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Steven Elliot Furman
Steven Elliot Furman
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Steven Furman Obituary
Math and mitzvahs — those words ran through his family's memories of Steven Furman, a broker at Cantor Fitzgerald who died two days shy of his 41st birthday.
Mr. Furman's math score on his SAT was 790 out of 800, according to his brothers, Michael and Andrew. "He always wondered where the other 10 points went," Andrew said. "He knew he'd gotten them all right." After 13 years as a trader on the New York Mercantile Exchange, Mr. Furman joined Cantor last April.
An observant Orthodox Jew, Mr. Furman and his wife, Chavi, lived in Wesley Hills, N.Y., with their four young children: Nisan, Sarah Rachel, Naomi and Menashe. "He didn't have a fancy house or a fancy car," said his sister Jayne Furman. "The more money he made, the more money he gave away."
He paid one young man's school expenses, bought another a new suit, drove neighbors on errands. He did not fit easily into the macho, big-money world of Wall Street, said his father, Marvin Furman. "His family, his religion, the people in his community — that was his life."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Cindy Roe
September 13, 2021
Remembering Steven on the 20th anniversary of 9/11..
Susan Harris
January 3, 2020
Although I never met your family, I was heartbroken at the news. I was in Westchester and you were in Rockland. You moved away and I now live in Phoenix, Arizona. I still hope to meet you. There are just so many Bermans. I hope you had a wonderful Hanukkah.
Your loving cousin,
Susan Harris
email: [email protected]
Rodrigo Hidalgo
January 2, 2020
Didn't know Mr Furman, just saw his name on a cousin photo in the memorial. Seems like he was a good person, my thoughts are with his family. He and all the other victims will never be forgotten.
March 25, 2019
Our prayers are with your family.
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Never Forget
Kevin B
December 30, 2017
I did not know him or any of his family. I was at the 9/11 Memoral and saw his name in a couple of my photographs. Glad I read the obituary and put a person to a name. Mr. Furman and all those that died that day will not be forgotten.
September 20, 2015
Although we never met, Steven was my cousin, and a member of the very large Berman Family who came from Russia and settled in New Haven, Connecticut. I feel the loss as deeply as any family member can, and I grieve for his wife and children.
Susan Harris
May 13, 2015
thank you so much for telling my dad's story!
Kurt Levy
September 11, 2011
Jayne,
I was watching the 10th anniversary 9/11 Memorial Service this morning when I was shocked and saddened to hear that Steve perished that fateful day.
As your family stated in their tribute, Steve was an atypical Wall Street type. He was really smart and worked hard, but the similarities with other traders stopped there. He had a gentle soul and always had a kind word. He was a tremendous source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew him.
I had the privilege of first meeting Steve when we were both actuarial trainees at MONY back in 1982. We lost touch over the years when we both left MONY, but then I had the great fortune of re-connecting with Steve at NYMEX more than 10 years later.
Still gentle, still really sharp, I was surprised to see him in such a frenetic trading environment. His tremendous intellect aside, I'll bet his even-tempered ways allowed him to excel in the trading pits. I'm also not surprised that he continued to be generous to a fault. All Wall Streeters should take their cue from him.
My heart goes out to you and your family. May Steve's soul dwell in the house of Hashem forever.
Doug Abraham
September 13, 2007
Happy Birthday!!!
Nancy Sahlberg
May 17, 2007
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007
Kristine
November 3, 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 9, 2006
In remembrance....
Michael Iezzi
September 13, 2006
Steven,
Happy Birthday in Heaven. A loved one lives forever in the hearts of those who cared. A loved one lives forever in the memories that were shared.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Michael Iezzi
September 13, 2005
Steven,
Happy Birthday in Heaven...My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jayne
December 27, 2004
Thank you to everyone who has written a tribute to my brother Steven. I had no idea this website existed until a few days ago.
On Dec 12, 2004 Andy and I went to Hewlett High School where a memorial Reflection Garden was dedicated to Steven, 3 others from HHS, as well as 2 community members who were all victims of 9/11. The ceremony was touching and beautifully handled. I hadn't been to Hewlett/Woodmere in perhaps 15 years as I live in Las Vegas now and was looking forward to this dedication and the permanent structure that will forever have Steven's name tied to it. The link to the program can be found at http://hewlett-woodmere.net/publications/Reflections.pdf
On a lighter note, Andy and I made a pit stop at the shopping center at Mill Road/Penninsula Blvd where we just had to stop for Matzo Ball Soup at Woodro's, and pick up some bagels at the Bagel place.
Those of you who knew my brother will never forget him, and those who didn't have the opportunity to meet him might want to visit www.cantorfamilies.com/cantor/jsp/tribute.jsp?ID=3494
Steven is missed every day..... and will forever be remembered.
Jayne
Jonathan Leeds
December 16, 2004
Although I did not know him well, I attended Hewlett High with Steven. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and may peace be with them now and always.
Michael Iezzi
September 14, 2004
Steven,
Happy Belated birthday in Heaven. May God hold you in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Staci Ehrlich
January 8, 2004
I was reading the memorials from Hewlett High School and was so deeply taken aback to see Steven's name. We often remember people in our past with a smile and a chuckle...as I remember Steven. What a kind and gentle soul. What a loss it must be to his family. I send all my deepest sympathies to his friends and family. I am so happy to see that he found such love and happiness in his short life.
