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Salvatore Zisa Obituary
When traveling on business, as he often did, Salvatore Zisa, 45, would almost invariably take the red-eye flight home from the West Coast. From the airport, he would then typically proceed directly into the office at Marsh Inc., where he was a senior vice president, arriving at his desk as though he had slept in a bed like everyone else. This pattern repeated itself again and again over the years.
Workaholic? Maybe. Or maybe just a father who wanted to make sure he could get home to Hawthorne, N.J., in time for a soccer game where his daughter Christina, 16, or his son Joseph, 12, would expect to look up and see him cheering.
"His priority was making sure he got to his kids' games on time, that he didn't miss anything," said his brother, Tony Zisa. "He traveled a lot, but he would work his schedule around making sure he was home for the important things. He was always there for our parents, and for his kids, and for his wife."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Marge Fisher
September 11, 2024
....on this day of sadness ... a day that will never been forgotten Prayers always for you Sal and Roe Christina and Joey. Always in our hearts.
M. Fisher Lauren Matthew and Megan
Deborah Dinice Salerno
September 13, 2023
thinking of you in Heaven and your family here on earth. Many happy memories growing up with you. you are always in my heart
Christina
September 11, 2023
We will never forget. Rest in peace.
The Kindred Family
September 26, 2019
Thinking of your family and sending our continued deep sympathy. Everyday may God and your loving memories bring you strength to cope. Sal is still sadly missed.
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A former Hawthorne Resident
September 13, 2019
Never forgotten
September 11, 2019
God bless you and your family
September 11, 2019
Thinking of you Sal and your smile!!! It was certainly great working with you and getting to know you! Much ove to your family! #neverforget
Peggy Childers
September 11, 2019
To the family and friends of Salvatore J. Zisa:
Please know that Sal will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not allow those we lost on 9/11 be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you.
M Fisher/Family
September 11, 2019
...Never ever forgotten -
A Former Hawthorne Resident
September 12, 2016
Remembering you and your family on this 15th year.
Ron Ross
September 11, 2016
Sal,
15 Years ... I think of you often I know you are in good hands with God , by the life you lead.My prayers are to your family.You were a good friend to all.I cherished our friendship for your kindness.
Ron Ross
June 1, 2016
Sal,
On my 60th birthday , yes 60 .I reflected on my best moments.The best was being blessed to be a friend.It doesn't take a birthday to think of you,as I do each and every day.I marvel how many say so many great things about you.You touched so many people.So at sixty I think what will be my legacy? My contribution? I miss you and God Bless your family.
CAROL LEMBO -CALDARA
September 14, 2015
Always remembering SAL and his wonderful family.
September 11, 2015
To Joe and family, I always listen for your dad's name to be read on this day, and I pray for all of you. I will never forget.
Love,
Magistra
Jean StaffStaff (Dinice)
September 11, 2015
Never forgotten! Rest in peace Sal
Gary Bleeker
September 11, 2015
Never forgotten. God bless You and Your family.
Former Resident Of
September 11, 2015
Never Forgotten
CAROL Lembo- Caldara
September 12, 2014
Always remembering Sal and his family, my childhood playmate in Paterson and then my neighbor in Hawthorne.
Victor Krstec
September 12, 2014
A good man is always missed but never forgotten. Thirteen years since that tragic day, may God's grace abound for your loved ones left behind.
Former Resident
September 10, 2014
You have not been forgotten. God bless you and your family.
September 11, 2013
Always on our minds and in our prayers. May God hold you close today as he has for the past 12 years. Love to Christina and Joey and of course you, Roseann. Amy says she is making a trip to New York after she begins her work as an RN.I watched as much of the US Open as I could and I always think about all of you when I do. Maybe Amy can finally make that trip next year and meet you all in person. May you have the comfort today that only God can supply. The Dykman Family
A Former Hawthorne Resident
September 11, 2013
Keeping you and your family in my prayers on this sad day.
Jean Dinice Staff
September 12, 2012
Gone but never forgotten. God bless you and your family Sal. 11 years is an eternity waiting for your loved one to come home. We all know we will see you again some day. Uncle Tony is with you now too...stay close and watch over us always. Love from your cousin
Former Resident
September 11, 2012
Saying a prayer for you and your family on this difficult day.
