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Thomas E. Pedicini
Thomas E. Pedicini
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Thomas Pedicini Obituary
Thomas Pedicini never strayed too far from a guitar. His brother-in- law Raymond Morace's earliest recollection of him is as "a skinny 13- year-old kid jumping around his room playing air guitar" to Van Halen. In his mother's last memory of him, he is teaching his 11-year-old cousin how to play, a few days before his death.
In between, Mr. Pedicini, 30, an easygoing sort and seemingly effortless golfer, studied business and had been working as a trader at Cantor Fitzgerald since 1998, a job he got through another brother-in-law, Mark Colaio, who died with him.
After Sept. 11, in Mr. Pedicini's apartment in Woodside, Queens, one of his roommates found a tape of him strumming and singing his way through some of his favorite tunes. "He was too shy even to show it to me, but I could hear him in there singing and playing so I knew he was up to doing something," said the roommate, Jordan Zed. He gave the tape to Mr. Pedicini's parents. More musical memories.
But Mr. Zed remembers Mr. Pedicini mostly as a decent human being whose life was going somewhere. "You'd sit around and talk about where you see yourself in five years," he said. "He had dreams and goals. He wanted to eventually find the right girl and settle down and have a family and work his way up in the firm. It seems so sad."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Wish I met him
Bill Stephens
September 12, 2019
I was at the memorial in Tempe AZ tonight and chose Thomas' flag at random to place my candle. Never knew him or anyone that died that day but now feel an attachment. I'm glad to have learned something about him
May 18, 2017
oUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE ETERNAL!!! mAGGIE AND gREGORY zED
S.J. Friscia III
May 17, 2017
In Memory with
Honor & Respect.
Jennifer Livingston
September 11, 2016
Amazing guy went to high school clas of 89 with him think about him often he was always smiling and kind to everyone
RIP
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Adam Grove
September 11, 2016
God bless you Tom.
September 10, 2016
Our prayer and thoughts are with the family... May Thomas rest in peace. Maggie/Gregory Zed.
Les Jackson
September 9, 2016
RIP, Thomas. Remembering always.
ELLEN JOHNSON
September 11, 2014
MY NAME IS ELLEN JOHNSON MY CO.DID BUSS.WITH CANTOR FITZGERALD I'M ALSO FRIENDS WITH VICTOR(VITO)COLAIO ON BAXTER ST MY BEST MEMORY OF TOMMY WAS HE ALWAYS BRAGGED ABOUT HIS GUITAR I USED TO SAY WELL YOU CAN DEBUT YOUR SKILLS WHEN STEPHEN GETS MARRIED HE WAS SO FULL OF ENERGY AND A NICE PERSON I STILL MISS ALL THESES GUYS TOMMY I KNOW YOUR PLAYING YOUR GUITAR IN HEAVEN NOW PLAY ON BROTHER MISS YOU GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY WATCH OVER THEM
Isabel Andrews
September 11, 2014
Years ago I was at a Catholic Mass in Berkeley California. The priest handed out pieces of paper with the names of people killed in the 9-11 attacks and asked us to continue to pray for them in our intentions. For many years, I carried a piece of paper with that name, the name of 30-year-old Thomas Pedicini. Looking at the paper became part of a daily ritual for me, so much so that I felt like I knew him. I kept his name taped to my computer at the Exploratorium and the Field Museum, so on tough days, I would remember that every breath was a gift, even if it was a "bad or stressful day". Thomas's life always intuitively felt musical to me. Somehow I always would envision him playing the guitar. Years later, a friend shared a 9-11 memorial book with stories of the victims, I quickly looked up his name, and found he was musically inclined; I smiled wide. Most recently, this year. I was walking in a parking lot and frankly, feeling a bit sorry for myself. I hadn't thought about Thomas in a long while, but I was certainly in an uncharachteristic, "debbie downer" mood. My eyes quickly shifted to a license plate which read: PEDICINI. It felt like a nice reminder to keep my chin up and appreciate what God had/has given me. The message was duly noted. I am not at the point in my life where I believe this was just serendipity. Thomas' memory has breathed new perspective and life into my being, and beyond being sad for him and the loss of his family, I remain eternally grateful for being connected to him. I don't have the right to mourn him, but I do feel compelled to celebrate him. Thank you Thomas! May peace be with you.
