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Joseph Reina Obituary
His teams gave him unending joy and unending heartbreak. He rooted for the Yankees and the Jets.
With the Yankees, of course, Joseph Reina Jr. had an abundance of warm memories, a few of them interlaced with his marriage. He was married on the day of Game 1 of the 1999 World Series, and so a friend took a small TV to the reception so Mr. Reina could check the progress. His wife, Lisa, did not mind, though if he had tried to go to the game, that would have been it.
The Jets were a different story. Mr. Reina watched their games, too, but more often than not found himself cursing at the team. Mr. Reina, 32, a manager of operations for Cantor Fitzgerald, lived with his wife in Staten Island, along with his collection of eagle statues and pictures. Their first child, Joseph Robert, was born in October.
One of the bonds between the Reinas was their dual worship of the sun. Mr. Reina adored vacations, and they had to be somewhere hot. "He was the first guy I'd met who liked to take the sun as much as I did," Mrs. Reina said.
Mrs. Reina believes that the Yankees could not quite win that final World Series game this year because her husband, and his Cantor friends who worshiped the team, were not there. But she has some little Yankees outfits for her son, whom she intends to raise as a loyal fan.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sharon Borreca - Turner
September 11, 2013
Will never forget & you are always in my prayers ?
Cathy Minerva
September 13, 2012
Thinking of you as always.....
Brenda Hale
September 11, 2012
Joey,
I know we had lost touch before this tragedy ocurred, but I remember you every year on this day and pray that you rest in peace. I saw a picture of your sin, he is beautiful.
July 1, 2012
This is Matthew L. McDonough, formerly of Buffalo, NY. When employed in the '80's with davis & Prescott, an attorney named Joe Reina closed a real estate transaction for us. Is this that man's son? Please let me know at [email protected] or at home, 850-769-4641. It matters less perhaps than my heartfelt condolensces for a moment of tragedy in your lives. Be well.
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Stephanie Brown
September 12, 2011
Joe, As the 10th anniversary passes, please know that we will never forget and will always remember. God has blessed your family with an entire community that cares and looks out for them. In his own words, we are Mike's extended family. RIP, Joe.
Arne Lindstrom
September 11, 2011
Joseph, you were honored with your name on many flags at the Giant's game at the AT&T park in San Francisco today. We were honored by having your name on three of our flags.
Cathy Minerva
September 11, 2011
I can't get you out of my mind Joseph, you were my other brother & I loved you dearly!!!! I can't believe you were taken this way......may you rest in peace!
Tonika Bush
September 11, 2011
To live in the hearts of those we leave behind is not to die, but to live on in those who were loved. R.I.P
Brenda
September 11, 2011
10 years have passed, and I will still watch the memorial on TV and wait to hear your name, along with several others and I will remember you when we used to hang out at the The Rock and how you would call me a pain in the butt lol Know that you live in the hearts of so many, Joe. You are missed.
Mike T
September 3, 2010
Joe wish we could play ball together again!
Stephanie Brown
February 24, 2010
Joe, I'll be reading your name this coming 9/11 at Ground Zero. Your brother Mike is an awesome friend that I love very much. I'm doing it to honor both of you, and so that a stranger isn't reading your name. A friend is. Rest in peace, knowing that I will always be there for Mike.
Charles Moncrief
June 15, 2009
Joe, I'm grateful to Stephanie Brown for introducing me to you and the grief you're going through now. She and you have put a face and a human touch on the losses of 9/11. God knows your pain and your struggles. May He provide you and your family with a special measure of loving care and healing as only He can. And may such a horrible event as this never happen again. You will be reunited with your brother, as we all will be together again with those we have loved in life.
Stephanie Brown
June 12, 2009
Joe, we are all keeping you in our thoughts and hearts. I pray that God is always with your brother Mike and his family. Someday, you'll all be together again.
Louis Soto
June 11, 2009
Scripture says.. that as in Adam all die, so in Christ all shall be made alive. If this is so, then death is not final Mike, your brother will be alive with you one day as my son will be with me. Thanks for all you have done for us.
Karen Borga
June 11, 2009
So many people were affected by the tragic events on 9/11. I hope the Reina family can find strength through their strong family bonds and through the support of the community who is thinking of them.
