Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Richard L. Salinardi Jr.
Richard L. Salinardi Jr.
Obituary
Guest Book
Richard Salinardi Obituary
His parents took a young Richie Salinardi out of New York, but nobody took his New York -- the Yankees, the Rangers, the beach -- out of the boy. He came home from St. Louis every summer to hang out with his cousins at Point Pleasant Beach, N.J. When the Rangers were winning the Stanley Cup in 1994, he drove up from Washington. "We couldn't get tickets, but we finally found a bar that was showing it," said a cousin, Rocco Minervini.
St. Louis was hardly irrelevant to the life of Richard Salinardi, 32. He was working for Ogden Food Services there in 1992 when a college student, Brittley Wise, asked for a job so she could earn $600 for a trip to Mexico. She got the job, made her trip and three years later they married.
On Sept. 11, Mr. Salinardi was the Aramark Corporation's general manager for food services in the south tower. Instead of pushing his way onto a crowded elevator, he told a co-worker, Gary Angelica, that he and his staff would catch the next one. He was last seen joking with Giann Gamboa, probably about their plans to fly to Ecuador the next day to see Mr. Gamboa's parents.
1362 Entries
Paul Koetting
September 12, 2024
Richie, the fondness of my memories of you only grows stronger.
Lisa Layton
September 11, 2024
Richie a great old neighbor and friend back in our school days. I think of you and your family this day and more.
September 11, 2024
From a former student of Mr. Salinardi's, we remember you and your family. Peace on earth.
Brian Buchholz
September 13, 2023
It doesn't matter how much time passes, you are remembered always. Each time I step on the ice to coach hockey or just ice skate, I remember Friday Nights at the Florissant Civic Center skating in the night air. You are fondly remembered and greatly missed.
How you can show support
Yvonne Kelly
September 12, 2023
Always thinking of you and your family during this time. So much time has passed but I still remember your silly remarks and laugh like it was yesterday. Miss you my friend! Hugs and prayers to your family ❤
September 11, 2023
From a former student of Mr. Salinardi's - we remember. Peace on earth.
September 11, 2022
From a past student of Mr. Salinardi's - we remember. Peace on earth.
Paul Koetting
August 31, 2022
We miss you Rich but we always enjoy playing in your annual golf tournament.
Grace Salinardi
September 13, 2021
My beautiful son is forever in our hearts. Thank you to all of our family and friends we are forever grateful for keeping Richie in your hearts.
Brian Buchholz
September 12, 2021
Thoughts and prayers. 9-11 was a difficult day but after receiving the news about Richie it became devastating. I think of Richie often. Even though we both grew up heading in different directions, when I’d see him, it was like we were never apart. Such a great friend. We are all better people for having him in our lives.
Lisa Layton
September 11, 2021
Grace, Jayme and Jason I'm sending my thought's, prayer"s and love to you today and everyday. I miss the fun days and years that we had being neighbors and friends . I think about you and am so sorry that Richie has been gone for 20 years already and that Big Richie are not with you anymore but now they have each other and are watching over all of you. Take care of each other and I miss you.
September 11, 2021
Missing you so much today.
Ken M
September 11, 2021
From a young soccer teammate... you are not forgotten. Peace.
Yvonne Kelly
September 11, 2021
It is hard to believe that 20 years have gone by. You will never be forgotten, my friend. As always, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
September 11, 2021
From a former student of Mr. Salinardi's - we remember. Peace on earth.
Grace salinardi
September 12, 2020
My beautiful son remains in all our hearts.
Thank you to all!
Kathy Garcia
September 11, 2020
there just are no words... not then, not now, not ever... you are always in my heart
September 11, 2020
From a former student of Mr. Salinardi - we think of you often, we remember this anniversary with sadness. Peace on earth.
Yvonne
September 11, 2020
It's been 19 years but I still remember like it was yesterday. I don't know why the day before keeps coming to mind. The three of us went to lunch on the 43rd floor. We were talking about the event the next day. I didn't want to go, the two of you trying to persuade me. The terrible turkey wrap I ate, opposed to the burger I wanted at Fine and Shapiro. Talking and laughing without knowing that that would be our last lunch together. There isn't a day that goes by that you don't pop into my mind for some reason or another. I miss you, friend. Until we meet again.