Lisa Holiga Linn
September 11, 2013
I'm sure that I am not alone in that each year, as this day comes around again, I take a few moments to reflect on "life." Although I still feel the hurt of the past and am saddened for all who lost loved ones, I am always grateful to be able to give thanks to the Lord for letting my life's path cross the path Thom took, however brief. Thom shared the light within him with all of those that he knew and how honored I am to continue to carry the memories of him with me that allows his light to continue to shine! Peace with with Thom's family, today and every day.
Roberta Dee
December 18, 2012
After 9/11, the church I attended passed a basket to the parishioners with the names of those who died & I picked out Thomas E Pedicini & I have been praying for him ever since.
Carol Robey-Miner
September 11, 2012
Missing you my dear friend. Will forever cherish the memories of our time together thru the full span of our lives. From childhood friends to grown adults. Will always remember you coming to my house when we were young to escape your sisters, to just hang out and be around some guys (my brothers). Remembering our visit together in July of 2001 and having a wonderful time. We never forgot our friendship and were always in touch. May you rest in peace my friend. You are always missed! Forever in our hearts!
Tom Reilly
September 11, 2012
Thinking of Tommy today. Best to him and all his family and friends
GREGORY ZED
October 4, 2011
I vividly remember our family hosting a concert in Canada to honour Thomas just as if it were yesterday..Always to be remembered... MAGGIE AND GREGORY ZED
Fred Kuang
September 14, 2011
Tom was a great roommate and friend for the short time that i've known him. He was so positive about everything.
I remember the night before 9/11 we were sitting on our balcony throwing back a few brews and talking about the future and Tom says LIFE IS GOOD!!!! I will never ever forget those words.
Every birthday that comes around i think of him because we were born on the same Day, Month and Year.
I will never forget you Tommy Boy.
Forever in our hearts.
Brian Fenerty
September 13, 2011
I am still filled with emotion when I think of Tom and the great loss that we all share in his passing. I wanted to be mad, to feel more than just confused and emotional but that has never come for me. I tuned out the news about our nation's great tragedy soon after I found out I lost a friend - what more was there to tell me that would make it worse than that?
It was great to get this link in an email from another friend of Tom's today and take a moment to be grateful that I have met so many great people. I like that picture of Tom in the tux, it is how I remember him.
Rooster - Pitt '92
Damn Proud
September 11, 2011
I can remember Ryan inviting Tom to our home for dinner and what a truly nice person is was. I am sure he had very little money at the time but he brought a cheese cake for dessert. I was very touched by his generoisity and thoughtfulness. (I sent it right back with him to share with his always hungry faternity brothers. Now after reading some of the wonderful words that others have said about Tom it is obvious that although Tom is no longer with us in person his spirit can not be taken from us. Peace to you his family and friends.
Jackie Rooney
(Ryan's Mom)
September 11, 2011
Pud & Family:
Tom was a couple years younger than me at Pitt when we met. He was cool from the start and remained that way. He was comfortable in his own skin. Shortly after he arrived, he, I and others were practicing on vault. I asked him his name and he told me. I then asked if he had a nickname. He said, "People call me Ped". I disagreed and told him that won't work, so I said 'Pud' would be a better nickname. He immediately told me he didn't like it, but someone else overheard it and called him Pud, and that was it. He dealt with it fine.
I still think about him, especially this time of year. He really was a good man and still is as far as I'm concerned. His authenticity lives in all who knew him.
Mike Fischer, Pitt 92'
Michael Maiorino
September 11, 2011
Rest in peace cousin
ryan metzger
September 10, 2011
Tom, You were a great roommate and all-around "good guy"- honest, sincere, and always looking on the bright side. You did not have it easy in those days back in Pittsburgh, but you refused to let things get you down. Your determination and attitude still inspire me today.
Sam Amelio
September 10, 2011
Tom, I can't help but think of you on this sad anniversary. I find myself reflecting on the good times we had together: like when we bought your first acoustic/electric guitar in Pittsburgh - and got a traffic violation on the way there, your "east coast" vibrato as you screamed Van Halen tunes over the relative whisper of the Casio keyboard you used to accompany yourself, or being the last to leave EVERY party together. Your memory lives on through the lives you touched! Peace to you and your family!
Sam Amelio
Fraternity Brother
University of Pittsburgh
Adam Grove
September 10, 2011
To Tom's family. I lived with Tom for a few years in the fraternity house at Pitt and Tom just had a solid gold heart. When times were tough for me, Tom would sit and talk with me. I throughly appreciate knowing the life you brought into this world. He left it a better place. Rest in glory Tom.
