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Leo Roberts Obituary
"Put the jets on, Michael!" Leo A. Roberts would shout from the sidelines at his son's soccer games. "Run faster!"
That was him. Always stalking the sidelines. Always encouraging his four children. Fall meant Michael's soccer matches and Jeffrey's and Daniel's football games. Winter was for Taylor's competitive cheerleading. "We would get up and we would plan who would be on what field with what kid," said his wife, Debra Roberts, 43. "That is the way we lived. We lived for our kids."
Weekdays were a whirlwind. Mr. Roberts, 44, got the train from Wayne, N.J., at 6 a.m. for his job at Cantor Fitzgerald, on the 104th floor of 1 World Trade Center. He was home for the kids' practices. There was barely time for dinner before the mad rush started again. Once each weekend, Debra and Leo tried to go on a date, usually coffee or a movie. They told the kids it was so Mom and Dad would still be friends when they grew up, went off to college and moved out of the home. "We tried every weekend to do something by ourselves," said Mrs. Roberts. "But all we talked about were the kids."
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John Turner
August 24, 2024
I was so privileged to. know Leo at my time at college. He helped me through some difficult times my first semester. He was such an encourager to all around him. I want to let his family know how sorry I was to hear of their loss years ago. I just found out a week or two ago. I want to let all his family know that I am and will continue to pray for them.
John Turner
Lauren Shapiro
September 11, 2021
Leo, thinking of your beautiful soul today and pray your are peacefully smiling on your loved ones. May your memory continue to be a blessing for all of us.
Gary Cormann
September 11, 2017
It's 9/11/17. Thought about all the friends I lost 16yrs ago today. It seems like a long time ago, and yet it still feels so recent. Leo helped bring me up through the ranks at JJ Kenny and took me under his wing on the Long bond desk. What great times. What a character he was. You were in my thoughts today Leo. God bless your family. I know you are missed.
Lorraine Schweiger Greenwood
September 12, 2016
Thinking of you and your family and remembering our friendship from the first time we met on the Robert Seaman playground. Your mom introduced us a few days before school began. You guys were new to the area. That was fifth grade, and we were friends all through school. In high school we grew really close as we spent a lot of time at your house playing cards - hearts and crazy eights with your mom and family. Phyllis was a really good cook, she was a lot of fun, and she was always so sweet to me. The year we had Thanksgiving at your house, she wrote down all of her recipes for me, and I still have them!
Hunter and Jason, I always liked your guys, and I am so very sad that you lost your big brother. He really was a special guy, and I know there must be a lot of him in both of you and all of your children.
May God bless you and comfort you all of your days and especially at this difficult time.
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Elyse Laddy-Locks
September 11, 2014
Leo, be it your smiling face back in the halls of Jericho, or the young man I rode the LIRR with to the city so many years ago....you were, and shall remain, one of the funniest, sweetest guys ever. I will never forget the twinkle in your eyes. You were a special guy. May your entire family keep the happy memories in their hearts as you watch over them from above. I am heartbroken that so many went through so much. I think of you often, but especially today. Just wanted to say a prayer for you and all the others......Love Elyse Laddy Locks
February 22, 2014
Drucker who could forget you and leo showed me the ropes. We had some fun times. Thanks for the note i know leo would have a smile on his face. I do miss him very much every day.
Paul Kelmnenso
February 2, 2014
I remember Leo well from our meeting when we were kids while David Israel Kelmenson lived in Bell Canyon in the early/mid 1970's. His spirit was lively, good and kind. May he forever interecede on behalf of his children, wife and loved ones while he resides in the Heavenlies. Paul Giovi Kelmenson
Emily Roberts
January 3, 2014
I wish that I could have met you. My dad, Hunter, always tells me how great of a person you were and are. I miss and love you so much.
Emily Roberts
January 3, 2014
I wish that I could have met you. My dad tells me how great of a guy you were. I love you.
Paul Drucker
September 11, 2012
As an old friend in the Brookville neighborhood I have fond memories of a young Leo with the long hair of the times and the heart of a lion. My condolences to the family - remember me Hunter? See you in Spirit some day my friend.
Jason Roberts
September 11, 2011
Miss You
May 6, 2011
Leo, A punch on the shoulder. A smile and a firm embrace. History that can not be replaced. A love for a brother there are no word to take your place.
The pain of knowing he will never see my daughters face. An urban warrior, a father, a friend.
Taken from us with so many others. I will move on but not the same. I'll keep your burbon chilled on ice. I'll cherish your memory for life.
Hunter
Jack Talmadge
February 27, 2011
We met Leo and Deb when we were on our honeymoon in Antigua 25 years ago. We only spent a few days with them but never forgot. To find this out years later shocks us to the core. Deb, please know there are people many years and miles away that are still thinking about you. You are in our thoughts.
