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Mon Gjonbalaj Obituary
His workmates often called him Jambalaya because his Albanian last name was so hard to pronounce. Mon Gjonbalaj (pronounced JAHN-buh- lie) liked the Cajun nickname even though he was always proud of his Albanian roots.
He was a janitor at the World Trade Center and he loved the camaraderie, often showing up an hour before work started to chat with friends.
"He was supposed to retire last year," said his son Sal. "He was going to turn 66 on Oct. 31, but he wanted to continue working. He was so attached to that building. He didn't want to let go. It was his second home."
Mr. Gjonbalaj stuck close to his family in New York and in Europe. He lived with his three sons in a three-family house in the Bronx, while his daughter worked as a translator for NATO forces in Kosovo. Last year, he went to Kosovo to help his brother rebuild a house destroyed in the war there.
After the twin towers were attacked, Sal said, his father called home and said, "I'm trapped. I don't think I'm going to see you guys again. Keep the family together. Be strong."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Karen Levine
August 23, 2016
I met the son and grandson of Mon today at the museum. I promise to put a flag in his name at the memorial next week, take a picture and post it on my Facebook page along with his story. May the warm memories bring you comfort
Karen C Morgan
September 12, 2011
To my fellow ABM employee Hero, we the "ABM family" will always remember our co-workers and understand how you loved your buildings. Take pride. God Bless.
September 12, 2011
Is very emotional reading the profile of your hardworking and lovely dad. Be strong as he told you both to be and inshaallah ALLAH (SWT)will be with you all the times. May his soul rest in peace. Allahuma Amiiin
Demhasaj
September 11, 2011
Ne shpresojmë familjen tuaj është e fortë nëpër këtë kohë të vështirë. Ne shpresojmë që Perëndia i jep familjes tuaj forcën për të jetuar me ju në zemrat e tyre. Zoti ju lasht shndosh.
Nga Familja Demhasaj
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Familja e Rrok Noshit Camaj
September 11, 2011
Thinking of all of you today.
September 11, 2011
I was given a card at my church today to pray for this man. I have enjoyed reading his breif bio and we prayed for his family tonight at the dinner table. God bless you.
the Kukaj/hasangjekaj Family
September 11, 2011
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you especially on this day.
Liria Rugovac
September 10, 2011
Dear Gjonbalaj Family,
I am so sorry about your dad. I remember him and how nice he was. Life is just not fair. May he rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
September 10, 2011
Dear Gjonbalaj Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.. 10 years and it will always feel like yesterday.
The Dedvukaj Family
September 10, 2010
Dear Gjonbalaj Family,
Thinking of you today and always!
The Dedvukaj Family
September 11, 2009
Thinking of you and your family today. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.
The Dedvukaj Family
September 11, 2009
He was a great man and He was loved by everyone. He is in our hearts and prayers. I remember when I was a kid our families would visit and they always laughed. He is truly missed
The Kukaj/Hasangjekaj Family
B Balidemaj
September 11, 2008
R.I.P
Beqir Mema Balidemaj
September 11, 2008
He was a great man with such a great sense of humor. He was an extremely hard worker, from the day he set foot into the U.S. until his very last moment alive. Those who knew him know life will never be the same without him. Stay strong and keep your heads up, he is in a better place and looking over you all. May he Rest In Peace! Zoti ju rujt!
Violeta Gashi
September 11, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Gjonbalaj family. During this tough time in your life I hope you can help each other stay strong. Remembering the good times you had with him will keep his memory alive.
The Dedvukaj Family
September 3, 2008
Gjonbalaj Family,
Thinking of you as we approach the 7th anniversary. Our prayers and thoughts are with you always.
I Mehaj
July 13, 2008
May God Bless your family and may you rest in peace.
September 7, 2007
Gjonbalaj Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as we approach the 6th Anniversary. We will be thinking of you.
The Dedvukaj Family
Vinny Dedvukaj
March 3, 2007
may your famliy fine peace and my your soul rest in peace,,always in my thoughts and prays R.I.P Mon gjonbalaj
December 23, 2006
To the Gjonbalaj Family,
Thinking of you, during the holiday season.
All our best,
The Dedvukaj Family
Kristine
October 26, 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.
P Tabbernor
October 21, 2006
In memory....
The Dedvukaj Family
September 11, 2006
To the Family of Mon Gjonbalaj,
Thinking of you on this day. Our prayers are with you.
The Dedvukaj Family
Patty Fallone
September 10, 2006
It will be my honor to read Mon's name along with my own husband's at the 5th memorial at Ground Zero. Your family will be in my prayers always.