September 11, 2012
Hi there Sal, remembering you today - 10 years have gone by so fast. I visited your dedication bench at the Hawthorne Library last year. A very nice tribute as well. Debbie Rigamonti - Secretary for The Class of 1970 - Blessed Sacrament School - Paterson, NJ. Your classmates will never forget you Sal!
Jennifer Moran
September 16, 2011
The Holy Angels community remembers Mr. Zisa's loving support for his daughter Christina. Our prayer service on this anniversary was both heartfelt and very difficult. May God bless the Zisa family.
Jennifer Dykman
September 13, 2011
Dear Zisa Family,
We have never forgotten you.I came across the letter that Christina sent to Amy in 2002 and I cannot believe that it has been 10 years since she and Joey lost their Dad and you lost a treasured husband. While we have never met, you may remember the child, Amy from Mississippi who sent over 12,000 teddy bears she collected to Christina's school.Amy and Joey are the same age and my son Craig is Christina's age. My husband Stan and I just had our 30th wedding anniversary and after reading your message I realized that you and Salvatore must have also married in 1981.So while we are many miles apart we share so much.I am so proud to read that Christina is doing so well and Joey,too. We will always keep her letter and the family photos she chose to share with us. We cherish them greatly.I do not even know if you still live at the same address but I called your phone number yesterday and it still rings.I just wanted you and Christina and Joey to know that while you are always in our thoughts and prayers, we especially had you on our minds on this ten year anniversary.I will send a Happy Birthday wish to Christina as in her letter from 2002, she also told us when her B'day is.So, if you are still at the same address or phone number I will try to reach you all soon. God bless and congratulations on the tremendous job you have accomplished in raising you and Salvatore's children. They are blessed to have a Mother like you, Roseanne, and of course to have been given the gift of a wonderful Dad like Salvatore.
Deborah Dinice
September 13, 2011
Sal, we spent time with family as kids and I remember you to be a kind loving cousin. I remember how much your parents adored you. I think of you often and know we will meet again some day.
Ron Ross
September 11, 2011
Sal: The Memorial today in N.Y. was beautiful when the young lady presented your name...it was heartfelt.May God Bless all of the families that were affected by this tragic loss 10 Years ago.
Debbie Rigamonti
September 11, 2011
Hi Sal: Thinking of you today. It's been a long time since Blessed Sacrament. Looks like you turned out to be very successful and have a nice family. The classmates have been getting together for some reunions for the past 2 years. We meet at Patsy's, Brownstone and some other familiar places. We always keep your photo and that of Donna Giordano Sensale (my best bud) who died of cancer a year ago on the memorabilia table and we always say a prayer for you. We all think of you, honor you and keep you in our hearts and prayers. Look for Donna in heaven.
September 11, 2011
Remembering you and your family always
September 10, 2011
Saying a prayer for you and your family on this day. You will never be forgotten.
A Former Hawthorne Resident
Paula Bevacqua
September 9, 2011
The years go by, but we will never forget. Thinking about all of you..Chrissy...Jojo...and Aunt Roe, I know we have lost touch, but your family is in my prayers always...I miss and love you guys.
Jean Dinice Staff
September 8, 2011
Ten years later...you are still in our hearts. Remembering you and your sisters and the fun we had as kids. You are missed!
Rebecca Walters
September 2, 2011
I have started a facebook page, called Remember Me. Each member, receives the name of someone to honour who died on 9/11. I have just given someone Savatore's name. Your loved one is not forgotten and prayed for.
Debbie Rigamonti
September 12, 2010
Sal: You will always be in my thoughts and prayers. May god bless you!
A Former Hawthorne Resident
September 10, 2010
Saying a prayer for you and your family on this day. You will never be forgotten.
Ron Ross
December 30, 2009
Hi Sal,You know how busy the hotel industry is during this tme of the year.So a short note on one of my 2009 highlights.I had the opportunity to meet your daughter Christina with the second generation Hawthorne tribe.Sal you must be very proud of the beautiful young lady she has become and her academic accomplishments so far.She also seemed have have your best attributes,that made you so special to so many people from all walks fo life.Please say hello to my brother john who is probably close by;like you he also made this world a better place in the most humble way.God Bless!
a Friend
December 29, 2009
Reading these posts, I realize Mr. Zisa WAS a workaholic but I never would have known it. He never forgot the importance of life, always asking about others, their families, health, and well-being. He was at every little league game, Church every Sunday, and at every birthday party. What a great thing it is to see Joey and Christina grow up with the same blunt, fun-loving, all-american spirit and ambition as their mother and father. The world is a better place because of Mr. Zisa, his wife and children. I carry his memory in my heart always. Always thinking of his beautiful family-- especially Ro who has been able to live through the grief and continue to raise two beautiful children
September 11, 2009
Another year has passed but you will never be forgotten. God Bless You and your family.
