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Steven Strauss Obituary
A bench on the boardwalk in Long Beach, N.Y., now has Steven Strauss's name on it.
It is only steps away from the building where Mr. Strauss's daughter, Melanie, lives, and a Frisbee toss from the spot on the beach where she announced her engagement at a family picnic over the Labor Day weekend. Mr. Strauss brought Champagne to celebrate.
The bench faces the endless ocean that Mr. Strauss never tired of, no matter how many vacations he spent listening to the surf. "He could sit on the beach for 100 days straight and still want more," said Robert Chaikin, a close friend who often vacationed with Mr. Strauss and his family. "He loved to fish. He loved to boat. He loved anything that had to do with the water."
Mr. Strauss, 51, worked at the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter offices in the World Trade Center as an electrical foreman for the Petrocelli Electric Company. "This is a business where people don't usually get close," said Mr. Chaikin, also an electrician. "But when this happened, everybody in the electric business called Steve's house and offered to help out."
Mr. Strauss had planned to move someday from Fresh Meadows, N.Y., to somewhere nearer the water, perhaps even Long Beach, where the bench with his name on it also bears a plaque: "In the celebration of your life, let the ocean embrace you."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
John Reilly
September 11, 2020
will never forget him, what a wonderful man
William Prine
September 11, 2017
God Bless you Steve!! I was an apprentice for you 1985/86. Everyone loved working for you! We had a lot of fun! I remember everyone so well! My you rest in peace and may God continue to bless and look after your family.
Scott P.
September 19, 2012
I visited the WTC Memorial last Friday. I took a picture of one random name and vowed to research it, to learn about that person, to remember that person, to let his or her family know that his memory lives on. Mr. Strauss was the name I happened upon. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with your family. May Mr. Strauss rest in peace and his family remember him fondly.
Jeff Dunayer
September 12, 2011
I thought of you guys yesterday and think of you guys often.
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September 11, 2011
Jeannie, I am thinking of you this morning as I do often when I drive past your apartment. I am lucky and proud to have known Steve. All my love, Mike Forte
Kristine
August 4, 2008
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.
Doug Abraham
November 17, 2007
Happpy Birthday!!!
P Tabbernor
March 24, 2007
In memory....
September 11, 2006
Thinking of the Strauss family today. I spent many years with Melanie where we went to elementary and junior high school together. I am so sorry for your loss, I remember Steve well and he was an amazing dad. Its been years since Ive seen Melanie, but I just want her and the Strauss family to know that they are in my prayers.
ARIANA MARTUSCELLO
September 11, 2006
My prayers are with your family, today, five years later, god bless you all.
no name
September 15, 2004
I worked very closly with Melanie years ago. Melanie I just want you to know that my heart goes out to you. You are strong, you can do this. You now have a angel watching over you. Stay strong.
Howie & Barbra Rotun
September 7, 2002
Steve,we grew up together. We saw one anothers children grow up. You should be very proud of both of your children. But most of all, I knew you as a union brother,you will be missed and never forgotten.
Ellen Dunayer
June 21, 2002
Steve, although we hadn't been in touch for a long time, I still remember all the times we spent together in Electchester. I remember our kids playing together from the time they were babies in the double park & also the good times Jean & I had with all the kids. I still can't believe you are gone. I always think about you and your beautiful family. We will miss you....Love Ellen
MaryEllen Rosa
June 19, 2002
Strauss Face,
Although we drifted apart, you were always a loyal friend and I will forever cherish our childhood memories. You are in my thoughts & prayers and hold a special place in my heart.
Love,
Mug
Lorraine Pastor
June 19, 2002
Steve - As childhood friends we shared a special time in our lives, when life was easier and cares were non-existent. Our main objective, to be carefree and have as much fun as possible, without getting into too much trouble. And that we did along with everyone that shared our world at 165 Park in Queens. As adults we somehow drifted, but you will always share a space in my heart and you will never be forgotten.
Lorraine Pastor
June 19, 2002
DONALD ROSENTHAL
May 12, 2002
I GREW UP WITH STEVE IN ELECTCHESTER. EVEN SO WE HAVE NOT BEEN IN TOUCH FOR MANY YEARS, I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN HIM. MY SYMPATHY TO THE WHOLE STRAUSS FAMILY. STEVE WILL TRULY BE MISSED.
May 9, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL MAN..STEVEN R.STRAUSS 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 JESUS ..ST.STEVEN AND ST.PETER THE FISHERMAN GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Tom Fischetti
April 19, 2002
I was fortunate to have known Steve since I was a kid. I was his neighbor downstairs and also his newspaper carrier for several years. He was always good for a laugh or to poke fun at me for something any trouble I got in with my parents. Even when I moved away, I always enjoyed popping up to Steve and Jean's apartment to say "hi" when I was in town. In the summer, we always seemed to meet up at the beach to relax and enjoy some cocktails by the shore. The summer before 9/11, I had a great day of golf with Steve out at Lido Golf course. I drove Steve a little crazy that day because I told the two out-of towners we were playing with that Steve was Senator Gary Condit (and they belived me!) So all I day I would say things like, "Great shot Senator...Chandra would be impressed". Steve had a great sense of humor, so of course he took everything in stride. We had a lot of laughs! I am grateful for that day last summer with Steve. It is a great memory for me personally. It is also one of many great memories Steve helped create in his lifetime. I know I'm not alone in saying how much we all love and will miss Steve.
Norman Goldberg
April 3, 2002
I knew Steve through Scouting. He always had a smile and a helping hand. He supported the Troop even after his son made his Eagle. He will be missed by one and all.
Norman Goldberg
Scoutmaster Troop 357
Marianne Z
March 27, 2002
Nothing was ever a problem for Steve and Joe "Petrocelli". They always had a smile, no matter how small or big the job. They were much appreciated and will be greatly missed by many. God bless both families.
Michelle Ianniello
March 15, 2002
To the Strauss Family:
I have worked in 2WTC on the 62nd Floor for the past 13 years, and would probably see Steve and Joe everyday, we always exchanged smiles and hellos. I was devastated by their loss, and I pray for the families everyday.
May God watch over them always.....
Michelle Ianniello
Jeff Dunayer
March 11, 2002
Even though I haven't been in touch with the Strauss' in a long time, I always remember what a nice guy Mr. Strauss was. My condolences.
Frank Giordano
February 7, 2002
When I think about the past 16 years that i've worked at the WTC Steve & Joe are in just about every one of them. It's hard to express the sorrow I feel from their loss, they are gone but will never be forgotten. Steve always found a way to make you happy, and I will miss Him and Joe very much. God Bless their families.
bob
January 16, 2002
god bless the man who would do almost anything for some golf balls
Christine Maiorini
January 10, 2002
Steve and Joe were 2 of the greatest guys you could ever meet. Their conversations always turned to their families, showing how much they cared for them.
I cried the most when I heard of their deaths.
They will never be forgotten.
January 4, 2002
Steve,
We at Morgan Stanley/Dean Witter Communications will never forget you. There is not one day that goes by where one of us remembers when...
We miss you.
You will not be forgotten.
Tanya T
December 30, 2001
My condolences to Melanie and family. Your dad will not be forgotten. My hope is that you will someday be able to find peace and keep his memory alive.
Teresa Jahn
December 11, 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
anonymous
October 31, 2001
You were one of those who would have stayed to help others out, in the quiet, thoughtful way we always saw you everyday.
We'll miss you and always remember you.
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