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Horace Robert Passananti
Horace Robert Passananti
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Horace Passananti Obituary
No angel, Horace Robert Passananti, but an endearing fellow, nonetheless. "We were still laughing as we waited for our appointment with the divorce lawyer," recalls his ex-wife, Maryann Passananti. His friend Lucy Prieto, who got him jogging between cigarettes and drinks, said, "You just couldn't stay mad at Horace for long."
The grown sons he adored, Sean and Michael, nicknamed him Bozo the Clown. Mr. Passananti, 55, a vice president for claims at Marsh & McLennan, had a goofy, pleasing charm, a gullible boyishness that rubbed people the right way. He was the guy who would have bought the Brooklyn Bridge.
And then he probably would have fixed it up himself. Mr. Passananti had a proud, artistic streak. Even though he skied, golfed and drove with equal furor — a heat-seeking single, he was restoring a '64 white Corvette — he could focus that energy painstakingly. He mastered origami. He tiled floors for his mother, Marie. For the family home, he made gingerbread molding, four skylights, and a deck with handcarved latticework.
Mr. Passananti enjoyed beauty, especially if he could create it.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Lynn Senior
October 25, 2024
So often reminisce about a delayed broker meeting in the Pgh Zurich office for an account written by Marsh. The reason was the VP Horace had a motorcycle crash. In the following weeks the meeting was rescheduled. I will never forget Horace and wish I had a photo of him this day. A handsome middle aged man with the smallest sized bandaids on his face in various places from his crash. His smile was the most contagious and he had personality plus. Forever will hold the memory so dear of someone who I briefly met. I knew he was a man who lived his life here on this earth to the fullest. The world needs more Horaces.
Andrea Bianco
September 11, 2024
Praying for Horace’s family. Still breaks my heart to hear his name announced God bless all of you. Rip Horace
M. Tusa Passananti
May 24, 2024
Actually he wasn't called Bozo. His term for bad driving was to call it a Bozo move.
Mary Caramico
September 14, 2023
Even though I've never met you I have heard what a wonderful, talented man you were. Your son Mike and my son Brandon were/are best friends both had great dad's. Brandon's dad passed also. Keep playing the drums up there.
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Andrea Bianco
September 11, 2023
22years later I still can´t believe it when I hear your name. RIP Horace you were such a joy to know. Unmistakable smile. Travelers ins co worker. Many moons ago but not forgotten
Andrea Henderson
September 11, 2020
I did not know Mr. Passananti personally, but I became connected to him through Project 2,996. I share his story with my students each year. Thinking of Horace and his loved ones...
Andrea
September 11, 2020
I met Horace back in the late 70s early 80s. We worked together at Travelers Insurance, He was always kind and sweet with signature smile you could not miss. I was shocked to hear of his passing and so saddened It breaks my heart to hear his name every year at the memorial. Praying for all his loved ones Rest easy Horace ...the angels must love you❤
Maryann Passananti
May 21, 2020
It's been so long since you left us but you are always with us. We talk and think of you every day. So sorry you missed meeting your beautiful Granddaughters. You wouldn't believe how gorgeous and intelligent they are. You are always in my heart.
Mary Caramico
September 16, 2019
Wow! That was a beautiful legacy your x-wife wrote. Haha You were truly one of a kind. Michael is my son's Brandon's best friend and I can say he is a wonder man today he must have taken after both you and your wife. Always in our hearts.
Love,
The Flammer's
Marisa Jense
September 11, 2019
You were a wonderful person, Horace. You'll be in our hearts forever.
Flammer's
September 12, 2018
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. We will never forget you and all who have perished on 911.
September 11, 2018
What an unmistakable smile...this is exactly how I remember Horace a co worker of Travelers ins Co. He was a joy to be around funny,uplifting kind. It hurts my heart to know he had to go through this....I'm sure he was helping many people that day because that's who he was. RIP Horace
S.J. Friscia III
March 1, 2017
In Memory with
Honor & Respect.
September 12, 2016
Mike & family The Flammer family wants all of you to know that we think about your Dad and all who have lost their lives in 9/11. We will never forget. Keep those happy memories in your hearts.
The Flammer Family
Stony Brook, N.Y.
FRANCINE MCGERTY
September 12, 2016
Love & miss you unkie
RIP Unkie we love and miss you
FRANCINE MCGERTY
September 12, 2016
Andrea Henderson
September 11, 2016
On this 15th anniversary of September 11, I offer my condolences to the family and friends of Horace Passananti. I am a teacher in Texas. My students are too young to have a memory of September 11, but I shared the story of Horace's life and how important it is to always remember... Ever since the first year I received Horace's name as a person to honor, I have thought so often of his friends and family. Please know that although we have never met I think of you all... I will never forget...