Jacqueline Wetzel
June 11, 2009
Hoping your family finds strength and comfort in knowing how many others care.
Doug Abraham
May 31, 2009
Happy 40th Birthday!!!
Stephanie Brown
January 20, 2009
Hi, Joe. I was thinking of you today, praying that your death was painless & instantaneous - that you never knew what happened. You didn't deserve to die that day, and I am so sorry. I will always keep my promise to you and look out for Mike, your brother and my friend. Rest in peace.
Stephanie Brown
January 3, 2009
Joe, I got to thinking that you should be thought of all during the year, not just 9/11. I want you to know that I'm keeping my promise to you and looking out for your brother Mike. Rest in peace. You are missed every day.
Meredith Start
September 11, 2008
Another year has gone by but you are not and never will be forgotten.
Stephanie Brown
September 10, 2008
Joe, while I never met you, I do know your brother Mike. I promise to look out for him, for my cousin, a NYFD Battalion Chief, died along with you. I am so sorry.
Doug Abraham
May 31, 2008
Happy Birthday!!!
Meredith Start
September 11, 2007
As another anniversary of your ascending into heaven passes, know that you, and the ones you love, are not forgotten.
Crystal
September 11, 2007
Hi Uncle Joe,
Today is the 6th year you are gone and I still hear your voice, I see your smile, and I feel your big hugs. I just wanted to tell you that I really appreciate what you did for me today. Lighting that candle meant the world to me, I guess I feel a certain ease now that I know you are with me. I know that you have to hear me talk to you everyday, but I want you to know that I love you and I make sure you get that everyday. I can't wait to see you again, I love you and miss you so very much...All my hugs and kisses...your niece Crystal
Doug Abraham
June 2, 2007
Happy belated Birthday!!!
kristine
April 17, 2007
As I 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.
Jennifer Frattone
April 15, 2007
To the Reina family;
I did not know Joseph or your family but I wanted you to know that, although years have past, the memories are still fresh and my heart aches for you.
P Tabbernor
February 14, 2007
In memory....
frank minerva
September 12, 2006
Joseph, theres not a day that goes by when I think about you. You where born next door to me and I always looked at you like a little brother now your looking down on us like a guardian angel,GOD BLESS YOU...like my little brother !!! I will always think of you as my little brother.
Meredith Start
September 11, 2006
Happy 5th Anniversary in Heaven. You and your loved ones will always be in my thoughts, heart, and prayers.
Jennifer Holland
September 10, 2006
Thinking of you and praying for all of your loved ones so much during this time. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. ~From a headstone in Ireland
Forever in my heart and prayers,
Jennifer Holland
Wilmington, DE
Dennis
December 8, 2005
Joe
Merry Christmas, I'll give Lisa and Joe and big Kiss for you. Joann and I miss you
Meredith Start
September 12, 2005
It's hard to believe it has been four years since that dreadful day. You will never be forgotten.
God Bless You and All Who Hold You Dear.
Dennis
July 30, 2005
Hey Joe
Joann and I are just coming home from this shore with your parents and I just wanted to write and let you know that you are missed and we are thinking of you
Dennis
September 12, 2004
Hey Joe
Well today is September 12th, 2004, another year has passed and the Jets are just getting ready to play opening day, I'll watch them and the Yanks with you in mind. Joseph and Lisa are doing great and of course by now you know that Michael was taken from us. I know you are showing him the ropes and that is a source of comfort for Joann and I. Keep a place for us and until then know how much we miss you.
Joseph Franco
September 12, 2004
To everyone,
I often come out of work during the summer evenings and a particular smell
will trigger memories. The fresh cool air of a summer evening will always bring
me back to days hanging out at ‘The Rock’ and everyone who used to hang out on
Morani St. Joe was one of my good friends from those days.
I met Joe in PR High School and we had a lot of good times over the years. As time went on, college, work, moving to VA, etc, we began to lose touch, as regrettably has happened with almost everyone from those days. Calls began to spread out over the months and eventually yearly phone calls were about all. Last time I spoke with Joe he was working in the Trade Center and for some reason, I thought he was planning on leaving. I believe almost two years had past since I last spoke with him, and his number was literally next to my phone, as I had been meaning to say hello.
