezna Family,
As a student at the Sanford School, at the time a sophomore, I can remember the day that we recieved the news that changed our lives forever. I was in photography class being taught by Mrs. O'Regan and I remember being informed of the news. At first I didn't understand the effect the situation had on our nation until I saw the horrifying videos. As the week progressed I can remember crying here and there, but what I mostly remember is the heartfelt sympathy that my teacher, Mrs. O'Regan, felt when she heard about the loss of Deeg. I could see her grieving for a long period of time, and I think when she compiled a mural of artwork of 9/11, she felt that was her closure. I'm pretty sure that she felt like she had done something wonderful in memorandum and that Deeg would have been so appreciative of her efforts. All in all, the effects of 9/11, and more particularly Deeg, had a profound impact on many including the Sanford community and that we sympathize with you in your precious loss.
Terri and Sandi Bridges
September 13, 2002
My daughter and her Boy friend Caleb Smith are friends to your son. They have spoken about Deeg so much before and after what happened. My daughter meet Deeg from many friends at Lynchburg College and visited with him about a month before 9/11. My prays go out to you both and your family with this loss. Sandi misses him and always says he was very nice and out going young man. They will never forget him and I who never got to know your son will always keep him in our prays. God Bless your family.
Terri & Sandi Bridges
Brett Tesei
September 12, 2002
Dear Sezna Family,
As many have said before me, I too attended Vanderbilt with Deeg and was one of his numerous friends. I met him when I was a freshman and he was a sophomore. We had class together and I felt as if he took me under his wing. He was always very kind to me and made sure that I was included in everything. Now that I have graduated, my memories of Vanderbilt and the Pike house are tinged with a sort of sadness I can't explain. My roomate and I keep a picture of Deeg dressed up in a little kid's pokemon costume that he wore one Halloween. His wonderful smile and humor shine through in that picture. I express my deepest sympathies for your loss and only want to say that you raised an extraordinary human being. I offer support and sympathy for everyone who knew Deeg and continues to know him in their own special way.
barbara victor
September 12, 2002
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Sezna.
My daughter, Courtney Buntin, was a good friend and classmate of Deeg's at Vanderbilt. During a visit to Nashville, in the Fall of their senior year, I invited a large group of kids to go out to dinner. I made a point to sit next to Deeg because Courtney and her dear friend, Greg Kuczaj, had told me so much about him. Everything that they had described was absolutely true. Deeg was so alive with ideas and plans. That evening he discussed plans for marketing his bloody mary mix. He talked about the idea of building golf courses that would be affordable to the many avid golfers who did not have the thousands of dollars required to join most clubs. He was quite idealistic and his motivation was driven by his desire that everyone be given the opportunity to experience golf at its best. He obviously loved the game. He displayed his intelligence, his ability to dream and his ambition. I went away thinking this young man is simply remarkable. Deeg was recognized as a very special individual by all who met him.
As a parent, I also want to tell each of you that in the very most profound way, Deeg's death has affected all of his Vanderbilt classmates. They were all just beginning their lives in the "real world," and were immediately forced to deal with the enormous sadness and grief of losing a dear friend so very early in their young lives. Because of this I know that each of them has been made acutely aware of the joy and importance of friendship, and the reality that each day of their lives is a gift. These friends talk about him all of the time. Each reunion is a sharing of their memories of him. He will never ever be forgotten and in his death their lives are marked forever. God bless you and I pray that you will find courage and strength in the memories of your amazing son. What the heart has once owned, it shall never lose.
Courtney Buntin
September 12, 2002
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Sezna,
I was blessed to get to know your wonderful son while attending Vanderbilt together. I will always remember Deeg practicing his golf swing with a baseball hat on and a big smile on his face. Deeg was always so excited about EVERYTHING whether he was talking about Dr. Tillitsuits or who should be elected President he would put every ounce of energy into that moment. I believe the amount of energy and zest for life that Deeg had made the twenty-three years he had equal to another person's entire lifetime, though that is probably just something I tell myself to try to somehow rationalize the terrible cruelty and unfairness of losing Deeg, though it is certain that coming to terms with losing Deeg will never be possible for any of us. One amazing thing about Deeg was he was the type of person that made you change the way you lived your life just by example. Out of all of the people that I knew, Deeg was the one that I was certain was going to have an amazing life full of adventure and success and fun and love and of course a whole lot of playing golf. Your family has been in my thoughts and prayers and Deeg will always be in my heart. I loved your son very much and will miss him always. God bless you I just wish I could do more for you than just write this note.
Courtney Buntin
Chris Sherrill
September 11, 2002
My thoughts and prayers are with you guys! See you in the spring.