Adam (Chucker)
September 9, 2011
It is hard to believe it has been 10 years. Brother Tom, you and your family will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
Sam Sacco
Phi Sigma Kappa (Pledge Brother)
University of Pittsburgh
September 2, 2011
RIP FRIEND
Gina DeMarco
September 27, 2010
Tom - I knew you at Pitt and just found out about you - my heart goes out to your family. You were always smiling and a great and friendly person. Words cannot express the sorrow I feel. God speed Tom.
Laura
September 11, 2010
Watching golf and thinking of you today.
Baldwin Family
September 11, 2010
On this anniversay I pray for your family. 9-11-10
Lee S.
September 11, 2010
I am thinking of you today, Tommy. You will always be my brother.
Lee
Pitt 91-95
Phi Sigma Kappa
Lisa Holiga Linn
September 16, 2009
My condolences to the family of Thom. I knew him back at Pitt, we both worked at PNC Bank, and were roommates in Squirrel Hill. As I sit and read that he is gone I'm saddened. You see, over the last couple of weeks Thom has been on my mind and I thought about looking him up and trying to reconnect our friendship. Thom was the guy you always wanted to be around and hang with. I remember many nights at the house when he sat strumming his guitar. What good memories I have of him. As I read what others have written I keep saying "yep, that sounds like Thom." He truly did have something special in his outlook on life. Thanks Thom for being my friend! I will think of you often and smile for being lucky enough to have known you.
Kristen Kowalski Faicco
September 11, 2009
Remembering Tommy today.
michael burick
September 11, 2009
i went to pitt with tom and we were fraternity brothers. we had common interests in music and we would often play guitar together, trying to figure out riffs and songs, drinking beers. i often think about him while playing and can't help but think of his influence. we fell out of touch after school but it doesn't matter. i can still hear him.
kristen hufford(hickman)
June 2, 2009
I just found out from my mom that tommy is gone to a better place I am so sorry. We were inseperable as kids. Joanne, Keith Myself and Tommy played all the time. He will truley be missed and never forgotten
Scott Rustad
May 31, 2009
I knew Tom back in 94-97. He was so full of life! He was always active: golf, tennis, singing. He was the kind of person who made his own way. I am glad that we crossed paths for a brief time. His energy and passion for living are what I will remember and miss most about him.
Mike Fischer
September 11, 2008
To the Pedicini Family:
I did gymnastics at Pitt with Tom. I was a couple years older when he arrived. He was a good guy. Although I didn't talk to him much after I graduated, I always thought well of him. I was shocked to hear of his passing and still find it hard to believe. Tom handled himself well in a variety of ways and I always respected him. I had to watch TV today and see his name just to make sure; 7 years later. God bless you. You raised a wonderful man. I'll always remember the good times I had with him. I have some pictures somewhere. If I can find them, I'll post them.
Mike Fischer
Allyssa Schmitt
July 22, 2007
It's amazing how one forgets, yet only to remember you with a smile.
P Tabbernor
January 29, 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.
Dave Pehrsson
September 8, 2005
My heart was broken on 9/11 when I heard that New York, The Twin Towers, and our country was under attack. As most Americans I was very angry after 9/11 and, selfishly, I decided to not read or listen to the names of those that lost their lives, in fear that I would know some of them. Since I had moved away from NY and from Hicksville, In my mind, I wanted it all to remain as it was. But In my heart I knew things weren’t the same, so some months later I looked at the names, and found both Tom and Stephen’s names.
Instantly I remembered them both.
I was in Anne’s grade, but I somehow remember Tom sitting in front of me in alphabetical order in a 9th grade English class I had to repeat – headphones on, prepared and confident, in a relaxed sorta way. He always came off very confident, not arrogant, but like he was determined and capable. I remember working with Tom’s Sister June at Kinney’s at Mid Island Plaza and remembering her brother coming in.
And Stephen, in the breezeway at HHS between classes asking me how my day was going and telling me “my day would get better” or some other type of upbeat positive message. Or in gym class, playing floor hockey. He was such a great guy, always so upbeat and like he always saw things in a positive way.
Sure they are brief memories, but not forgotten memories. I just wanted to let you know this after years have gone by – and though I barely knew them, I still have not, and will never forget them. They both were amazing people and will always be remembered.
To the Pedicini and Colaio families – I am so deeply sorry for your loss.