Jill ( Miller) Passante
September 11, 2020
Grace, Jayme and Jason I’m sending all my thoughtS , love and prayers your way ... not just today but every day ! I miss all the holidays our families spent together and laying out by the pool! I miss the simple times when life didn’t have to be so frickin hard .... I regret taking so much for granted... not knowing how our future was gonna turn out ... I can’t begin to imagine the pain this day brings up! Just know I love u all so much ! All my Love jill ( Miller) Passante
Greg Boyce
September 11, 2020
I pray that you are resting well.
RIP my friend and 7th and 8th grade classmate.
The Kindred Family
October 26, 2019
There aren't any words that can remove the deep pain of your loss but please know that others do care. Always may God give the support and help needed. Richie touched many lives and will always be missed and remembered.
Brian Buchholz
September 13, 2019
You are remembered daily. You'd be glad to know since losing my only child that I've got into coaching and refereeing hockey. I remember those Friday night skating sessions at Florissant Civic Center when we were young. Thinking of you and your family often. God Bless.
Yvonne
September 12, 2019
Yesterday was tougher than usual. I dont know if it was because I went back for the first time. Seeing the imprints and your names on the plaques was surreal. After, I took the girls for a quick walk pointing out the places we would go like Century21, Trinity, and the Falafel truck to name a few. We had some great laughs. Missing you and thinking of your family during this time and always.
Kathy Garcia
September 12, 2019
Thinking about you as always, sending my love, thoughts and prayers...
grace salinardi
September 12, 2019
You my beloved son will never be forgotten, loved and missed everyday.
September 11, 2019
From a former student of Mr. Salinardi's - we think of your family often, not just on anniversary dates. Peace on earth.
Leah
September 11, 2019
R,
Thinking of you today and everyday.....
L
Jill Passante
September 11, 2019
Time stands still every moment this date comes around! We are 50 years old now like how did that happen ? Grace , Jayme and Jason I think of all of u often and hope and pray there are days you have some sort of peace. Knowing Big Rich is with Richie in some ways makes things a little better, if there is a little better in any of this!! Today is the day I think of Richie the most, I hate that it has to be on this day and not more like his birthday!!! I guess its because today all those years ago Richie made a choice during the worse situation anyone could have ever been in EVER ! He made a self-less choice .... and because of that we lost an amazing person. But gained perspective of who Richie really was in a brief second he left us ... all realizing what it means to sacrifice really sacrifice ourselves for the benefit of another human being . We grew up very close our families, which are the greatest memories ever! I can honestly say I dont know if I would have had the courage Richie had that day .... ! Grace, Jayme and Jason I love you all more than you know ! My thoughts and prayers are with u on this day and everyday ! All my Love Jill ( Miller) Passante
Jodie Wolfe
September 11, 2018
Cant believe it has been this many years. Big hugs to your mama and family.
September 11, 2018
Ritchie..This day sends me me back to fall days playing street hockey with you in the parking lot behind your townhouse..we were about 11...man you were so good.
Angel Garcia
September 11, 2018
17 years later & I still miss you. I will always remember you Rich
Angel
Jeanne Mccaulley
September 11, 2018
911. Never forget.
Thinking of the Salinardi Family today.
September 11, 2018
-from a former student, sending thoughts and prayers to Richie's family on this Anniversary. May you find peace and comfort on this difficult day.
Kyle & Kerry McEvoy
September 11, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Salanardi family as we remember the strength, the bravery, & the selflessness Richie showed the world. He will always be remembered as we continue to share his story with our friends and our children. May peace be with you.
September 11, 2018
I am so thankful for the love of our family and friends, they never forget.
gra
September 11, 2018
We love you so much. So many wonderful memories we just needed to make many more. I love you, I know that your Dad is at peace being with you.
Miss you,
Mom
Kathy Garcia
September 11, 2018
there are just no words... not today or any day... sending all my love and prayers... ❤
September 11, 2018
From a former student of Mr. Salinardi's - we think of your family often. Peace on earth.
Jill ( Miller) Passante
September 11, 2018
Richie I attended a funeral yesterday and as the priest talked about life and death all I could think about was your family. Losing you in such a way, was so horrific without closure. I prayed yesterday with my whole heart, for all of them! We all have never been bible thumpers but we were raised to believe in God and a greater place we are blessed to go to when God believes its our time. I'm not gonna lie and say I completely understand why it would have been your time ! We were soooo young ! But a part of me has to believe God, for whatever reason, chose that day for you to go to that amazing place. Although it hurts the hearts of everyone who loved and adored you... especially your mom, dad and brothers , you are at peace. My one wish is that, now with your dad by your side, your mom and brothers can find some peace in their hearts! The pain can't possibly go away, but I pray God gives them some possible way to have some kind of peace ! You, Richie will NEVER be forgotten ! Not just today but every single day that goes by ! You are loved and thought about ever day !