On Sept 11th, after I knew my family was safe, he was the first person that came to mind, but since I thought he had left, I did not think he was there. The whole tragedy hit me real hard and when I found out about Joe, I really broke down to say the least.
It took me a while to post something here, not sure why, maybe I did not want to accept the fact, but here I am on the 3rd year since the attacks and getting upset about Joe still comes pretty easily.
As I get older I find myself daydreaming about the ‘old days’ and how sometimes I wish I could go back, just for a little while. Memories of those days past with Joe come up often for me, the summer smell, a song, a visit to SI, etc. Even though there is always the hurt, the fun times I had with Joe never fail to send a smile across my face.
I send out my heart and thoughts to Joe’s family and friends and wish everyone the best.
Joe will be missed and is always in my thoughts.
Joe Franco
Meredith Start
September 11, 2004
Happy 3rd Anniversary in Heaven. You will never be forgotten.
God Bless You and Yours.
CHRISTINE ALFANO-BIANCO
September 12, 2003
DEAREST JOSEPH,
There is not a day that goes by that you are not thought about. We love and miss you everyday. Your son is so beautiful and loved so very much and nothing but blessings and prayers for your whole family.
Your light shines
on us all,
with love always,
the Biancos'
LINDA & ANTHONY ALFANO
September 11, 2003
JOSEPH AND FAMILY,
TODAY MARKS TWO YEARS THAT YOU WERE TAKEN FROM EVERYONE WHO LOVES YOU. THERE ISN'T A DAY THAT GOES BY THAT YOU AREN'T IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. JOE,YOU LEFT THIS WORLD A HANDSOME LITTLE BOY WHO LOOKS JUST LIKE YOU.ANTHONY AND I WILL ALWAYS LOVE HIM AS MUCH AS WE LOVE YOU.GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS. LOVE AND PRAYERS
LINDA AND ANTHONY ALFANO
Teresa Viggiani
September 11, 2003
To the Reina Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you on this second anniverary and forever. Joey will always be in our heart.
Brenda H
September 11, 2003
To the Reina Family,
God bless you all on this second anniversary. You are in my thoughts and in my prayers, always.
August 24, 2003
I have read about you and your husband in the advance and have seen the people magazine with your beautiful son. I am a former Staten Islander and when I read about you I felt a connection. I have wanted to write to you several times and just express my sorrow to you and your family. My heart breaks for you. We will never forget your loss
Nick Sansevero
March 12, 2003
To the entire Reina family,
I had the pleasure of knowing Joey while playing ball in high school. You wanna talk about a guy who always had a smile on his face? Joey was pure joy in everything he ever did. During these days of sorrow, I cant help but think of the joy that Joey sees every time he looks down on his wife and beautiful baby. For every night there will always be a star shining on his family, and for every day the sun will shine that much brighter, for heaven has a true angel in Joey. Your family should feel nothing but pride. Joey was a mans man. He led by example. And it was my honor and pleasure to know such a great guy.
My thoughts and prayers will always be with your family. I feel priveleged that I had the opportunity to be "touched by an angel"
God Bless
Kristin
September 14, 2002
About a year aog I read about you in the S.I. Advance, then I saw you on television about the babies born after Sept.11. You've just stuck in my head. I have a son, who was almost 2 months old when I read about you and I couldn't image doing it alone. I prayed for God to give you strength then and now. My God bless you, your son and your family. You will always be in our prayers and never forgotten.
-A fellow Staten Islander
JOHN CIOFFI
September 11, 2002
I'M AN OLD FRIEND OF JOSEPH AND ALL I CAN SAY IS HE SOUNDS LIKE HE NEVER EVER CHANGED SINCE OUR LADY OF GRACE. MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOUR FAMILY AND I'M SURE HE WILL LOOK OVER HIS NEW BORN SON WITH THAT BIG OL' SMILE OF HIS. I HAVE NOT SEEN JOE IN 20 YEAR'S, BUT I KNOW I WOULD HAVE GOT A BEAR HUG AND SPENT AN HOUR ON HOW I GOT IN TROUBLE AND HE DIDN'T. MY THOUGHT'S AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU TODAY AND FOREVER.............
angela fiks
September 10, 2002
Lisa,
Itwas always a pleasure to arrange vacations for you and Joe, as you were both so super to work with.
