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Gary Shamay Obituary
Gary Shamay was a young man on his way up. After graduating at 16 from Sheepshead Bay High School in Brooklyn, he plunged into the corporate workplace at an age when most of his peers were far from making career decisions.
By Sept. 11, he was 23, and had already made his mark as a computer specialist, working for Allstate Insurance, Deutsche Bank, CIBC Oppenheimer and, since August 2000, Cantor Fitzgerald. He was single and living with his parents in Mill Basin, but his work assignments had taken him to Cantor's offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and other cities.
"We were very proud of him," said Mr. Shamay's mother, Zoya Shamay, who said his career goals centered on his computer skills. While working long hours in the office, sometimes starting as early as 5:30 a.m., he was completing college course work at night toward a bachelor's degree in computer engineering.
Mr. Shamay was born in Uzbekistan, and immigrated to Brooklyn when he was 2 years old with Mrs. Shamay and her husband, Benjamin. He had two younger brothers, ages 16 and 8, for whom "he always had advice," his mother said.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mark Weinstein
April 3, 2022
It's been so long now but sometimes flash backs of our early days hit me. At night, I had a dream with Gary in it. I had seen our families having dinner together. I would wish that would be real but it was not sadly...I Still have this empty hole in my heart even today many years later. This is what kind a person Gary was, to leave such a impact on me. One of kind he was! Till we meet again my friend!
July 6, 2019
Well Gary, you had lots of life left to live.
The opportunity to have continued your promising computer career, maybe find a soulmate, and potentially have kids. But I bet you are still a smart guy in the heavens.
A.L.
Avi Norensberg
September 12, 2011
I echo the words of both Nissim and Aaron. Gary was a dear friend in high school. We spent many days and weekends together and we're roommates in camp in the summer of 1992, about which I have some of the best memories of my life. Gary was truly one of the good ones. My heart sank when I heard his name read at the ten year memorial service as I had not heard until then of his being there. I will always remember Gary and count him among my true friends. I will miss him dearly and remember fondly.
Nissim Shimunov
September 11, 2011
10 years to the day... yet the anguish still encircles the globe.
It seems not one person can escape having been associated to a fallen victim of 9/11.
Only today it comes to my attention of Gary. Ha was a classmate of mine almost 20 years ago in freshman year highschool. Our brief friendship through our adolescent years still triggers fond memories of my youth. He was a good friend, kind and true natured. I'm stricken with grief all over again at hearing he was among the fallen. I'm sorry you were taken from us, Gary. I'm sorry your ambitions were short lived. I pray for your family, I pray for G-ds grace upon you so you may continue to soar as you did in life. G-d be with you and all your loved ones. Your echoes in life will forever reverberate in this world with all those you've touched.
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Aaron Shakarchi
September 11, 2011
Gary was my friend and classmate he was a genuinely sweet soul who will always live on in my heart
My condolences to his family may you never know sorrow again
Avi Norensberg
September 11, 2011
Gary was an old friend and classmate of mine. How can I get in touch with him mother? I'd like to write her an email.
A Friend
September 11, 2011
Gary, it's was a great pleasure knowing you as a friend and colleague at CIBC. You always have the energy to succeed. You will be miss but we will never forget.
Mark Weinstein
September 10, 2011
Gary it's been 10 years, I miss you so much. You were one of my first friends when I moved to this country. I have so many sweet childhood memories of you and me, biking, role skating, racing with our cars, chilling with our circle of friends. Each one of those moments were precious. Every time I drive on BQE I shot off my music and silly or not, try to speak to you and tell you how much I miss you and love you. You were my brother and I will never forget you till the day I die.
Vitaly Orlov
September 11, 2009
Today is exactly 8 years since you went away. We still miss you and we always will! The memory of you will never die in our hearts and thoughts!
R.I.P.
Angela Shamay
March 21, 2009
Dear Gary, my loving cousin,
Missing you and thinking of you. Today I was listening to "Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton...Eight years ago you left us, and we were saddened, but you will never leave our minds and our hearts. wish you were here with us.. R.I.P
Love, your little cousin Angie
Alex Edwards
September 11, 2008
7 years has passed! It still feels like yesterday! You are always in our thoughts and our hearts! We miss you, bro!
Augustina A
May 15, 2008
Dedicated to Gary Shamay 2/6/78-9/11/01
"In Our Hearts"
We thought of you with love today,
But that is nothing new.
We thought about you yesterday,
And the days before that, too.
We think of you in silence.
We often speak your name.
Now all we have is memories,
And your picture in a frame.
Your memory is our keepsake,
With which we'll never part.
God has you in His Keeping.
We have you in our Heart.
- Author Unknown
Always with much love,
August
kristine
June 9, 2007
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
March 8, 2007
In remembrance....
Anna
September 17, 2004
Dear Gary, i cant believe it has been already 3 years that you not around.Miss you very much and think of you alot.I feel very lucky to know someone like you.I hope you are in a better place.Looking at all of us from above.You have left behind you alot of people who loved you and respected you for what you are.
You are always be in Our hearts.
Love, Anna
Alex Edwards
October 9, 2002
Gary was one of my closest friends!
It still feels like he went on one of his business trips and any moment the phone will ring and we'll hear about all his adventures. It's so hard to believe!
We all miss you bro. It's not the same, if you only knew!
NAOMI NUNEZ
September 16, 2002
I WILL MISS YOU DEARLY
A distant friend
September 11, 2002
Dear Gary,
Its been a while since we spoke, but i just wanted to say that we all miss you and hope and pray that now you are safe in a better place shining down on us. Even if your're not here you'll be in our hearts forever. (An angel has beautiful wings)
A distant friend.
Valentina E.
September 11, 2002
To the Shamay Family:
I selected Gary's name in tribute of those lost 9/11. My prayers continue for him and all of you.
May the joy and pride he brought to so many give you strength on your road to healing.
Irene
August 26, 2002
Dear Gary,
I know that we did not speak to each other for a long time, but if I had the chance, I would say "Hi" and give you a big hug.
Angie Campbell
May 16, 2002
May you rest in peace forever more.
April 25, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL YOUNG MAN..GARY SHAMAY AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK..MAY GOD AND HIS ANGELS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
A friend
March 19, 2002
Six months feels like six minutes. The pain is still acute, but the lost are ever-present in our hearts.
Ria
March 11, 2002
Gary, I feel so privileged to have known you and worked with you. You will live in our hearts always. God Bless...
Kristen
January 14, 2002
I worked with Gary at the World Financial Center and always found him to be charming, intelligent and good-natured. He was one of the first people I thought about on Sept. 11, looking around for him as we were leaving the scene. I was incredibly saddened when I learned he was missing. His death is a great loss to the world.
Teresa Jahn
December 13, 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
marlene stirling
October 18, 2001
Gary,
I didn't know you - your young life had only just begun. May god bless and keep you.
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