Yvonne
September 11, 2018
17 years have gone by and yet it feels like just yesterday I said goodbye thinking I would see you the next day. Rest In Peace my friend. You will never be forgotten.
September 13, 2017
Not a day goes by that my heart is not full of you and your Dad.....I know he wanted to be with you and I am sure you both are making fun of your mother....we will be together again...
Yvonne
September 12, 2017
You are so missed, my friend. I think of you often and it always makes me smile. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Jeanne Mccaulley
September 12, 2017
Grace, Jamie and Jason,
Andy and I think and share thought and memories of you. Especially on 9/11.
May Rich along with Richie sleep in peace.
Always,
Jeanne and Andy McCaulley
Las Vegas
September 12, 2017
Thinking about Richies smile and his laugh and what a good person he was always willing to lend a hand to help out may god bless u and ur family today and always in our prayers forever here on Long Island xxxxooo
Jill Passante( Miller)
September 12, 2017
Grace, Jayme , and Jason I am thinking of you all not just yesterday, but everyday ! I know we were taught....in life, things happen for a reason. Not sure if or when we ever get to understand this one ! But I truly believe, with my entire heart, your dad is with Richie now. For some reason that is a little comforting. Or I some how think it's suppose to be ..... just know my absolute love and thoughts are always with all of you ! All My Love jill ( miller) Passante xoxo
Jodie Hermann-Wolfe
September 11, 2017
Thinking about you and your family today. Sending so much love and peace
September 11, 2017
From a former student of Mr. Salinardi's - we think of you and your family often. Peace on earth.
Jill Lehr
June 29, 2017
Jill Lehr
June 29, 2017
Jill Lehr
June 29, 2017
May 17, 2017
You and your Dad can celebrate your Birthday.
May 11, 2017
YOU AND YIUR dAD CAN NOW WATCH OVER EVERYONE
Richie was employed by Aramark. This plaque is located at their headquarters.
Paul Koetting
November 14, 2016
15 years of honoring and remembering Rich.
Paul Koetting
September 25, 2016
Gordon Blank
September 12, 2016
We met one time at a meeting and I remember your kindness in helping me with a problem. You are thought of often.
Marie Eulalia
September 12, 2016
I pray that you are resting well. From a former student of your father -
Melinda (Stevens) Bowden
September 11, 2016
15 years Mr. Salinardi Jr.
Even though I never met you, I think of you every year on this day. It's because I think of your father. He was my Driver's Ed Instructor at Hazelwood Central in the Fall of 2001. I was actually in Driver's Ed class when it all happened. No one knew what was going on but I remember the other Driver's ed instructor's running in and out of the classroom back into the shared room with the T.V. I remember hearing that something hit the world trade centers. That "doesn't Salinardi's son work there?" The panic in their voices. Then the bell rang and we had to go to our next class.
As a sophomore driver in training, I remember your father's laugh and smile. I remember he would sing to my driving partner (who shared the 1997 boat of a crown victoria cop car with me) "Oh Sammy Boy" instead of "Oh Danny Boy". He said he would let us drive to McDonald's on our last day, as long as we bought him breakfast. I remember how I almost ran a red light and your father had to slam on his safety break to prevent me getting sideswiped by a car that came out of nowhere. At 15 years old, I needed a lot of training and he was courageously there for me. It still makes me smile.
I remember after the attacks Mr. Salinardi was absent from school for a while. His cheery disposition was quite diminished when he returned to work about a month later. I remember our students coming together to raise over $1,000 for your family with mostly left over lunch money, anything a bunch of high school students could put together.
I learned a lot from your dad and am now a very safe driver with a clean driving record with a child of my own in tow. I think of and pray for your family every year on this day and will continue to do so for every 9-11 to come. I will never forget. God Bless you and your family Mr. Salinardi Jr.
robert endicott
September 11, 2016
Blessings, peace and prayers ascending..
Kathy Garcia
September 11, 2016
Another year... There are no words, no pieces of vocabulary that can ease your pain. You always are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending all my love
Ashley Bengtson
September 11, 2016
Richie...there are no words! I absolutely HATE this day! I miss you so much! Thank you for all of the wonderful memories! I will cherish those moments forever! You are my hero! Continue to be a charmer up there at the biggest party ever! Protect all of us and bring us another fabulous year of wonderful weather as we celebrate you in a couple of weeks!