To June – My heart goes out to you and your children.
Dawn MacLeod
December 11, 2003
Pud-
I can remember the first day of Orientation at PITT when you, and I first met. We laughed and talked like we knew eachother our whole lives. I am thinking of you and remembering how much fun we had together partying, laughing, talking, and hugging.
Thank you for being such great friend. I miss you.
Dawn
Janet Perens
September 11, 2003
In the early 80's , I worked as a Manager for the Limited and Thomas's sister Pamela worked for me. I recall her as if it was yesterday. I even recall that her then boyfriend was " Ray " who I can see now she married.
I knew in the days that followed September 11, 2001 - that Pam had lost her brother. This morning, I remembered again and went onto the internet to see his photo and here I am.
I am profoundly sorry for all of these losses.
Janet Perens
Layla Dowlatshahi
September 10, 2003
Hey Neighborly neighbor,
Just thinking of you on this day....you were a kind man, quiet neighbor, with a lovely singing voice...
my thoughts are with your family....
Patrick Pedicini
December 5, 2002
What started out as a innocent search on Yahoo for people with the same name as mine turned into me finding Thomas's name. I did not know anyone directly affected by the attack but seeing his name and face brought it home.
God bless and my condolensces.
Tyler Carlson
September 13, 2002
Tom Pedicini Family:
I just rode in a Patriot Parade motorcycle ride in Phoenix Arizona commemorating the 9/11 tragedy. I was proud to ride in memory of Tom. I have the arm-band I wore on the ride with his name on it. If you would like the arm-band, please contact my e-mail address so I can get it to you. My heart continues to go out to the family.
Tyler Carlson, [email protected]
Christian
September 9, 2002
Dear Tom,
I never got to meet you, but I knew of you through a friend and neighbor of yours downstairs. Whenever she speaks of you, she mentions what a wonderful person you were and how you were always playing the guitar and how you could make people laugh. I know by the way she speaks of you how great her loss is and I can't imagine the loss of your family. May you rest in peace Tom and may your family find some solace and comfort in how much you taught those who you left behind.
Don Pedicini Jr.
August 29, 2002
My condolences go out to the family.
Adele Damian
August 19, 2002
May God console the Pedicini family on their profound losses of both Tommy and their son-in-law Mark.
I will always cherish the sweet memory of teaching Tommy to sing "Tomorrow" and "You Light Up My Life" when I was his 2nd grade teacher at Old Country Road School, Hicksville, NY. Nobody knew, at the time, that Tommy had a Broadway quality voice at age 7, so we practiced everyday, to surprise his family at the school talent show. When he belted out his beautiful rendition of "Tomorrow", it brought tears to everyone's eyes.
I am proud to have touched Tommy's life in such a meaningful way, as he continued singing into adulthood and our duet, from years before, was included in his memorial cd. I feel blessed to have had such an endearing child in my class and to know that he grew up to be the responsible, respectful and talented adult I had envisioned.
Tommy was brought to heaven in God's loving arms. He is our guardian angel!
Anthony Valenti
July 24, 2002
I only met Tommy a few times. He was friends with my best friend Carl Peralta. They worked together at Cantor Fitzgerald. Carl died also. Tom was pretty laid back and a good golfer. We played pool a couple of times also. He became a part of our golf club a few months before that day in September. Carl had sponsored him.
God bless the Pedicini family and your friends. Rest in peace Tommy and say hello to Carl. I am sure you are both playing 36 holes a day.
Angie Campbell
May 9, 2002
May God Bless you and watch over the ones that you left behind that horrible day last September. R.I.P.
March 23, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL YOUNG MAN..THOMAS E.PEDICINI 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 ST.THOMAS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Tina Tritschler-Cohen
March 12, 2002
To The Pedicini Family,
My prayers and thoughts are with you. I hope that the memories you treasure will comfort you in some way.
Jennifer Gerard
March 8, 2002
To the Pedicini Family:
The pain and heartache you are all going through should be known by no one.
Please know that as each day goes on, Tommy gives you strength, love and courage from above. May God keep Tommy in his loving arms.
Vinny and I are heartbroken for you all. Know that one day you will see Tommy again and that he is your guardian angel.
We are very close friends with Serena, Stephen Colaio's fiancee. We grieve deeply for Stephen and we grive for Tommy and Mark as well.
Our prayers will continue to be with you all and with Tommy forevermore.