Chris Sherrill
Harvin Lawhon
September 11, 2002
Mr. and Mrs. Sezna-
I just wanted to let you know that you and your family are in my prayers on this day of sadness. I know what it is like to lose not only a family member but a good friend as well. I was friends with Deeg for 4 years at Vanderbilt and he was one of the brightest and kindest people that I ever knew. We had numerous classes together and spent time together over the weekends. He was a good friend and had an ability to always find time to talk when you needed him. The world would be a better place if we had more people like him.
Sincerely,
Harvin Lawhon
Emily Thomas
September 11, 2002
Dear Sezna Family,
My name is Emily Thomas. I went to Vanderbilt and graduated in 1998. My little sister Stephanie was a very good friend of Deeg's. I want to tell you how very sorry I am for your loss. I thought of your family often over this last year. I only knew Deeg by smiling face and name. But my sister has told me great stories about him. I read in an article that he was being groomed to go into the family business--you must have been so very very proud. I know there is nothing that anyone can say or do to make things better. But as this anniversary has been approaching I decided that what I was going to do was to honor the memory of your son as well as the thousands of others by being the best I can be in all aspects of my life. The best citizen I can be. The best friend, daughter, sister, niece, cousin, and grandchild I can be. The best employee I can be. Other than my prayers, it's all I can offer. I want you to know that I do these things with you in mind. Thank you for having such a wonderful son. He was a very good friend to my little sister.
Sincerely
Emily Thomas
Joe Thomas
September 9, 2002
Mr. and Mrs. Sezna,
I know it's been 363 days since it all happened, and only now did I find the courage to write this. I didn't know Deeg as well that I did with Willy or Teddy, but I knew him well enough that he was always nice to me, and as simple as that sounds, it made all the difference to me. When you're little and an only child, you always look up to someone--I had your whole family to look up to. When my mom and dad got a divorce, and my dad and I lived with you all, it made the whole ordeal easier to cope with. I was too scared to say anything to you about Teddy, worried about your reaction. I'm not going to make that mistake again. I'm sorry for what happened, and I'm only 16 so I don't have much to offer, except that Deeg and Teddy are in my prayers every day, that's all I really have, I'm so sorry I can't do more.
When I last saw Deeg, he was at the range at Hartefeld. I didn't think that he'd remember me, but he did, and told me that it looked like I had grown a foot since he last saw me. We laughed for a few minutes before he had to go. That was enough to keep a smile on my face. It's the little things like those that I miss. The last time that I saw all of you together was the Christmas of 1999, you invited my father and I over. Mr. Sezna, that was the last time I called you "Uncle Davis". I know you probably don't remember that, but I do. You're family is still one of my all-time favorites, and I can't even start to express how sorry I am. But both of you, and your boys are in my prayers every morning. 363 days and counting--I'm yet to forget.
Joe Thomas
Stephanie Thomas
August 27, 2002
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Sezna,
I'm so sorry for your enormous loss. I went to Vanderbilt with Deeg and we were friends for four years. I like to remember him the way I saw him so many times: in the pike house, watching the golf channel, with a big smile on his face. I will never forget your son.
rosalie rutkowski
June 12, 2002
DEAR MR. AND MRS. SEZNA, NOT A DAY HAS PASSED THAT I DON'T THINK OF YOUR SONS.I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. KNOW THAT YOU HAVE MANY FRIENDS KNOWN AND UNKNOWN THAT ARE PRAYING FOR YOU. ROSALIE OBARA RUTKOWSKI.
Christie Taylor
May 24, 2002
Deeg, The memory of you consumes me. I wish I could remember our last embrace. I see you face every night in my dreams and you are smiling. Always smiling, reminding me that it's just life. You will never grow old. That your life was sacrificed, during such madness, that you had to go and we have to stay here, that will remain a mystery to me forever. But you have blessed us. And you have sent a message - to find the good amidst all the bad, to make progress through hard work, to laugh often and to make others laugh more, to follow the dream. I imagine you standing next to me, and I feel inspired. Love never dies.
sherry marshall
May 10, 2002
To the Family and Friends of Deeg Sezna: I am very sorry for your loss and the loss of all of us in the world. Your son sounds like a terrific young man. I just received my Mercy Band with Deeg's name on it. I will wear it with honor and compassion for your son and all those lost 9-11. My prayers are with you.
April 25, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL YOUNG MAN...DAVIS G. (DEEG) SEZNA JR 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 GOD AND HIS ANGELS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN....AMEN
Kim Carlson
March 17, 2002
Gail and Davis,
I knew Deeg from my years of working as a waitress at Kid's. I remember when he first started shaving and when he first started driving. I had the pleasure of working with him one summer when he acted as a host at Kid's. He was a hard worker and he had a great sense of humor, which always made my day a little brighter.