A Former Hawthorne Resident
Michael Zisa
September 11, 2009
Just thinking of you. God bless your soul in Heaven.
A Former Hawthorne Resident
September 9, 2008
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as always.
September 9, 2007
You will never be forgotten.
God Bless you and your family.
God Bless America
From a former Hawthorne Resident
P Tabbernor
April 25, 2007
In remembrance....
Nancy
September 16, 2006
Sal, My dad worked a lot of hours also, but from what I've read of your profile, the two of you shared the ability to make the best use of your leisure time - spending it with family. I will forever pray for you and your family. RR, your message was beautiful. I hope you are able to embrace the memories of the years you shared; I understand how powerful a point in the grieving process it is when you finally become able to do so, at least sometimes. I will hold you in my heart as I attempt to go through life ever aware of the beautiful connections I so often take for granted.
Ron Ross
September 13, 2006
The last five years I have reflected on your legacy.You have had a great influence in my life of fifty years.Kindness,compassion, empathy,an awareness of others emotions and feelings even when you were 22.
College and moving forward in life created a gap of absence between us.
Every two or three years we bumped into each other and you always had the patent Sal smile ear to ear.That smile just like 25 years ago always made me feel so special.
So special,so genuine.
There are so many Sal stories ,I am so proud and honored that you touched my life.In return I cannot come close to your smile,passion for life,but each day I try to spread goodwill around my circle of influence.You have made me a better person hoping this world becomes a better place.God Bless your beautiful family.From what I hear you did a great job.A beautiful wife and children.I miss you and I love you and your legacy.I can't wait to see that beautiful smile again!Gunther is Gunther.He loves you
Carol Lembo Caldara
September 11, 2006
As childen - we played together - I remember us challenging each other - who could hang upside down on the backyard swing bar and rock the farthest and then jump off, and we then would run and play together. I moved away at age 8 and later I would see you as a young father walking his two children - past my parent's house in Hawthorne, because you had also made your home in Hawthorne. I remember Sal, the child- my playmate and Sal, the young father. You were always so kind.
I think of you often, I think of your wonderful family and sisters and most of your wife and children.
Celeste Nichols-Hollifield
September 11, 2006
To my family (Roseanne, Christina, Joey, Aunt Josephine, Uncle Joe, Roe, Phyllis, Jane, Tony and their families); I think about you often, and especially in the past few days. I think about how proud you must be when you hear how much Sal was admired as the wonderful man he was. I think about how lucky I am to have such a great family who I love very much. Sal, I miss you!....Your cousin Celeste.
Jean Staff (Dinice)
September 11, 2006
My sisters and I, and my brother Paul, have so many memories of being kids and sharing good times with Sal and his sisters. Although it has been years since we have seen all of you, please know that our thoughts and prayers are always with you and your family. Love always, Sonny's kids,
mary haag
September 8, 2006
Roseann- It has been so long since we have spoken, but I think of you, Sal, Christina and Joey often. I smile thinking about our boat trips round Manhattan. We always had fun.Was it Gary who could never figure out where we were? As another anniversary approaches know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Vikki Bell
September 2, 2006
I admired him so. When he laughed the whole room laughed with him.
I wish his family peace.
RR
August 20, 2006
OCTOBER 17TH WOULD HAVE BEEN OUR 25TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY. THIS YEAR I HAVE MADE A PROMISE.... NOT TO CRY FOR WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN, BUT TO REMEMBER THE 20 WONDERFUL YEARS WE WERE LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE TOGETHER. I'M GRATEFUL FOR EACH AND EVERY DAY WE WERE TOGETHER AND CARRY IN MY HEART ALL OF OUR WONDERFUL MEMORIES. I NEED ONLY TO LOOK AS FAR AS THE KIDS TO KNOW YOU ARE WITH US EVERY MINUTE OF EVERY DAY. THEY ARE AS FUNNY AND GOOFY AS YOU. THEY POSSESS YOUR COURAGE AND STRENGTH, AND ARE MORE LIKE YOU THEN EITHER OF THEM WILL EVER KNOW. YOU WILL ALWAYS AND FOREVER BE IN MY HEART.