With heartfelt sympathy and love,
Jennifer & Vinny Gerard
We think of you all, pray for you and
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
Michele Abut
December 13, 2001
Dear Tommy,
I am sitting here trying to sort out all of my feelings, but I am still in disbelief that you are gone.
I feel you and I were very close growing up. And although I am the youngest, you never made me feel like a tag-a-long. And I thank you for that.
I remember the letters you and I used to write to each other (b/c we wanted to be pen pals like Brian and Pam were). We were so silly and yet it was so much fun! And I remember our family get togethers when your mom used to make you sing "Tomorrow" for Mom-Mom. You always made everyone so proud.
In our adult years we unfortunately drifted furter apart but I still kept you close in heart. I too, as Brian wrote, cherish that last weekend with you. The moment I saw you @ Chrissy's you gave me a huge hug with the usual greeting, "HEY CUZ!" I will forever miss that greeting.
WITH ALL OF MY HEART I WILL MISS AND LOVE YOU TOMMY!! See you in heaven "cuz"!!
Love, Michele
Brian Abut
December 11, 2001
Tommy,
What can I possibly say to my "baby" cousin?
Of all the memories I have of my cousins from childhood-the one that sticks out the most was when you dropped that piece of glass off the bridge at Lister Park and onto an open (and moving!) convertible.
Granted, you were too young to know better, but I'll never forget the look on your face as you stood behind the owner of that convertible as he was yelling at me and Michele (your scaredy-cat sisters were hiding behind the marsh reeds); that look...a big smile cut across your face and a shrug that said, "Oops."
I wanted to be so mad at you, but I couldn't. This is what always impressed me about you.
I have plenty of other reasons to be angry now. Mostly, I'm angry that I didn't see you enough after we moved back to New York. My only solace is that I got to see you the weekend before this whole mess. AND I WAS ALWAYS SO GLAD TO SEE YOU. I'll miss the pleasure of your company.
So,my promise to you and to myself is that I try harder to see and help my WHOLE family. I never thought my "baby" cousin would be teaching me lessons.
Love ya'and miss ya' Tommy.
Your cousin, Brian.
P.S. Speaking of lessons, you owe me a golf lesson, damnit!
Nancy Pedicini
December 10, 2001
Dear Tommy,
Your family, (Mom,Dad,Pam, Ray, June and Anne) are coping as best we can during this difficult time and find the following poem very comforting. We want to share it with others who visit this website
as it truly reflects our feelings for you and our deep loss.
We miss you so, so much. We try not to think that we will never see you again on this earth as it breaks our hearts. We do find comfort, however, that you were greeted by Gammie, Nana, MomMom, Father Verrall and Grandpa Joe at Heaven's door and are with them now. God Bless you sweetheart. We love you, Mom and Dad
Here is the poem:
We little knew that morning, God was going to call your name; In life we loved you dearly, In death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you, You did not go alone; For part of us went with you, The day God called you home.
You left us beautiful memories. Your love is still our guide; And though we cannot see you, You are always by our side.
Our family chain is broken, And nothing seems the same; But as God calls us one by one, The chain will link again.
June Colaio
December 5, 2001
Dear Tommy,
It's so hard for me to believe that you aren't here. I almost feel like you are away at school or just haven't called in awhile. I think I have totally just blocked out of my mind that you are gone. My mind is reeling so badly that I don't know what to do. I know what you'd say though. Just relax and take it easy, right? I try so hard to remember your easygoing ways and your laidback attitude. You always seemed to just "go with the flow." I'm so devastated that this happened to you. God, I really miss you and your guitar playing in Montauk. I miss our runs together (even though I know you didn't get much of a workout running so slowly next to me), I miss seeing my children's eyes light up with joy when you are playing with them. I will never let them forget all that you are and all that they meant to you.
The other day, I had to borrow your car from mom and dad to go home. The road detoured me very far out of the way and I had to pass right by your apartment. I know it was you telling me that you are alright and that you are still with us. It is these moments that I hold on to when I feel there is no hope. I hope that Mark and Stephen were with you in your last moments here on earth, but I know that they were with you in your journey to heaven. God bless you and love you.
Your sister, June
Sharon
October 26, 2001
Rest in peace, Tom. Thank you for some wonderful high school memories. You will never be forgotten, especially not by the lives you touched. From an old friend...
Liza Pedicini
October 24, 2001
tommy, you will always live in our hearts.
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