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Craig Blass Obituary
By all accounts, Craig Blass was living the high life, and he loved it. Bachelor parties in Las Vegas, summer weekends in the Hamptons, the social scene in the city. But there was one other thing he really liked to do that always seemed to surprise people. "He loved to go shopping with me," said Mr. Blass's mother, Barbara Blass. "My friends would say, 'He still shops with you?' And I'd say, 'Oh, yes.' "
He splurged on himself, his mother and others because "he was living the good life, making good money and spending it because he made it," Mrs. Blass said. Mr. Blass, 27, worked as an institutional stock trader for Cantor Fitzgerald. He grew up in Greenlawn, on Long Island, and cheered for the New Jersey Devils hockey team. If he was not out at an athletic event or socializing, he could probably be found on his mother's couch, flipping through the sports channels with his younger brother and their father. He also loved to gamble.
"That was one of his joys," Mrs. Blass said. "But I guess if you work on Wall Street you have that in you, you gamble all the time."
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Joel Blass
September 11, 2021
Never forgotten
Mitchell Holsborg
September 10, 2021
Still thinking of Craig 20 years later! A young life stolen from this world too soon!
Erica Fraiberg (Emmons)
September 10, 2021
I went to Harborfields HS with Craig. There were only 7 of us in our AP Calculus class and I can remember each of those classmates, where each of us sat, and the bond we had struggling through the course with a lot of laughter, joking, and some frustration. It sounds so crazy to bond over calculus., but we did. I remember changing the words to Michael Jackson's "Black or White" to "Blass or White." I think about him every time I hear that song. Our prom limo, the table and the after event in the Hamptons. Somehow we never lost touch. He came to some of my "gatherings," he invited me into his Hamptons share (regret not doing that!), I set him up with a friend here and there. All those emails back and forth. When I heard Cantor Fitzgerald, I shuddered.
I have not forgotten him. I never will because he was a friendly and kind soul. He had this reassuring quality to him that you just felt at ease around him. I remember all this about him even 20 years later.
I'm running the Berlin Marathon on 9/26/2021 and I will have Craig's name on my "I
Sean Walsh
September 7, 2021
I was Craig's friend and fraternity brother at JMU. I will always remember him as an upbeat, positive, and kindhearted person who truly never had a bad word to say about anyone.
We had a shared love of sports, and we were both native Long Islanders going to school in VA, but besides those common bonds, I also knew that he had a beautiful spirit, was a friend to everyone he met -and always made people feel good about themselves. Although it was devastating to learn the news all those years ago, I will always remember Craig in that way - smiling, upbeat, and a friend and positive influence to everyone he met.
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Cindy Roe
September 2, 2021
Remembering Craig on the 20th anniversary of 9/11....
December 1, 2019
Enjoy the afterlife too.
July 7, 2019
Sending my condolences & prayers to Craig and his entire family.
A.L.
Del Newberry
January 8, 2018
Praying for his friends and family today. We will never forget. With love from Texas,
Joel Blass
September 10, 2016
Never got to meet you Cousin, but you will never be forgotten.
Barbara Boam
June 12, 2013
I walked a mile for you (mile #203) on 4/4/13 as a dedication to your life.
Joel Blass
September 11, 2012
We never got to meet, but we will never forget.
Lori Wilcox
September 18, 2011
We didn't know Craig but we planted a tree in his memory on Sept 11th 2011. He will always be remembered, and I promise to take extra good care of his tree.
Randall Deuhr
September 11, 2011
Today our church, Eastside Lutheran, Sioux Falls, South Dakota passed out names of the victims of 09/11. I received Craig's name, and included him in a special prayer for all the victims. May God's peace comfort the family of Craig. Randall Deuhr,Sioux Falls, South Dakota
T E
September 9, 2011
I had the honor of interviewing Craig's mom shortly after 9-11. She shared memories of Craig, and what an exceptional young man he was. I have thought of Mrs. Blass often through the years, with prayers for her, her family and Craig. God be with the Blass family.
Eleanore
September 5, 2011
I received Craig's name from my church. We were all given names of victim's of 9-11, to pray for them and their families in the wees leading up to the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks. I will be praying for Craig and his family.
Mitch Holsborg
August 24, 2011
I've thought of Craig often over the last ten years and am still devastated by his loss and the loss of all of those souls that horrible day. I grew up with Craig and spent many years playing street hockey and teasing him. He was one of the kindest souls I've ever known and the world is a worse place without him. God Bless Barbara, Neil & Keith.
Christopher Perkins
September 11, 2008
Today I placed flowers at the memorium at JMU for you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Doug Abraham
April 21, 2008
When I am dead, my dearest
When I am dead, my dearest,
Sing no sad songs for me;
Plant thou no roses at my head,
Nor shady cypress tree:
Be the green grass above me
With showers and dewdrops wet;
And if thou wilt, remember,
And if thou wilt, forget.