Sincerely
Andrea Henderson
Francine Mcgerty
September 11, 2015
14 years have passed and it still feels like yesterday. You are so missed.
Horace, Me and Paul Walsh on High School Graduation Day.
Peter Razzagone
September 17, 2014
I grew up with Horace in elementary and High school. I met him in 4th grade at California Ave School. We became buddies because we both liked to play "punch Ball" in the school's play ground. In High School we belonged to the same Fraternity (Tau Omega Psi). Horace, Paul Walsh (Horace's buddy who lived close to him) and me were Fraternity Brothers. I could never keep up with Horace, he was an attractive, fun loving guy that the girls gravitated to. I was envious of him and looked up to him. Then one day Horace needed me to do something. I felt honored, Horace bought his first car, a '56 Pontiac. At that time Horace didn't know anything about cars, but I did. I fixed some wiring problems on that car and he was amazed. I felt like I proved myself and was proud that Horace depended on me for car stuff. Now, at the age of 68, I have been seeing Paul Walsh again and when we get together, we reminisce about our good friend Horace, we can't help having tearing eyes when we do. Horace, if your listening, you are still my "best friend".
college prom early 1960s
Ann Shirazi
September 13, 2013
Dear Francine,
I have wanted to write to you several times about Horace since 2001 but felt funny about contacting you. This year however, as I am almost 70 and a grandmother,and still thinking fondly of Horace, I wanted to share some of my memories with you.
I was Horace's girlfriend for about three years, up until he fell in love with the girl who became his wife.
I met Horace in 1963 at Nassau Community College. The first time I saw him in the cafeteria, I was immediately smitten. He had the sweetest face and the most beautiful smile I had ever seen. It took a little time, but eventually we met and started to date. In those days we spent a lot of time at Jones Beach and riding on his new Ducati motorbike, and doing homework at my house in Freeport. I sometimes went to his house and knew his parents. But his pride and joys were his two little nieces Francine and Nicole, if I remember correctly. When your parents got a dog, I accompanied the whole family to the veterinarian. At least that's how I remember it so many years later.
Horace was a gentle funny guy and I adored him. When we went to the 1963 World's Fair in Queens, a storm came up. We were parked on the other side of the highway and had to cross it going over a bridge. I was afraid of lightening and refused to get on the bridge, so Horace picked me up and carried me across, kicking and screaming. But he had a sense of humor about it all.
When Horace was accepted to Miami, I was sad that he would be going away. I didn't know that shortly before he left, he had met another girl (another Ann?) and fallen in love with her. He came over before leaving for school to tell me it was over between us. He was very honest about it. He also confessed that he knew we wouldn't last together anyway because I wasn't Catholic. So that was it for Horace, or so I thought.
Twenty years later, around 1983, I was walking to a store on 6th Avenue to find Halloween stuff for my two young children. It was nice weather and a crowd of office workers was watching a man play a hurdy-gurdy. I stopped to watch and as I scanned the crowd, my eyes locked with someone in the crowd. I knew instantly that it was Horace. We spoke for a few minutes and decided to meet for lunch to catch up.
The following week I met him at Rosie O'Grady's, a restaurant near his work. He told me about his wife and kids, the ups and downs, how much he cared about his family. I told him about my family. I had brought the old letters to show him and we reminisced about those days. When we said goodbye, I thought I would never see him again.
Then in 1995, I think, I was working at Lenox Hill Hospital on the East Side. I was meeting my husband after work at Bloomingdale's on 59th Street. As I was waiting for the light to change, I realized that waiting on the other side of the street, crossing in my direction, was Horace. We laughed about meeting every 20 years until we would be old people. He said he was living in Manhattan not far from there. We talked for only a few minutes, but I thought that somehow we would bump into each other every 20 years.
Unfortunately, that wasn't to be. On September 11, 2001, my husband was downtown in the WTC area and I was uptown at a polling place, as it was Primary Day. I was so relieved to get in touch with my husband who saw the second plane, but devastated at the loss of a friend I had been with the night before -he had gone to respond-he was a police officer who had just resigned after graduating law school. A couple of nights later, an old high school friend who had also gone to Nassau CC and knew Horace, called to tell me the terrible news.I will never forget him.
I just wanted to share some of this with you, Francine, because your “unkie” as you called him then, will always be lovingly remembered by the many whose lives he touched so long ago.
I enclose a photo from around 1963-64- I was never able to throw those pictures away.
My heart goes out to your family.
Bill Dukacz
September 11, 2013
I was watching the 911 tribute and I heard his name called.
I did not know... before today. Shock.
I graduated Uniondale HS with Horace. We got the school bus every morning
at Fenimore and Braxton. I did not know him well but I knew he was a good guy. Everyone liked him.
My mother still lives three blocks away on California Avenue. She's 92. I was with her today when I heard his name called.
He will always be in my prayers.