"SEE YA LATER BABE"
RR
Joseph Nicoletti
August 15, 2006
An old childhood friend from Paterson wishes to convey his deepest sympathies to all the Zisa's. From what I'm hearing,Sal grew up to be a wonderful person. In that,we can be assured he rests comfortably with the FATHER.
Sharon Zisa-Burke
September 11, 2005
God Bless your family today and always. I hope that on this 4 year anniversary of that tragic day you have been able to find peace.
margaret braciliano
October 23, 2004
our prayers are with you
Lindsay Butler
September 11, 2004
To the Zisa's...
May God Bless everything that comes across your path in life. We will always remember Mr. Zisa in our prayers.
Love Always,
The Butlers from Hawthorne
Corey Karren
February 16, 2004
I just wonted to say I am still thinking about the world’s big loss on September 11, my hart and prayers to the families. You will always live strong in my hart and mind.
By no means Never forget September 11, 2001
We Love you all
-Corey
kevin f giles
September 13, 2003
Roseann it has been two years since Sal passed and not a week goes by that I don't think of him.
I still carry the letter you sent me in my briefcase and apolgise I have never reponded. Guess I have never been able to come up with any words in reponse.I will never forget the kindness you guys showed me after my accident. Why God spares some and not others is not for us to understand. I do know that one day you and I will both see Sal again in Heaven. I have the strongest feeling he will be one of the first souls to greet me, and still feel his presense at times. I can remember how he use to say my name with his accent when I would call... Keev.Always up beat! God bless you and the kids.
Robert Viglione
September 11, 2003
It had been 40 years, but I remembered the name and the face ... my little friend with the cute sisters ... wonderful childhood memories of time spent over my Grandmother's,(Iannaccone) house at 400 Madison Ave. .. and then the pain of reading your obituary and realizing that you had been caught in the horrible tragedy of 9/11, and feeling it hit home on a personal level. My heart goes out to all your family ... you will remain among my fondest of memories.
Your friend always, Bobby
Patti Reed Fleischer
September 11, 2003
Remembering you and your family today. So many childhood memories. May you rest in peace and may your family find comfort in happy memories.
Jenny Kretschmer
September 7, 2003
May God bless your family on this second year anniversary...hopefully your pain is less. May the memories of Sal still fill your heart.
Jenny
Giuseppe Zisa
January 6, 2003
Rest in peace.
God bless your soul.
Kelly & John Zisa
November 7, 2002
We didn't know you. But we are family. Bless you and your family.
Laura Reschke
September 15, 2002
To Roseanne and Family,
Although it's been years since we have seen each other, please know that you have been in my prayers since 9/11/01. I pray that the road ahead holds only sunny days filled with joyful memories.
With sincere sympathy,
Your classmate Laura Fragale
Carol Brooks
September 11, 2002
Dear Rosanne,
I don't know if you remember me. I'm a friend of Lauri's and often came to visit her and Jim in the 80's. When Lauri emailed about Sal, I was horrified and first thought, "What a NICE guy--That's not fair!" Secondly, I wondered what 'Auntie Ro-Ro' (as Matthew called you) and your children would do. And so I've prayed for you each time I've thought of you.
Sal always seemed so kind, gentle and loving as a husband, as a friend (to Jim) and as a godfather (to Matthew). I have no doubt that he did just as well in the role of father.
May God continue to bless you all as much as I'm SURE you were blessed in your life with your beloved Sal. He will certainly not be forgotten.
In Fond Remembrance,
Karen Pittman
September 11, 2002
I worked with Sal, I temped for him for many months. Oh, my goodness was he a workaholic! I would transcribe dozens of letters he would dictate by dictaphone, every day. But not a hard ass, a gentleman, a great personality...literally, the kind of boss you wished for. He offered me a job at Marsh...to get me out of temping. But I said no...it was a day job for me. I'm a singer and songwriter, and wanted to travel to Europe for a few weeks. He said he understood perfectly. On my last day, I didn't get the chance to say goodbye to Sal...he was working in the midtown office. I will always regret that. I'm so bad with goodbyes. There was something about his eyes, and I knew I would cry. Oh my goodness...I really really regret that now. The kindest gentlest boss I've ever known.