Jack and Kim Talmadge
October 5, 2010
My dearest husband...I watch our children struggle every waking hour. I watch them, and keep them close to me trying to protect them. Our hearts are broken. Not a moment in a day goes that I am not missing you , feeling you..aching for you. I see you shine in our children's actions...we were one. My words are few.....my love is great. In my life there will have only been you.....
steve conner
September 12, 2010
Hunter,
You and your family are in our thoughts today.
Your friend,
Steve
Ellen Winkler Buchsbaum
September 11, 2010
It's 9 years later, and yet it's a day.
Thinking of you, your children, Deb, and your brothers who miss you so.
I will always keep you in my heart. I love you!
Your cousin,
Ellen
LAUREN GOODSTADT SHAPIRO
September 10, 2010
Thinking of you tonight, so blessed to have shared laughter and friendship together. Leo the Lion-hearted....so you! Sending blessings of peace and love to your family.
Andre Viola
September 11, 2009
Leo Roberts. Great person. I used to play soccer with his son Jeffrey. He was always there on the sideline to cheer him on. We will always remember you. God Bless You.
Leo Roberts
July 24, 2008
My name is Leo Anthony Roberts from Australia. I am 78 y o and would have liked to know my namesake.
Hunter Roberts
April 4, 2008
Hey ya mug,
I miss you Leo. I have the picture of that big fish you pulled in on our trip to Great Bear. Crazy your not here. I still fell like I can PU the phone and call your office. Only to be put on hold as you shout out to some one in your office. Bla Bla Bla Bla. Like it was the last trade of the day. You were a hard worker. You tell by that trader calice on your elbow. I leave you with a kiss and a hug. My big brother I loved so much
kristine
April 17, 2007
As I 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
February 18, 2007
In memory....
Ellen Stoneberg
January 21, 2007
I went to high school with Leo. He was always smiling, joking and laughing. I know my classmates miss seeing his shining face when we have our class of '75 reunions.
I know he's smiling down on us from heaven.
Patsy Jo Reed Sircy
October 27, 2006
Very sorry about your loss! Sincere sympathy, Pat - R.N. in TN
Bob Pett
December 24, 2005
Leo and I were friends during our time in Oswego. We took a few classes together, we had a lot of fun and a lot of laughs. I have fond memories of the "pranks" you used to pull on me during the gym class we took together and of the wild Friday nights we enjoyed in Oneida Hall. I'll never forget you Leo - rest in peace.
- "Catskill" Bob
sean kyle
November 7, 2004
Hi bud, sorry this took so long,but its so hard.i think about that day every minute.i cant believe your gone.i came home and you didnt. i miss our time commuting together and our many one and dones.save me a seat at the bar..
sean
Jason Roberts
September 11, 2004
Leo,
Another year without you. Another year and I pray for you every day.
Another year that your death has influenced how Life should be lived.
I pray you rest in peace.
Alexa Kestecher
September 13, 2003
Mr. Roberts ,
Even though i barely knew you i do know you were a great person husband and father.My prayers are forever with you. Rest in peace your safe now in heaven. Dan and Taylor im always here for you guys, i love you so much. Your missed very much and loved very so.
Jason Roberts
September 11, 2003
Bro-
Two years, So much to tell you.
So many things have changed.
Missing you has not gotten easier.
So I guess so many things have stayed the same.
Penny Irwin
September 11, 2003
To the Roberts Family,
My thoughts and prayers are always with your family. I live nearby, and our children go to the same school, and i've never met you - but I want you to know how much people "still" and "will always" care. God bless your family always!
Jason Roberts
May 17, 2003
Sometimes, you think time will help-
in this case- It has not.
Hedy Meyer
September 12, 2002
Leo: You are in a safe place now.
May you rest in eternal peace.
Love - Your cousin
Hedy
Julius Marsh
September 12, 2002
Dear Leo..Though we rarely met...You are and always will be family...May the Lord wrap you in his love and cherish you..May the peace of the Lord be yours through eternity...Love to You...Your cousin Julius
Bob Marsh
September 12, 2002
Dear Leo,
God Bless you and your family. Rest in Peace.
Your Cousin,
Bob
Phyllis Roberts
September 11, 2002
Leo dearest,
My heart is crushed. I cannot believe you are gone. Life has become so sad, for all of us who knew and loved you.
Your brothers, Jason, and Hunter, and their families griev so very much.
I wake each mornng, and reaize you are gone. That;s not the way it was supposed to be. A mother saying goodby to her son, is so very painful.
I miss and love you, always and forever. Rest in peace. Your mother.
Cathy Lawrence
September 11, 2002
Dear Leo-
I remember your smiling face from our days in Jericho. From Junior High through High School you were consistantly kind to everyone. We all loved you then and will continue to love you in our thoughts.