Halil Mema Gjonbalaj
April 3, 2006
Mon is missed very much by all his family and friends. He was the heart for all his close relatives. He was such a hard working man and always cracking jokes and making everyone laugh and helped anyone when they needed assistance. He was such a kind, generous and loving man. He will never be forgotten. Hope his family is doing well. He is watching over them all the time making sure they are following his loving, generous and kind footsteps. His loving daughter had a baby after 15 years of marriage we all know that was a gift from God, and a pray/wish from her dad Mon. Congratulations to his daughter and family.
All the best to you all.
May you rest in Peace Mon.
Mikey Dedvukaj
March 9, 2006
To Mon Gjonbalaj,
my prays are with you and your family may you rest in peace and watch over all who love you. GOD BLESS
Fatmire Mal Gjonbalaj
March 1, 2006
I remember seeing you at a few weddings. You were always laughing and my father told me you were a very kind man. I pray for you and your family. They are some of the strongest people and you dont need to worry, yours sons and daughter will keep your family together. Rest in peace.
Dedvukaj Family
December 27, 2005
Gjonbalaj Family,
Wishing all the best during this holiday season.
The Dedvukaj Family
September 9, 2005
To the Gjonbalaj Family,
We are all thinking of you as we approach the 4th Anniversary. We hope you find peace and comfort always. Remember that we are always here.
Val Dedvukaj
September 9, 2005
Thinking of you through these tough days ahead of us.
The Dedvukaj Family
June 13, 2005
Thinking of you all. Always in our prayers.
The Dedvukaj Family
December 25, 2004
To the Gjonbalaj Family,
May the holiday bring warmth and love to your home always. Thinking of you and Mon, always in our prayers. Happy Holidays to you as well!
The Dedvukaj Family
September 10, 2004
To the Gjonbalaj Family,
As we try to ready ourselves for tomorrow, we think of you and the Camaj Family. We know these 3 years have not been easy but we have managed to live on, to move on and to remember always that our loved ones will be missed dearly. We pray for Mon and his family, we pray that you have the strength and courage to face another year without Mon. Be together always and do not let the memories or the legacy of Mon fade. We will gather tomorrow to remember not only our loved ones but all of the victims of this horrible day. Our prayers are with you always.
The Dedvukaj Family
March 19, 2004
Be strong...
GD
March 4, 2004
My prayers are with Mon and his Family
Gina Dedvukaj
d v
January 28, 2004
the pain of losing him never goes away, i dont care how much time passes by. one thing i know is that our tears will not help them, even though we know they are in a better place we seem to still be selfish in wanting them with us. i have many dreams about my loved one who has also tragically passed and he told me in one of them that he is at a better place but he is very tired, and i thought about this dream and the others i had and i feel like we are not letting them rest in peace cause of our saddness and pain we are hurting them more. i think of the good memories and how much i miss him, then i cry. we should try and put all that energy in helping people that are here with us and making this crazy world a better place so maybe one day we will meet again with them in that paradise above where i know they are and lucky to be. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Dedvukaj Family
January 25, 2004
To the Gjonbalaj Family,
Thank you for your post on Simon's page. We haven't forgotten about you and we hope that you are staying strong. We are praying for your family and thank you for remembering. We are here for you if you need us.
The Dedvukaj Family
January 21, 2004
Stay strong, Mon is in a better place looking over you guys. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys.
Gina Dedvukaj
Giorgio Kolaj
September 11, 2003
I never met Mr. Gjonbalaj, nor anyone in his family. I never heard his voice, felt his handshake, saw his face...but he is, and shall remain to be, a shining example of what all mankind should strive towards. A man of principle, of strength and courage, of love and kindness.
As an Albanian man still growing in this world, I want the family of Mon Gjonbalaj to know that I respect, honor, and view him as a hero, an example of what I hope to someday be.
I extend the Gjonbalaj family my deepest condolences. I hope you find comfort that Mon is in a peaceful and comforting place...smiling upon you all...and waiting in Heaven for you.
He is a hero to all Albanians and to all mankind.
Sincerely,
Giorgio
Yolanda Williams
September 11, 2003
I work with the sons of Mon Gjonbalaj. I would like to say that you have my deepest sympathy and may god Bless and look over you (the sons) and your Father.
Sincerely,
Yolanda S. Williams
Metropolitan Opera
New York, NY
DRITA ALIDEMA
July 30, 2003
I AM AN ALBANIAN FROM KOSOVO AND I KNOW VERY WELL WHAT, MR.GJONBALAJ MEANT BY:"KEEP THE FAMILY TOGETHER".I WILL PRAY FOR HIS BEATUFUL AND BRIGHT SOUL, TO REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS.HAVE A NICE TRIP BACK HOME MR. GJONBALAJ IN TO ARMS OF YOUR MOTHERLAND.ALL OUR CONDOLENCES TO THE GJONBALAJ FAMILY.