A Neighbor
September 11, 2002
Dear Zisa Family:
Not a day has gone by since September 11, 2001 that we have not thought of you. We live in the same neighborhood and that evening while driving past your house we saw children comforting eachother in front of your home and it was clear to us that you had lost someone. We are so sorry for the loss of your husband and father. You have been in our thoughts and prayers every day - we hope knowing that you have had so many prayers gives you some comfort.
God Bless You and keep you in the palm of His hand.
Laura & Frank Slawson
September 11, 2002
To The Zisa Family,
There is not a day that goes by that we don't think of you. You are close in prayers always - especially today.
With Love,
Frank & Laura
Sue McElroy
September 11, 2002
Roseanne, you and Christina and Joey are always in my thoughts. I hope that reading these notes offers you a bit of solace during this sad time.
Tim&Maria, Agnes&Pete Viola
September 11, 2002
To the Zisa Family
God Bless all of you and we pray that the memories of your Sal will grow stronger and increase with laughter and love he left behind..Our Hearts and Prayers are yours...
vicky O'Donnell
September 10, 2002
to the families and friends may you keep your loved ones in our hearts we prey for each and everyone of them god bless
Jenny Kretschmer
August 20, 2002
My father, Joe Levins, speaks highly of Mr. Zisa. He is now working on the WTC loss in memory of all of his friends that he lost on that day. God Bless You, Sal.
Adriana Verta
June 6, 2002
I'm sorry to have to see someone who really mad a difference in peoples live go. I am one of Joey's best friends and if they ever need me I am willingly here. I love you all
I Love You Sal and You
Will always be Missed
But NEVER Forgotten.
anthony silvio zisa
April 20, 2002
we shared the same family name so i guess it makes it feel even more personal.we didnt know eachother but iam saddend by the lose.god bless your family.
Kathleen
April 3, 2002
To the Zisa family - prayers and thoughts are with you
Melody Bowers
March 18, 2002
May God bless Mr. Zisa and his family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families and friends of that horrifying day of 9/11. Love, Melody
Toni-Marie Hals
March 14, 2002
To the Zisa Family,
Our thoughts and prayers our with your family every day. May you all have the strength and courage to go on with your heads held high...
"Your presence has gone through me like a stitch in time, everything you do is etched in it's color." author unknown.
Toni-Marie, Ian, Thomas and Anthony Hals (related to Scevola Family)
Faith
March 12, 2002
To Mr. Zisa's family and friends,
Mr. Zisa seemed a very special, devoted man and father. May comfort and peace come to you in time with a knowledge Mr. Zisa looks down and sees you with love.
Joan Ciarfello
March 11, 2002
To the Zisa Family,
Sal will always hold a special place in our hearts.It was a privilege to know him. Sadly missed by Paul, Joan, Stacie and Lisa Ciarfello
Carolyn Berger
March 11, 2002
To Sal's family - we here at Air Products miss Sal a great deal. He was a dedicated business associate and a person who we could count on. We always looked forward to Sal Zisa and Ron Comer's visits. They remain in our hearts and memories.
MARIE FRASSA
March 11, 2002
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU....MAY GOD GIVE YOU PEACE AND COMFORT AND HIS ANGELS WATCH OVER YOU.WE LOVE YOU...THE FRASSA FAMILY
Lauri Heck
February 11, 2002
To RoseAnne, Christina & Joey-- my heart was, and still is, saddened by the tragedy that happened to Sal. Know I think of you often and wish you all peace through out this time. He was a GREAT man and a friend to all.
Ann Marie O'Brien
January 31, 2002
My sympathies to Sal's family and friends. Although I haven't worked for Marsh & McClennan since 1994, I remember Sal's smile and love for his family. He was a gentleman in a not always gentle business. My prayers are with you.
Amy Laskin
January 28, 2002
"Give sorrow words. The grief that does not speak,
whispers the over-burdened heart and bids it break."
Macbeth
To Sal's family and friends: may you find a way to give your sorrow words, and lighten your heart's burden.
Carrie Weber/Hook
January 11, 2002
To Sal's entire family:
Our thoughts and prayers are always with you.
IRENE STAPINSKI
December 5, 2001
GOD BLESS SALVATORE J.ZISA AND MAY
HE REST IN PEACE.GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS.GOD BLESS AMERICA
AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01
Teresa Jahn
December 1, 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
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