I shall not see the shadows,
I shall not feel the rain;
I shall not hear the nightingale
Sing on, as if in pain:
And dreaming through the twilight
That doth not rise nor set,
Haply I may remember,
And haply may forget.
By Christina Rossetti
The Poetry Foundation
Melanie Hooyenga Avila
September 11, 2007
Craig,
Another sad anniversary, but I try to remember only the happy times. You continue to touch my life, and you are still missed.
Kristine
October 24, 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.
Jenny Mead
September 11, 2006
Craig,
On behalf of my mother, myself and especially Shawn, not a day goes by that you are not missed tremendously by this family. May you continue to rest in the peace that you so rightly deserve for a life lived well.
Christopher Perkins
September 11, 2006
Another year has come and gone. Miss you bud.
Jennifer Gerst
September 10, 2006
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Blass family on this anniversary and each to come.
P Tabbernor
August 25, 2006
In memory....
Monica F
November 9, 2005
Cant believe its been four years. Just want your family to know that my prayers are with you.
Melanie Hooyenga
September 12, 2005
Craig, I still can't believe it's been four years since that horrible morning. I think about you often & I pray for your family, that they are getting on with their lives without you. And as a special tribute, although I'm a Red Wings fan, I give the Devils a little shout-out just for you.
You truly affected my life at JMU, especially your last two years since I practically lived in the house, and you continue to affect my life today.
Love always,
Melanie
Chris Perkins
September 11, 2005
Another year has gone by and still think of you on this anniversary of such a horrific day in our history. A special thought and prayer goes out to you and your family. Miss you bud.
Charl-Jo Barker
September 13, 2002
I was lucky to receive Craig's name at a tribute/memorial service in San Diego, Ca. I proudly announced Craig's name and then rung the "Freedom Bell" in his honor on September 11, 2002.
Sincerely,
The Barker Family
Craig Schwab
September 12, 2002
Craig--I will always remember you. You pushed me to do things I never thought I could. Through good times and bad, I always knew I could count on you. That is something I will cherish forever. Rest in peace. You will be in our hearts always.
Chris Perkins
September 11, 2002
You will be missed. Craig was truly a great man and friend. A spot in my prayers for him and his loved ones.
Lynn Sullivan-Cox
September 10, 2002
Craig will forever be in my heart and mind as one of the most caring, giving, and loving people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. A friend, a source of comfort and a "little bit of home" in a big college.... Craig, your memory lives forever - we love you and we will never forget. On this most heartwrenching of anniversaries, my love and prayers go to your family - and all of us who have lost a friend. God Bless.
Eleni Kavros-DeGraw
September 10, 2002
Craig, I only had the privilege of knowing you for a short time at JMU, but you touched my heart and so many others. May you soar on the wings of eagles. Blessings to your family and friends. Memory be eternal.
Angie Campbell
April 22, 2002
May God Bless you and all of the family and friends that you left behind on 9/11/01. Rest in peace.......
Mike Lee
March 12, 2002
Craig,
Its Mike Lee (Woody), one of the founders of OX that helped recruit you down at JMU circa 1992/93. Its been a long time since I've spoken to anyone from the old days. I've always thought of everyone and continue to look at pictures of you, Pons, Mark, Matt, Heimy, Reese - all good times with great friends. I distinctly remember your courage, ambition, common sense, and loyalty. Your life honors us all from Eta Kappa (esp. the old guard), and I just wanted to formally say good bye, and best wishes to you in the after.
Peace and much love. Mag# 506
Chris Borgelt
March 11, 2002
Craig was my roommate sophomore year at JMU and I will always remember him as a fun-loving and caring guy. I was heart broken when I heard the news but will always have the great memories when I think of Craig. My thoughts and prayers go out to Craig's family.
Joel Banslaben
January 16, 2002
Craig, you lived more in your time here on earth than most people live in a full lifetime. I'll never forget your determination to be the best that you could be in everything you did. You inspired us all. Now you inspire us more.
Teresa Jahn
January 8, 2002
We are very sorry for your loss of Craig. May his life and love live on in 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
Mark Guariglia
December 19, 2001
Those who knew Craig, loved Craig. He made all of us better people and filled our lives with great times. He has left us with nothing but great memories.
Craig as we remember him...
Jason Sfaelos
December 18, 2001
Craig you were my family. I can only pray that you somehow know how much you are missed. Everyone who knew you, especially me, will never forget you.
-Jason Sfaelos
IRENE
December 7, 2001
MAY GOD BLESS YOU CRAIG MICHAEL BLASS AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.GOD
BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.GOD
BLESS AMERICA FOREVER AND MAY WE
NEVER FORGET 9/11/01
Dana Aude
October 19, 2001
Craig,
You were "my boy" and I miss you. You were more than my colleague, you were my friend.
I Love You,
Dana
Cindy Copeland
October 13, 2001
I am so sorry for your loss....My husband was at JMU with Craig and both served on the board of Theta Chi....You are in our thoughts and prayers.
leslie miller
October 12, 2001
People you will never see are pulling for you. Please find comfort in our love. We are so very sorry.
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