THE ALIDEMA FAMILY
Theresa Day Golat
July 15, 2003
Rest in peace dear Jambalaya with your friend Camaj. Your smiles always brought happiness to my days at the Trade Center. Rest in peace.
The Dedvukaj Family
July 15, 2003
To the Gjonbalaj Family,
It was a relief to us that we heard that your father has been identified. Our families will always share that same event and that same feeling of having our loved ones found. Closure is what we all need but it will always be hard. We will keep praying for you and remember just be strong.
All our condolences. The Dedvukaj Family
Michael D Dedvukaj
February 7, 2003
Mon Gjonbalaj your safe in heaven were no one can hurt you my brother Simon Dedvukaj or Rok Camaj.. i know your guys are watching over each and everyone of us please help us get through this. even though our familys feel the same till this day we are all trying to get through this may god bless you guys in heaven where ur safe and happy. may god bless our famailys.. THANK YOU.. love always
Lisa Dedvukaj
December 12, 2002
To the Gjonbalaj Family,
The holidays are coming up and I hope you have the strength and the courage to face them. Have faith and hold the memories of your father close to you. It's getting hard and we all feel it but never forget and be together because that will only matter at the end.
[email protected]
Marta
September 12, 2002
Please accept my condolences at the loss of your husband and father. I hope with time the pain will pass and you will remeber only the good times.
Gail Gozart
September 11, 2002
I am singing in The Rolling Requiem in Aberdeen,Wash.tonight for Mon and his family. You are in my and my family's prayers.God bless your family.
Janice Krolczyk
September 10, 2002
The Gjonbalaj Family,
I did not know Mr. Gjonbalaj personally but I read his page and he sounded like a very kind man. I hope you stay strong. Remember you will feel better with time. I hope all the entries will provide you comfort even though it must seem that nothing could ease the pain. I just want to let you know that I will be thinking of you and praying.
The Dedvukaj Family
August 2, 2002
To the Gjonbalaj Family,
It's hard! BE strong and may God have you in his sight always. May Mon be with you always in spirit and in heart. BE strong and pray, HE is always listening. God Bless You! The Dedvukaj Family
Angie Campbell
April 26, 2002
May God Bless you and keep you. Rest in his loving peace.
SanDee McBride
March 30, 2002
Dear Mon Gjonbalaj,
I ask God that your last moments in this live were filled with wonderful memories of your beloved family. Know that we, the American People will take care of them now. You left a mark on millions of lives through out this world. The smile on your face in your picture says "Love". I look forward to meeting you in the next life, along with your family. You are in the arms of God and are at peace. Thank you for your happiness in this life. SanDee
G.Sophie Que
March 18, 2002
I have heard of the Gjonbalaj family and am in a far way related as well, I have deep sorrow for the whole Gjonbalaj loss. I pray that God have mercy on all our souls and may Mon find the closest step to heaven peace be upon him and his family and may God Bless them and take away their pain.
lynlee vanwicklin
March 12, 2002
Hi, My name is Lynlee. I don't know this man but his picture caught my eye. I am so sorry. Just his simple last words, "Keep the family strong" made me choke up. I care for this victim's family and I hope you are all staying strong. I can almost sense this is a man with a strong heart and wish I could of known him. God Bless this man's family.
Simon Vukel
March 11, 2002
I didn't know Mon personally, but have heard many good things about him. Like many immigrants who come to this country, he worked hard to provide the best for their family. He will never be forgotten by the Albanian people, and his life will serve as an example to all Americans. He lived the American dream, and while some may have tried to take that dream away from us, by taking him away from us, they cannot take away his spirit, or the spirit of all of us who live in America.
Anonymous
January 26, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THE BEAUTIFUL MAN MON GJONBALAJ AND MAY
HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND
HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND
FRIENDS.GOD BLESS AMERICA..NEW YORK..AND THE GOOD PEOPLE OF ALBANIA.MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01.
AMEN..
Teresa Jahn
December 30, 2001
What a heart gripping story of your loss of Mon, with bitter/sweet last moments of his life. Sweet because you were able to talk to him but bitter in knowing you may not get the chance to talk to each other ever again. It brings tears to my eyes and heart. We are deeply sorry for your loss of Mon. May his strength, his life and love live on in those who love him. Our hearts cry with you in your loss of Mon.
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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