I love you forever!
Ashley
September 11, 2016
From a former student of Mr. Salinardi - we remember. Peace on earth.
Angel Garcia
September 11, 2016
Richard 15 years later and I still miss you. You were more than my boss, You was my mentor and a friend. I remember you used to tell me "Use your noodle Angel" Lol...I miss you
Brigid Reisch
September 11, 2016
My heart is with my brother in law Jason and the entire Salinardi family today. I love you all...my family is praying for you always.
Jill ( Miller) Passante
September 11, 2016
Another year passes today... I read all the messages written, amazingly thoughtful feelings put into words on this "legacy wall" set up for my dear friend and his family.. I cry at times and laugh too, thinking of all the times our families spent together when we were just kids and didn't have a worry in the world. Riding with Grace to watch Richie play his indoor soccer games. Richie and I never even knew there could be such an ugly, horrifically scary world out there! Out biggest worry, hell I can't even remember ... Maybe wether or not Richie was gonna call me after his mom dropped me off and he got home lol ... And what would we talk about .. Would my mom pick up the phone and yell at me " it's time to hang up now Jill!" God I hated that ! Lol We would sit on the phone in complete silence because neither of us knew what to talk about , but I at least knew he was on the other end, which made me happy! Now the "silence" has an entirely different meaning. Grace, (big) Rich, Jayme and Jason you have to know that regardless of the silence Richie still there, I truly believe with my entire heart he is SO proud of all the success both his brothers have accomplished over ther years ! That he hates seeing the sadness this absolutely unacceptable hateful, "thought out" act ,that took him from us, at frickin 32 years old ! God there just are never any words I can think of when another year passes to take the pain away from all of your hearts! Just always know, (I can't speak for everyone) but myself along with my family not only today but everyday keep a special place in our hearts for Richie along with all of you ! I love you guys and miss you all tons!! I will continue to keep all out memories close to my heart today and everyday !! Xoxox love Jill
Yvonne Kelly
September 11, 2016
My dear friend, how I miss you. There are days that a memory of you is triggered by some situation and it always makes me laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with your family today and always.
John Carrozzella
September 11, 2016
I worked with Rich at the WTC. I was a supervisor for the Observation Deck from 96 to Jan 2000. A bunch of us would sporadically go out for beers after work, and I always had a blast with Rich. I was living in Las Vegas on 9/11 and was deeply saddened when I heard of his passing. RIP buddy, I will always cherish our fun times out together. May you continue to RIP!
Grace Salinardi
September 10, 2016
Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers....it means so much to have all the love and support from our friends and family...
Love you all very much!!
Grace Salinardi
September 10, 2016
My beautiful boy....there are no words.....miss you always....
Maria Kramer
September 9, 2016
Grace and Rich, praying for you at this time and always. Richies light still shines every day through you both, Jason, and Jayme. Love you all SO much.
BRENDA ABBAYE
September 2, 2016
THERE ARE NO WORDS TO EXPRESS WHEN YOU LOSE SOMEONE YOU LOVED AND ADORED, ESPECIALLY FROM A TRAGEDY AS THIS WAS! YOU PRAY, YOU CRY, YOUR HEART HURTS, YOU BECOME BITTER AND ANGRY, AND THEN YOU SAY TO GOD, "WHY MY BOY"? THERE ARE NO ANSWERS, NONE! SO FOR NOW, I SAY REMEMBER THE TIMES YOU SHARED WITH HIM AS HE FLIES WITH THE ANGELS! YOUR HEART ECHOES HIS NAME, AND FROM MY HEART & SOUL, EVEN THOUGH TIME HAS PASSED, I SEND YOU DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO MY COUSIN GRACE AND HER ENTIRE FAMILY! THAT SLIGHT BREEZE YOU FEEL ON YOUR FACE, THAT GENTLE TOUCH ON YOUR SHOULDER IS YOUR SON TELLING YOU HE SHALL ALWAYS & FOREVER LASTING BE NEAR YOU! MY LOVE & HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES, YOUR COUSIN BRENDA YOCCODINE ABBATE
Bithie Musto
August 31, 2016
Still can't believe you're gone. Pray for you and your family often. Rest in peace.
Jmc
August 31, 2016
Richie: pray for us our hearts are broken with grief; you remain ever in our daily breath and in our thoughts. Most lovingly.