Love,
Bill Dukacz and family
Mary Caramico Flammer
October 28, 2012
On Sept 21,2012 Mike O'Hare and I visited the memorial for Horace. Remembering a wonderful man whose life was taken much too soon.
October 26, 2012
Mike, I often think of you and empathize the loss of your father. I had the privilege of visiting the memorial site today and teaching my 5 year old daughter about what happened 11 years ago and why we were there to honor those men and women. I hope and pray that you and your family have been able to start healing from such a tragic loss. Just looking at this picture of your father I can see that you have his smile :). May The Lord Jesus Christ be with you always.
~Dianna (Scott AFB, IL)
September 11, 2011
Remembering the Passananti family today. My son Brandon was and still is best friends with Horace's son Mike. Mike was in the Air Force and I'm very proud of him. He is a wonderful man. I never met his Dad but from what I've heard Mike gets his sense of humor from him. My thoughts are with you all today.
Mary Flammer
StonyBrook, NY (FL)
Stuart Hill
September 11, 2011
Today I remember the Passananti family. I herd his named called this morning and remembered his son Mike. I worked and got to know his son while he was stationed at Scott AFB. While I never met Mike's father, his son Mike is a fine young man and I am sure a true reflection of his father. I will remember Mike and his family forever.
Ray Malzo
September 11, 2011
I was Horace's roommate in college, at the University of Miami. I am so sorry.
Andrea Henderson
September 11, 2011
Today I honor Horace Robert Passananti. My thoughts are with his friends who loved him. Although I never knew Mr. Passananti, I honor his life today.
Maureen Fisher
September 11, 2011
I lived across the street from Horace my whole life; I had no idea he was one of the victims; I am so sorry. He was a really nice young man;always smiling.
Erica Anderson
September 10, 2011
I live in Las Vegas and am running in honor of Horace Robert Passananti.. This race is a 9.11K in honor of those who passed... Each runner represents 1 person, I am running for Horace.. In memory..
Francine Mcgerty
August 8, 2011
Its almost 10 years since you have been taken from us. Not a day goes by that we dont miss you and think about you. I hope you are having fun in heaven with mom and grandma and grandpa.
Ryan Fremont
October 30, 2009
We all miss him, and it will never be the same. Unkie monkie...
William Sajnacki
September 11, 2009
Rest in Peace, Hope and love to your family, especially Mike.
The Sajnacki Family.
Samantha Fremont
January 9, 2009
Im his Great niece,I wish i had more memories of my uncle..but the ones i have i will cherish forever.he was a busy man i just wish i had spent more time with him.i remeber he was always smiling.always. I love you and miss you so much unkie monkie.R.I.P unkie and all who were lost.
Mary Flammer (Caramico)
June 18, 2008
Mike,
I have thought about you over the last almost 7 years. I didn't know your Dad, however knowing you and seeing you at Brandon and Christie's wedding 9/05 I can see where you got your sense of humor. It was great seeing you again. You have grown into a wonderful man just like your Dad. I just wanted you and your family to know that I as a true New Yorker and friend will never forget everyone of the victims of 911. I know you must have beautiful memories tucked away in your heart. Keep them and your Dad's sense of humor alive.
Carolyn Avena
May 16, 2007
Horace was my first cousin and I just now heard of this website. He will always be in my thoughts and prayers and will never be forgotten by those who were fortunate enough to know and love him.
P Tabbernor
January 28, 2007
In remembrance....
Kristine
November 29, 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.
September 11, 2006
don't know if you were related to our family from St Louis, but either way, what a shame this day was to all of civilization.
Joyce Wells
September 11, 2006
On September 11, 2001, I worked for The Travelers in Jackson, Mississippi. Horace brokered an account for whom I handled claims. I only knew him by phone, we had spoken many times and he was always warm and friendly. At times we chatted about things other than work, so I knew that he worked on the 100th floor of one of the towers. On that fateful day, my first thought was of him and I wondered if he was there that day. I retired a few months later but often wondered about Horace and it was many months before I found his name among the victims. My heart goes out to his family, I know they will always miss him.
William Sajnacki
September 11, 2005
To The Passananti Family,
Mike, we were great friends in High School. I was shocked to hear of you fathers passing on 9/11. We were in the hospital bringing my first son home, listening to the names being read at the one year memorial when I heard his name. We will remember him every year on 9/11. I think of the "good times" we had together growing up and hope this tribute finds you and the family healing.
Your friend,
Dr.William Sajnacki
Charity Sajnacki
Liam Sajnacki
and "soon to be" baby number 2!
Theresa Wynd
September 15, 2004
I used to work with Horace at Frenkel and Co. many years ago when the Co. was located on William/John Street. I was just beginning as a file clerk and remembered Horace as always smiling and pleasant. So I just wanted to give my deepest condolences to his family. This was such a tragedy but the people who lost their lives will always be remembered.