I was thinking of him and many others when I volunteered by working at ground zero. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Kim
Carole Forkowitz
March 12, 2002
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Sezna,
In trying to put a face to this huge tragedy, your son's death has haunted me. I have two college age daughters, one of whom attends Vanderbilt. Although I never met Deeg, I first read about his death in the Vanderbilt newspaper. He was in a picture with a group of his fraternity brothers, and he seemed so happy. In my mind I can see him s clearly: enthusiasticly starting a new life in New York with a great job, a bit nervous, with everything wonderful in life ahead of him. I can not pretend to understand the grief you must feel, but know that your family is in my thoughts.
Torrey Sipple
March 11, 2002
Mr & Mrs. Sezna and family,
My husband and I both have had the pleasure of working in some of your restaurants (between the 2 of us, we've worked at Alyson's while under your management, the golf course, and Kid Sheleens )and I remember meeting your son shortly after the opening of Hardtfeld's. He was wonderfully open and friendly and seemed to be well suited to following in your footsteps. It was with great sorrow that we read of the loss of your son on the C & D and with even greater sadness at the loss of yet another one on 9-11. You have our prayers and our wishes for as much love, light, and peace as you can find with the support of Delaware and with the rest of the nation.
Fred Smith
January 22, 2002
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Sezna,
I am truly sorry for your loss. Your son was a wonderful young man, and he was one of the finest people I had the pleasure of knowing at Vanderbilt. I had Deeg in Economics 100, and I truly was fortunate to get to know him for it was a class of 100 students. Please know that my thoughts are with you.
Sincerely,
Fred Smith
Bryan Wessling
January 8, 2002
Mr. and Mrs. Sezna:
I hope you read this. I met Deeg my freshman year of college when visiting my best friend, Greg Kuczaj. I don't remember where or when I first met Deeg, but I will never ever forget get him. My entire family was fortunate to meet Deeg. He was one of a kind. My mother once called to speak to Greg and Deeg answered. We had gotten to know eachother during my weekends spent at Vanderbilt and he had also met my sister at a formal in Destin. He made a point to tell my mother what nice kids she had raised. Deeg spent some time in Cincinnati at our home one night. We laughed a lot, talked about the job search, and went to Montgomery Inn to feed Deeg the worlds' best ribs. These are some of my favorite memories of Deeg. He will be missed forever You son was truly unique. All who met him will remember him and be forever changed. The Wessling's prayers are with you all.
Teresa Jahn
December 13, 2001
So very young. We are very sorry for your loss of Davis. May your hearts be filled with the memories of his love for you. 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
Andrew Strider
October 31, 2001
Mr. & Mrs. Sezna,
I met Deeg within two weeks of our first day of classes at Vanderbilt. From that point on, we remained friends. Your sons pledge class and my pledge class got along really well, and as a result we often went out together, Deeg included. I remember discussing our job-hunt struggles together early this year. We joked about moving to Colorado or Vermont to be ski bums. Both of us found normal employment and started at about the same time. Now Deeg will never attain the sucess he was bound to achieve.
Rarely in life do you get to meet somebody who is so giving, so caring. Deeg would do anything for his friends, no matter what. He was always there with a smile and a laugh. He was fun. I feel I can speak for many when I say that he IS remembered. For me, Deeg is the tangible proof of this tragedy, and his face the one I recall when the anger and sadness wash over me.
Know that you both did a fantastic job raising your son, and the prayers of many are with you. I only lost a friend. You lost your wonderful son.
Thank you and God Bless,
Andrew Strider
Vanderbilt University '01
Jake Ketcham
October 24, 2001
Dear Seznas,
I went to High School with Deeg and even though I was a couple of years ahead of him I looked up to him as someone I wanted to be like. He was simply a great human being. My thoughts are with you,
love Jake Ketcham.
Nina Clemens
October 4, 2001
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Sezna: I remember when "Deeg" was just a little guy. I was a junior in highschool and was working as a hostess and busgirl at Klondike's back in 1984/85 and summer of 86. I was there when Gail Pomachelik (she was one of the managers) and then Jay Marx (who now owns Amalfi's) etc....were working there as well...anyway, I just wanted to express my sympathy to you and your family. I cant stop thinking about you and what you must be experiencing with having lost 2 sons in a little over a year. I cant imagine even losing one (I have a 4 year old).
Mr. Sezna, you were my inspiration to get into the restaurant business and working at Klondike's is what made me fall in love with the business. I am sure you were your son's inspiration as well (both of them) to be the best in whatever they did. You gave them all their resources and am sure you were proud of their accomplishments.
I hope that you find some kind of peace in your hearts, knowing they were good boys and that for some crazy reason, God had his reason for taking them from you. Its hard to believe in God at a time like this, and I am definately not a religious person but started to go to church the Sunday after the attacks. I figure its my way of helping the victims since I cant really be a volunteer in NYC.
I just wanted to send you my condolences and hope you keep your strenth and faith and that God blessed you with your youngest son and he will help you get through this too.
Love
Nina Clemens
Newark, DE
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