May Gd grant your family the strength to continue to live in the light and the love you obviously gave them in abundance.
Bill Winter
September 11, 2002
Many times over the last year I have thought of Leo, Debra and their family, but could never find the strength to call. I have very fond memories of Leo. I wanted to let you know you are all in my prayers. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
John Eager
September 11, 2002
Leo, I only knew you through your sister-in-law Judith, but I found myself thinking about you a lot during the last year. May God watch over your family and may you rest in peace.
Jason Roberts
September 11, 2002
Bro-
I cant believe a year has past since your death- A day has not gone by without you in my thoughts- not one. I still can't comprehend it. The many times I wanted to reach for the phone to call you- to hear your opinion - your point-
I wish you knew how much I looked up to you for everything- you were, and will always be my role model.
What an example you set, you had the world!
I will miss you, we all miss you - Please rest in peace.
Genevieve Mullen/Rieder
September 10, 2002
Im sorry to hear about your loss we were in the same High school. Leo graduated with my sister Mary and I graduated with Hunter his brother what a beatiful family. God Bless you and your family.
Cindy Keeney
September 10, 2002
Debra,
You and your children are in my thoughts and prayers. I wear my flag pin and think of you often.
Cindy
Ellen Musto
September 8, 2002
We lived in the same town and probably shared the same hopes and dreams. We dedicated ourselves to our children and hoped their lives would always be safe and happy. I continue to pray for these things
and now add you and your family to my prayers. May God watch over Debra and your children, my family, our wonderful country, and this dangerous world we now live in.
Lauren Shapiro (Goodstadt)
August 26, 2002
You've touched so many of us with your sweet smile and warm heart. I am so grateful for the few moments we spent together looking at pictures of your family and seeing the huge smile of pride on your face. You've always been special to me and I'll always remember my driver's ed buddy. You'd still be taking that test if I didn't let you cheat! Hugs forever, Lauren
Jody Janos
April 22, 2002
I have pulled up this memorial website for Leo Roberts as a research project. My son is in the cubscouts (Pack 268) and we have been asked to make a square for the WTC Memorial American Flag quilt. I only have 6X6 inches to work with and not sure how I'll be able to fit everything but, whenever this is put together please let me know if you have found our square!!
Jody M. Janos
April 9, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL MAN...LEO A.ROBERTS AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS WIFE AND FOUR CHILDREN...LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..STAY CLOSE..PRAY AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA..NEW YORK AND THE GOOD PEOPLE OF NEW JERSEY...MAY JESUS AND ST.LEO GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
George Delgado
March 31, 2002
Leo, you would always make my day when you would stop in for lunch or for a visit after work. You always put a smile on my face....sometimes a grimace with your hard handshake or the occasional bearhug/headlock. I'm glad I got to meet Debra, my prayers are with your family. Every Blantons Bourbon that I have from now on, will be for you.
Your Friend, George
Head Bartender- Windows on the World
DUBNOFFS AND ZEIDNER
March 1, 2002
WE ARE AT WAR PLEASE LEO HELP US WIN ARE FREEDOM BACK...YOU ARE IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER.OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. WE ARE VERY LUCKY TO HAVE YOUR KIDS AS OUR GOOD FRIENDS.
Daniel Roberts
February 27, 2002
Dad i love u so much...i hope to see u again.i will send up my goals and touchdowns.i think every day when will u come home and my mom says youre not.Thank u for my beautiful guitar.we are at war help them win it .I cant wait to catch that faceless cowward.
I love u father i will see u again someday>>>
Nicholas Mehnert
January 25, 2002
I know Leo when I just came out of college and started workong at Cantor. Leo was the head of the desk and I was a traders assistant. Lea was a great guy who loved his wife and family. All he talked about was his children and what they did the night before. Leo always treated me like one of the boys. You will greatly be missed and I hope I can love my wife and 2 kids half as much as you love yours.
Scott Lawrence
January 17, 2002
When I heard the news I cried. I knew you Leo from High school, and even though we have not spoken for years, I feel I saw you yesterday. May G-D grant your family the strength to continue on without you.
Ellen Buchsbaum
January 3, 2002
Leo was my cousin. I will always remember how happy he looked at his wedding to Debra, the joy he shared with his brothers, and the pride he had in his children. He supported me during a difficult family time, and I'll never forget it. I will miss him forever.
Teresa Jahn
December 14, 2001
We are very sorry for your loss of Leo. Our hearts cry with you.
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
Andy Stein
November 21, 2001
I knew Leo a life time ago but September 11th has brought back a flood of memories. We had a lot of fun together in those days. Young guys working in munis having the times of our lives. Take care my friend, my heart is broken for you and your family.
Andy
John & Eileen Divers
November 21, 2001
Our prayers are with you and your family.
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