I was so sorry to learn that you had lost Joe on that horrific Sept day and pray that he will forever rest in peace.
Liz has told me what a beautiful baby Little Joe is. Stay strong Lisa, Love, Angela
September 9, 2002
Joe,
I just want to say I miss you very much and wish you were back here with us. Its 1 year since god took you away from your family and friends and I just can not seem to understand why. When i see your son I see you and that puts a smile on my face. You are missed so much.
Till we meet again.
Edie
regina ferretti-briordy
September 9, 2002
Lisa,
I do not know if you remember me from the Pool Hall and Ave I.
I just wanted to let you know I was very sorry to hear about your loss.
I saw you in the doctors office today and your little boy is beautiful.
GLORIA MARSZALEK
September 9, 2002
I DIDN'T KNOW JOE PERSONALLY, BUT WORKED WITH LAURA (HIS SISTER-IN-LAW). HE WAS VERY LOVED.
I HEARD ABOUT JOE AND LISA'S WEDDING AND THE BABY COMING THRU LAURA AND A FEW OTHER THINGS THAT CO-WORKER'S MIGHT CHAT ABOUT. THERE WAS ALWAYS A SMILE WHEN LAURA SPOKE OF HIM.
MY HEART BREAKS FOR HIS FAMILY'S LOSS. YOU WILL SHINE THRU BABY JOEY, ALWAYS. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL.
Meredith Start
September 9, 2002
Happy 1st Anniversary in Heaven. You will never be forgotten.
Miguel Aguirre
September 7, 2002
Joe, we lost touch after high school, but whenever we bumped into one another, it was always good to see you. I'll miss knowing you are around. God bless you and your family.
LINDA MORALES
September 6, 2002
LISA MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND THE BABY. I MISS YOU VERY MUCH AND I PRAY FOR JOEYS FAMILY EVERYDAY. I WISH THE BEST FOR YOU AND JUST HOPE YOU KEEP YOUR HEAD UP.
I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH
LOVE LINDA MORALES
September 3, 2002
To the Reina Family,
I saw this on another memorial and I felt that it was appropriate finding it hard to put into words exactly what I feel...
Last night while I was trying to sleep, My son's voice I did hear.
I opened my eyes and looked around But he did not appear.
He said, "Mama you've got to listen, You've got to understand, God didn't
take me from you,
Mama, He only took my hand.
When I called out in pain that day, The instant that I died,
He reached down and took my hand, And pulled me to His side.
He pulled me up and saved me From the misery and pain.
My body was hurt so badly inside, I could never be the same.
My search is really over now, I've found happiness within.
All the answers to my dreams And all that might have been.
I love you so and miss you so, And I'll always be nearby.
My body's gone forever, But my spirit will never die!
And so, you must go on now, Live one day at a time.
Just understand - God did not take me from you, He only took my hand.
We miss you Joseph and the kind, wonderful and heartfelt person that you are!
Love Sharon and Paulie
Dawn Gentile
June 13, 2002
Prayers and thoughts are with Lisa,Baby Joe and the Reina Family...God Bless
Dawn Gentile
Jimmy Gentile Jr.
Teresa Viggiani
May 30, 2002
Where can I begin, with my history with Joe. We bascially grew up togeather and he was one of my brother's best friends and he was like a brother to me. There is so much I can remeber, hangin out at the "ROCK", going to the prom, teasing Joey about when his sneakers would get dirty and he would throw them out to buy a new pair. All these wonderful memories will always be in my heart. He was a wonderful person, always knew how make people laugh and he will never be forgotten. I miss you Joe Babes.
Brenda
April 26, 2002
It has been about 13 years since I spoke to Joey. We used to hang out with a bunch people. It almost seems like yesterday. I remember going to Seaside Heights after the prom, and hanging out on the boardwalk with everyone.
Joey was a really good person. I remember that about him, and from what I have read, I guess that never changed.
It's weird, though, about a week after September 11th, I was at home and was looking through a box of stuff that I had and I came across pictures from that weekend at Seaside. I hadn't seen the pictures in years. It broke my heart to know that his family was going through such an awful time.
My prayers are with the Reina Family. May you all be blessed, and take comfort in knowing that Joe is in Heaven and watching over you.