Staci Ehrlich
kate watkins furman
December 3, 2002
God's love to you and your family,
Kate Watkins Furman
Renee Kohanski
September 9, 2002
We never got to know Steven. We always thought there was tomorrow. Our family has always treasured Andy; his intelligence, ingenuity and compassion. Through Andy, we know Steven and can only begin to sense the loss of such a kind and generous soul. To Andy and his lovely family, our prayers are with you, always. G-d bless
Oganizational Logo
Joseph Nerenberg
May 28, 2002
Steve sat next to me on the night of 9/10 for the trip to Passaic (where he was going to see the dentist). We spoke the whole way and I was very impressed with the good midos (character-traits) I saw even just from the 35 minute meeting. He even offered to drive me home, which I gladly accepted. (Ironically, he had considered buying my house about eight years ago).
I've decided to start a 'Safety' organization in his memory to remind families in Passaic/Clifton (where he once lived) regarding safety issues.
Chamie Orbach-haber
March 11, 2002
When I called home on the eleventh to make sure all our friends and relatives were OK, I found out about Eliyahu and cried. It was so close to home and all these months later, I think of his wife and children often. Hashem yinkom damo.
Karen Allison
March 5, 2002
I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Steven but if he shared the attributes of his mother, Joyce, then he was special indeed. My thoughts remain with his family and hers.
Yitz & Laura Rosenberg
March 5, 2002
Eliyahu, every Shabbos morning, I would always see you walking to shul with Nissen. Than it would hit me that I am yet again running late. I really miss that.
I know in my heart that there is a special place in shamayem where you are sitting in a shir given by Moshe Rabbanu.
We miss you and cry for you. Put in a good word for Klal Yisroel, we can use it.
YHL
Jerry Ghanooni
February 11, 2002
Steven Eliyahu, I still remember the Halachas we learned together ont the train. Osay Lecha Rav Ve Koneh et Ha Chaver - Make for yourself a teacher and buy if need be a friend.
Thank you,
Jerry S. Ghanooni
January 19, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS
BEAUTIFUL GENEROUS YOUNG MAN..MAY HE
REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND
FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW
YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..AMEN
Cara London
January 10, 2002
Steven was the first friend that I can remember. We played in a playpen and then beyond, probably until about Kindergarten. He lived two houses down the street. Although my memories of that time are vague, we spent many hours together. But through the fog, I remember his sweetness. I remember the feeling of how much I liked him. He was special to me. When I watch my own children with their special friends, I am reminded of those times and I am brought to tears. My heart goes out to his family.
David
January 6, 2002
I met Steve in Yeshiva just a few months before Sept. 11. He would come after a long day's work to learn the sweet words of the Torah. I did not know him well, but I have tears in my eyes as I read now of his four innocent children.
He was a model teacher and an inspiration to us all. He did not teach with dynamic lectures. He inspired by example. He showed us how to set priorities. How to be sincere. How to seek the truth.
We will miss him.
LYDIA & DON MANDEL MANDEL
January 1, 2002
ALTHOUGH WE DID NOT KNOW STEVEN, WE ARE LONG TIME FRIENDS OF ANDY. OUR SINCERE SYMPATHY TO THE ENTIRE FAMILY. MAY G-D BLESS YOU ALL
Teresa Jahn
January 1, 2002
We are deeply sorry for your loss of Steven. May his life and love (including his math abilities!!) live on in those who love him. We thank him for all he did for others such acts of kindness are a reflection of his caring heart. Our hearts cry with you in your loss of Steven.
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
Seth Starr
December 31, 2001
My prayers and best wishes go out to the family of Steve Furman. I worked together with Steve during the summer of 1980, and we became good friends that year. When my father passed on the next summer, he was of great comfort to me; I believe that it was during my time of mourning, while we held religious services at my house, that Steve first began to expand upon his deeply religious feelings. Although we lost touch over the years, I often thought of Steve, and always remembered him as a warm and caring individual. I was horrified to learn today of his tragic passing. I send my hopes and prayers to his family under these terrible circumstances.
Very sincerely,
Seth Starr
John McCann
December 29, 2001
It was a pleasure to have worked with Steve on the NY Mecantile Exchange. He was a very kind person.
My heart goes out to Steves family.
God Bless
Musser Hall @Ursinus College
December 5, 2001
We just wanted to give our sympathies and let you know that you are not alone during this time of tragedy. May God be with you, and we wish you a Merry Christmas! You will never be forgotten!!
Daniel Hoffner
November 18, 2001
Hamokom Yenachem Eschem b'soch shaar avaylay tzion v'yerushalyim.
Only Hashem understands all His ways, which are all for the best.
In the future we all will understand.
Daniel & Chana
Peg Golden
November 3, 2001
Our hearts are broken for Steven and his family. We are friends of Steven's brother, Andy, and our prayers are with all of you at this sad time.
Yossie Rothenberg
October 17, 2001
Hamakam Yinachem Eschem Bisoch Shiar Avlei Tzion Viyirushalaem !
I worked with Steve at MONY when he was an Actuary. We would eat lunch together and he even spent a Shabbos with me. He was very bright and very committed to his Orthodox Judaism. I was always impressed by his knowledge of Judaism even though he came from a non observent home.
My condolences to his wife and children.
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