Al Mebes
September 11, 2003
Today is the first that I learned that Horace was lost in the horror of 9/11. I knew about Ron Comer and Jerry Olcott. All four of us were co-workers at The Travelers during the 70's. Horace and I car pooled from Suffix Co. to Garden City, and with all the bad weather, it was a good day when we were on time. At that time we were both learning the game of golf, it is nice to see that he still played. It is also nice to see that he never lost that innocent gullible personality that was fun for all that knew him.
William Fabio
September 11, 2003
I am a friend of his niece, Nicole Irwin. I attended his service at the Marriott Hotel. My prayers go out to his family and the families of the other victims. From the way Nicole described her uncle, he would want everyone who new him to live their life to the fullest and treat all people with respect. God Bless The United States of America.
Nick Tusa
July 17, 2003
Horace was the brother I always wanted. I never had a brother but he was my first brother-n-law and I was just a kid when we first met. He was the coolest guy I ever met and very talented at anything he tried. I grew up wanting to be just like Horace though I never did come close. He was a great guy and I miss him and think of him often in my prayers.
Pat Howard
September 24, 2002
In Memory of Horace Passananti,
I met Horace through business years ago when I moved to Chicago from a farm community. It was my first experience in a big city and "Corporate America", I was scared. He put me at ease by imparting words of comfort, wisdom and encouragement that I've never forgotten. Although I lost contact with him, I never forgot his loving nature, full of compassion, understanding and a sense of humor that turned every trial into joy.
Let us take the deposits that he made in our lives and spread that joy to others as we continue to "Celebrate his life".
Barbara Newberg
September 16, 2002
My sincerest condolences to the family of Horace Passananti.
My husband, daughter and I are living in the home he shared with Maryann and their sons. After reading the tribute to him I realized that my family and I are enjoying the fruits of his labor. We love the deck and skylights he built.
Although we never met Horace, please know that he and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
On the eve of the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur we lit a candle in his memory.
Phyllis Adamo
September 12, 2002
Orazio Passanante is a name on my family tree, so when I heard the reading of the names today, I took pause. I thought....``a relative perhaps?``
May God Bless your family and friends & give them strength to endure your absence until you all meet again in GOD's house!
Angie Campbell
May 9, 2002
May God Bless you and watch over the family and friends that you left behind that horrible day last September. May you rest in peace forever more.
Liz Cruise
April 4, 2002
I worked as a Hostess at Foxhound's Restaurant in Battery Park City where Horace would come with his friend Jerry for lunch a couple of times a week. I loved his visits. He was so nice, friendly and warm. His simile was beautiful and sincere. He was also hysterically funny! I'll miss him terribly and pray he is at peace. We planned to share a drink for our birthdays - his Sept. 24th, mine Sept. 27th; obviously we never got the chance.
Liz Cruise, New York City
Anonymous
March 22, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL MAN...HORACE ROBERT PASSANANTI AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS...STAY CLOSE..PRAY AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK FOREVER..MAY JESUS AND HIS SAINTS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
My fun loving uncle
Francine Fremont
March 12, 2002
I am one of Horaces neices and goddaughter. My uncle was the best uncle and godfather anyone could have asked for. He was always happy and when he was going through some trying times..he never showed it..even though we all knew.He will be missed and is loved by many dear family and friends. I still have hopes to this day..he will be coming home.....but i know in reality thats not going to happen.My uncle worked for Marsh & McLennan as Vp for claims. He worked in tower one on the 100th floor.He loved his company and the people he worked with. They were like family to him. I want to thank everyone who helped show us support through all of this. I hope that know one will ever have to go through what many odf us have gone through since that horribble day on September 11, 2001. If anyone reads this and knew my uncle..please feel free to email me. I'd love to hear from you. May god bless you! May you rest in peace my dear Unkie...
Bob Ray
February 1, 2002
To The Family and Friends of Horace, or Ace as he was sometimes called. Horace and I met some 27 or 28 years ago when he started in the industry at Travelers. I was his supervisor. We both left Travelers and went our separate ways, though time and again our paths continued to cross. It was always a pleasure to see Horace and to e-mail something humorous to him occassionally. He was truly one of the finest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Please accept my sincerest condolences and know that Horace is in a Better Place.
Teresa Jahn
December 16, 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
Faith
October 31, 2001
To Mr. Passananti's family and loved ones-
My sister here in Maryland worked with Horace on a regular basis through phone and visits here. She was upset and sad about his tragic loss. I want to express my condolonces with my sister's. She said he was such a good man. Like all those others who were lost, those who knew them have been honored. He is in my prayers and all of you, too- even though I don't know you. I believe God has now given Mr. Passananti the wings to fly. God bless him and all of you.
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