Douglas Brennan
April 22, 2002
I have many fond memories working with Joey at Cantor. Joe would crack a joke or do something to make everybody laugh. He was a great guy that was liked by all. I left the firm 10 years ago and can still remember Joe as though it was yesterday. Joey will be missed greatly by all.
Laura Reina
March 29, 2002
Joseph,
Its been almost 7 months now since you're gone and I still look for you everywhere. I don't ever think this feeling will go away. I can still hear your laugh and what you would say when your brother did something outrageous. Its hard to believe that you're gone. Our lives will never, ever be the same. But your son sheds light on all of us. He is a ray of sunshine on the darkest of days and he absolutely glows when Lisa is around. You would be very proud of her. She is making it through and will be fine. What else can I say? I miss you, I love you and we all want you back. I dream of you more often now, but as a young boy. I guess thats because you always made me laugh, you never changed even as a man. Your son is going to be the spitting image of you and I know you will be proud. I know you'll always be by his side guiding him through it all. I know he will feel your presence, just as I do.
Joseph, I Love You
March 29, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL MAN..JOSEPH REINA JR. AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS YOUR WIFE..SON..FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..STAY CLOSE..PRAY...AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK FOREVER..MAY JESUS AND ST.JOSEPH GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
C M
March 13, 2002
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.I have seen your son and he is just so beautiful.May God Bless.
March 4, 2002
I dont know Joseph, but I have read so much about you, your wife, and your new baby that I feel I do. I am a native Staten Islander, and I too lost a cousin who was a fire lt. My heart goes out to your entire family, and I pray for your return home....
Michael Reina
February 4, 2002
Dear Joseph, even though I know you can never see, read or know about this, I have to write it so others may. As these horrific days have turned into months, time has seemed to stand still. You are sorely missed and everyone feels that this tragedy must not be real.
Rarely a day goes by that I do not shed a tear or feel a deep agonizing pain in my heart. Our family misses you so very very much, and the torment of not knowing where you are hounds me daily.
If you only knew how much you are loved and missed Joseph. I have to meet one person who has not said how much they miss your smile, laugh, sense of humor or your family famous smirk. Did you know that your son has it now, your smirk that is.
He is beautiful Joseph, just so beautiful. When I look at him as he is held in my arms I can't help but think of when I held you when you were that age. I will always tell him about you. He will know who you were and what a wonderful loving person you were to everyone. I will be there for him always Joseph, always there for him and Lisa.
Your wife is a strong woman and I am very proud of her. She has a hidden strength that I never knew till now. But I guess you knew that.
Mom and Dad miss you terribly, and they do their best to make it through everyday. They pray every day and like us all constantly have you in their minds and hearts.
Just so you know Joseph, rest easy little brother, I'll take it from here. Till we see each other again, I'll do whatever it takes to keep your family safe and comfortable. Fly with the Eagles Joseph and rest in peace. All my love, your brother.... Michael
Dennis O'Keefe
January 21, 2002
Joe
It really saddens me to think that you, in the beginning stages of a wonderul life were taken from us. It's been real hard on your family, everyone misses you, I've never known such a peaceful and easy going man, everytime I left you I was always impressed at how easygoing you were. Your sister Joann is doing the best she can under really hard circumstances, but it's not easy. You'd be very proud to know that Joseph was born on Oct 4th. He looks alot like you, he has some really great Yankee uniforms and even some Jets uniforms. Lisa will be o.k., she misses you terribly. Rest in Peace Joe, we Miss you
Richy Russo
January 2, 2002
Dear Joe,
It broke my heart when I found out the news that day. I was there at ground zero looking for you and Anthony. I prayed you and Alf got out in time. My heart wept every day waiting and searching for some kind of news.
When I met your parents at your home, I recognized their pain. Having lost a child myself it is something I never wanted to see again. I cried as I spoke with them as I had nothing to offer but my prayers.
Recently, I held your new baby boy. I prayed to God that as I held him that you could feel the joy I experienced and that you were holding him through me. I cry when I think of how excited you were back in July about becoming a father.
I wanted you to know that I will always look after your family as if they were my own. I keep your picture close to me and I pray that you are safely returned home. God Bless you.. Your friend Richy
Teresa Jahn
December 15, 2001
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
Tim Quigley
October 21, 2001
my thoughts and prayers to you and your family. To a good man. Tim
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