Toni Jaccodine
August 30, 2016
To the Salinardi family......When your heart feels empty, filling it with happy memories can help.......R.I.P. Rich
PATRICIA MINERVINI
August 30, 2016
I LOVE YOU SOOO MUCH AND MISS YOU SOOO MUCH.....YOU ARE THE BEST....WE ALL MISS YOU SOOOOO MUCH....XOXOXOXO
Wantae Neely
August 29, 2016
Richy Rich! Words can't explain how much I miss You Bro! I Had the Pleasure of working with You for years at Lakewood Amphitheater Atlanta, GA.. We had Many Great Laughs and Memories after Concerts..winding down with a few Beers and Just enjoying Life with Many Great Friends and Family members. You are Truely Missed My Friend. New York will NEVER be The Same. Rest Easy My Friend. Love U and Miss U Bro!
September 11, 2015
Another year has passed. You are missed and thought of often. Prayers for your family.
Jodie Hermann-Wolfe
September 11, 2015
Thinking about you and your family today. I can't believe how the years have passed. You will never be forgotten Richie! Sending lots of love to your brothers and mom and dad today and everyday
Christine - Leisure Vlg
September 11, 2015
May eternal light continue to shine upon you.
Kathy Garcia
September 11, 2015
Wearing my watch today, remembering how much fun we had purchasing it... Thinking of you every day, not only today. It is how I choose to remember you in life... your vivacious way, your absorbing smile, the sound of your laughter... You have some great people keeping you company. Save a spot for me, we are all but a breath away. Love to Gra, Big Rich and the family. As ever, Kathy
Shawn
September 11, 2015
As yet another year passes, let us never forget this day, and the wonderful person whose life was taken to soon. Truly a tremendous person, whose eternal light will continue to shine for those who knew him.
Jeanne McCaulley
September 11, 2015
Remembering the day. Thoughts and prayer to the Salinardi family.
Jill Passante
September 11, 2015
Rich, Grace , Jayme, and Jason as always, my thoughts prayers and love is with all of you today and everyday. Richie will never ever be forgotten, but that doesn't fill the whole in your hearts! I can't image anything that possible could !!! Just know how blessed I feel to even been a part of his life along with all of your family! We never know what any of our future holds, but my life will forever be blessed having had just amazing family as a part of it ... Stay strong and know that Richie is a part of ALL OF YOU !! NOTHING AND NO ONE can ever break that bond! Love you all !!! Jill ( miller) Passante xoxoxx
September 11, 2015
From a former student of Mr. Salinardi - we think of you and your family and son on so many days, not just today. Peace on earth.
Greg Boyce
September 11, 2015
thought of you today
rest in peace buddy
Jean Enright
September 11, 2015
God Bless you missing you today and always
Yvonne
September 10, 2015
I think of you often, dear friend. Time does not erase the grief I feel for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are always with you and your family.
July 13, 2015
Love you
July 11, 2015
I was just thinking about Richie, picturing him sliding into his seat in my World Lit. class at McCluer North. I can still see his smile. It's only July 11th, but I think about him so often. Please know we will never forget, even on those off moments that aren't anniversaries.
May 17, 2015
Happy Birthday my love
Michael Reingold
May 13, 2015
Richard and I became friends, I ran the Regal Cinema across from WTC and met Richard, and Gary. He (and Gary) were the nicest people you could ever have met. Always think of you when I think of the wonderful times on top of the WTC, where they worked.
Kathy Garcia
September 12, 2014
Thinking of you today, as I do everyday. Sending all my love to Gra and Big Rich. All of you are in my prayers, as ever, K
David Taylor
September 12, 2014
I think about your friendship everyday. You were a great man and a great friend. Thank you
September 12, 2014
You are so loved and missed....
Jean Enright
September 11, 2014
Rich it was a pleasure to know you and to have worked with you may god bless you and you are not forgotten and never will be you are a hero for what you did the day we will never forget you always in our hearts and prayers
September 11, 2014
thinking about you and your family today.
Charlie & Shanna Smith
September 11, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers will always be with your and your wonderful family Rich! You're missed by so many and without a doubt, you're Gods favorite sidekick.
Until we meet again, we bid you goodbye and thank you for all the priceless memories.
"Your heart is pure, your soul is free--the moon will rise and the sun with set--We won't forget"
Showing 1 - 100 of 1,362 results
Make a Donation
in Richard Salinardi's name
How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Richard Salinardi's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored