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Robert Peraza Obituary
The number is 18416.
That is the number that Rob Peraza was to wear while competing in the New York City Marathon next week. It was to have been his first marathon, and family members say that his diligent long-distance training — often accompanied by his dog, Otis, through Central Park — spoke to the determination and future plans of a man only 30 years old.
This year seemed to bring a certain maturity to Mr. Peraza, who had been living the 20-something life on the Upper West Side. His job as a bond trader with Cantor Fitzgerald was going well. His relationship with Megan Cressy, his girlfriend of nine months, was getting serious. And his mind, more accustomed to anticipating hits on a rugby field, was focused on completing that marathon. "A lot of things were falling in place for Rob," said his younger brother, Neil Peraza. "He was just starting to, I think, come into his own as a person."
Mr. Peraza's parents live in Ohio, his sister lives in North Carolina and his brother lives in Florida. But they are still planning to attend the marathon, and to see Rob's uncle from Virginia, Steve Comber, cross the finish line ‹ wearing No. 18416.
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Sandy Kjelmyr
September 11, 2024
On this 24th anniversary of that horrible day in which you and so many others needless lost your lives - I want you to know you are not forgotten, Rob. God Bless you and your dear Father who I know is with you now.
Sandy Kjelmyr
September 9, 2021
Rob - you have been on my mind for the past several weeks leading up to the 20th anniversary of that horrible day. I see that your dear father has passed and I know you are together now and that must give your family solace. You are not forgotten, Rob!
A.L.
December 13, 2019
You didn't in vain that awful September morning...
S.J. Friscia III
May 17, 2017
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Janet Rylander
September 11, 2016
Dear Bob and family,
We have been trying to reach you since the tragic day. You were special to us and your many friends in Madison. God bless you and yours today, and please include us among all those who offer thoughts and prayers for your peace and comfort.
Janet and Tom Rylander from Estero, Florida, Oct. thru May
Sandra Kjelmyr
September 10, 2016
I thought about you last night, Rob. You and I had conversed several times by phone and you subsequently traveled out to Denver, Colorado on vacation and we got to meet in person. You were hoping to move out here and I had a position with one of my financial clients you were interested in. I can still see you sitting in my office. That was late August, 2001.
I will never forget what a nice person you were (and still are as I firmly believe you have moved on to the next life). I have told many people about you over the years and will never forget the picture of your father kneeling at your memorial stone at the 9/11 memorial park. Last year a friend of mine went back to New York and visited the 9/11 Memorial Park. She took pictures of your memorial stone and also inside the museum that displayed your name. That is what an impact you made on me Rob so many years later. I can only imagine the impact you made on your family and friends.
I send my prayers and peace to your family - always. It must bring them some comfort to know you had such a positive impact on people's lives - just as you had on mine.
Kathy
September 9, 2016
We Will Never Forget!
Stephanie
September 15, 2012
You never met me, but you're my cousin. My second cousin, I believe. My parents watch for your name every year on TV during the memorial service. You will always be in my prayers.
Roxanne Barrows-Ferber
September 11, 2012
I knew Rob was my friend Joan's older brother, but did not know him personally. Every time I see his father's picture, kneeling before the memorial, I can't help but cry. Rob has such a warm, loving family- so sad to see their heart break. But, Rob clearly lives on in their love!
Lori
September 11, 2012
Never forgetting what happened on this sad day. I hope you're playing rugby up in Heaven. Pleases say hi to Tom Duffy, another local, and also to Jason Sabbag and Scotty Hazelcorn. You are all missed. Rest in Peace. You are NOT forgotten.
Jennifer Saucedo
September 16, 2011
Mr. Paraza,
I saw the picture of you as well. I can't imagine the grief you and your family still feel. We all need to remember that day and how many we lost and wrap are hearts around those famalies. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I have to believe your son was there with you, leaning with you over the North Pool.
Tom and Janet Rylander
September 13, 2011
Dear Bob and Sue,
We have often thought of you and your woderful family since we moved to Estero, Florida. If you are ever in that locale, please call and visit.
You were a true gift to Madison, and many were appreciative of your efforts in that beautiful town.
God bless you and yours as you meet the challenges of your terrible loss.
We offer our prayers and best wishes for comfort and peace.
Tom and Janet Rylander
In Estero Oct. 15 - May 15
Mauricio & Alicia Astorga
September 12, 2011
Roberto & Sue, we remember "Robbie" as a toddler friend of our daughter Leslie in Delaware. As only God would have it, we were looking at the HBO documentary commenting if we would see either one of you, and Roberto, there you are in our newspaper front page !
We live in Naples, Fl and would love to reconnect. We pray He through Robbie will give you and Sue Peace.
Mauricio & Alicia Astorga
Lauren Kiefer-Foley
September 12, 2011
Saw a picture of your father online and I felt the need to find out more about you. I lost my brother, FDNY FF Michael Kiefer on 9-11. I watch the pain in my parents eyes everyday and I saw your father's pain in that picture. I pray for your family to one day find some sort of comfort, although I am not sure that day will ever come. Your family will be in my prayers!
Tiffany
September 12, 2011
Robert I saw the picture of your father may you watch over all of us while you are up in heaven my prayers go out to the family..........
Patricia Donovan
September 11, 2011
Mr Peraza...i saw the photograph of you at your son's memorial...it broke my heart...may you and your family find peace...i wish we could bring them all back
C Gabert
September 11, 2011
The picture of your father embracing the memorial brought tears to my eyes and at that very moment I actually felt his pain but at the same tome felt his love for you. May god give your family some relief from their loss and america from their loss. God Bless.
C. Gabert, Windsor NJ
KC Hill
September 11, 2011
Mr. Peraza, my condolences on the loss of your son, it must seem like yesterday. May your god guide and protect you through this journey.
PAM YOUNG
September 11, 2011
THE PICTURE ON THE INTERNET OF MR PERAZA ON HIS KNEES AT THE MEMORIAL IS ONE THAT TOUCHES EVERY HEART IN AMERICA. I HOPE THE SORROW IN YOUR HEART IS LESSENED AND THE GOODNESS OF THE MEMORIES OF YOUR WONDERFUL SON TAKE THEIR FINAL HOLD TODAY. MAY GOD GIVE YOU PEACE.
September 11, 2011
There was a beautiful picture published today of your father at the NY Memorial and I wanted to make sure that your family knows that our family will not forget
Carmen M Peraza
September 11, 2011
Robert you will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with your family today and always.
Sandy Kjelmyr
September 9, 2011
I met Rob when he came to Denver in August, 2001. He wanted to meet with me to discuss a position with a financial client of mine in hopes of moving to Colorado. I can still see him sitting across from me in my office. I could tell he was a very nice and warm-hearted person - that is what I remember about Rob.
A few days after September 11th in the midst of my own grief and misery over what had happened, I thought about Rob and remembered that he worked for
Cantor Fitzgerald. Hoping against hope, I sent Rob an email but never received a reply. When the list of victims was released, I saw his name. I was sick at heart over such a loss.
I have never forgotten you Rob. I know you are at peace along with all of our fellow Americans who perished on that day. I hope your family is well and my thoughts and prayers are with them.
Sandy Kjelmyr
Denver, Colorado
Sally Trant
February 8, 2010
I look forward to meeting the Family of Rob Peraza at the February 20, 2010, dedication of the 9/11 Memorial in Windermere, FL. My brother, Dan Trant, was also a Cantor Fitzgerald employee and was also on the 104th floor on that fateful day. Perhaps Dan and Rob were friends. God bless you all.
Doug Abraham
May 26, 2009
Happy Birthday!!!
Tom Morgan
September 11, 2008
I miss you my friend...
The Tubolino's
September 11, 2008
Rob...You will never be forgotten. You and your family are in our prayers!
Doug Abraham
May 26, 2008
Happy Birthday & Memorial Day!!!
alexa burtom
April 24, 2008
i really wish i could meet u i think about u all the time
alexa burton
April 4, 2008
we love and miss you so much i wounder about you all the time i wish i had met you but your sister is a ver ygreat person just like you were i bet were all thinking of you
Cassie Cochran Goodson
December 14, 2007
Just browsing over the notes written about friends lost on 9/11 and remembering when I met Rob in class at Bona's. What a wonderful sweet person with a contagious smile! We were all family at Bona's and I know all of us on 6th St. have such great memories of Rob and all his friends. What a great close knit group of guys/friends and what a great school to have brought us all into each others lives even though now its seems it was for such a brief moment in time.
Best wishes to the Peraza's and I hope all will find comfort in the many wonderful memories of Rob.
Doug Abraham
May 26, 2007
Happy Birthday!!!
P Tabbernor
January 30, 2007
In memory....
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.
Kevin Valis
October 15, 2006
Just thinking of Rob(again) and praying....
Peter Carusone
November 23, 2004
God Bless you Rob. I remember my rugby brothers most fondly of all, and you Rob - you touched many with a friendly and loving spirit that will never die. -Bonas '93
Alexander Peraza
July 29, 2004
You've touched the hearts of many and that is why your memory shall carry on. I heard your name after 9/11, we may not be blood related but I still see you as relative that I wished I'd met. May God Bless You and your loved ones.
Maria Elenbaas
October 22, 2003
Two years have gone by and my heart still aches for the wonderful cousin I lost. Every day my "angel" walks with me and keeps me going through my daily life. Our family always feels his precence. We will always love you, Rob!! We keep you in our hearts and prayers and ask God to keep you by his side. You are our HERO!! We will never ever forget!!
Mike Ford
September 13, 2003
Thinking of you and your family during this second anniversary of that black day!
Nancy Kennedy
August 2, 2003
I live in Loveland, Ohio. I was walking the trails in Symmes Park and noticed a small flag next to a tree. I walked over to it and noticed a plaque below the tree. It read "In Memory of Robert David Peraza" a victim of the 9/11 attack in NYC. I was truly surprised to find it there because I never expected the tragedy to hit a family so close to where I live and the park where I exercise. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Tina Alteri (Giardenelli)
February 9, 2003
I remember Rob from Bonaventure. When I think of him I think of Rugby and referring to him as Africa Rob. I didn't get to know him very well, but what I did know I liked very much. At Bonaventure everyone was family. I was deeply saddened when I heard that Rob had passed. I was grieving another close friend and didn't learn about Rob until I received the Bona paper. My heart goes out to all of Rob's family and friends, and to Meghan. I remember living on the same floor as Meghan Freshman year (3rd fal). I am so sorry for your loss Meghan.
I do have a memory of Rob from Bona's. It was a cold weekend night and of course everyone was in town hopping from bar to bar. My friend and I were standing in line waiting to get into Mad Dogs and it was freezing! My friend decided that she didn't want to wait and dragged me to the back of the building. Once there, we climbed a lot of steps, stood on the railing, and were going to attempt to jump over to the outside deck of the bar. Stupid, stupid, stupid!! My friend went first, and barely made it. She was hanging there for dear life and no one was around to help except me - and there was nothing I could do. Out of nowhere Rob appeared and grabbed her and pulled her back to where I was standing. He saved her life, or at the very least, some broken bones. I will always think of him as an angel.
God Bless you Rob, and now you are a guardian angel to all your loved ones left behind.
Teresa Taylor (Barrows)
September 21, 2002
On the 1 year anniversary, I lit a candle when your name was read during the ceremony. That candle was lit at 10:37am and burned until 11:20pm. You will never be forgotten and a candle will be lit every 9-11 in your memory. Until we meet again.....
Travis
September 17, 2002
My school (SPX) wears orange wrist bands with a deceased victim of 9-11, I seletected Robert David Peraza's wristband. I've never felt more honor than I have when I wear the wristband daily. The family of Robert David Peraza and Robert are in my prayers every night. I hope the strength of God can give the families of 9-11 including Robert's comfort in these dark times of global war and terrorist threats.
Sincerly ,
-Travis S. ([email protected] Houston TX)
Craig Beyer
September 11, 2002
Prior to a memorial ceremony we had at my workplace this morning I walked up to a table of "hero" pins and selected one with Rob's name on. I have read the stories about him and wear the pin with honor. He is with me today and I plan on spending it with the sense of wonderment about the world that I feel he did...and having a nice run.
Tom Griffin
September 11, 2002
Dear Rob,
I can't believe it has been a year already. You are still in my prayers. - Sbu Alumni
Steve Brochu
September 11, 2002
I went to high school with Rob. I often played tennis with Rob and his brother Neil as all three of us competed for the school team. When I think of Rob I picture him on the tennis court. It is late spring. Warm sun, blue sky, a few white clouds, and a slight breeze. Rob is smiling after a good laugh. Thanks.
Maureen Watz (Greenfield)
September 11, 2002
When Rob and I met, we couldn't beleive of the coincidences in our lives. I grew up in Norwich, NY and moved to Lockport, NY in 1986 when my father was transferred. As I recall, it was the same summer that Rob and his family moved to Norwich. He made friends with my old friends. From 1989 to 1990 I went to Denmark as a Rotary Foreign Exchange Student. The same year, Rob went to South Africa (my first choice for exchange destination)as a Rotary Exchange Student. In August of 1990, Rob and I began as freshmen at St. Bonaventure University. We were introduced by a friend of mine, and quickly became very good friends - obviously with so much in common. I don't beleive that our meeting was a coincidence. God puts people in our lives at certain times for a reason.
Rob and I lost touch just 3 years later. I transferred from St. Bonaventure to Niagara University. I have never forgotten Rob or our friendship. He was such a warm, and caring person who I could count on for anything.
Please know that I have been praying for you - his family and friends left behind - from the moment of learned of Rob's passing.
After having read all of the notes posted, I am so glad to hear that Rob's life was falling into place. Megan, you must truly be a beautiful person. I am so sorry for your loss. To Rob's family, may God bless you and watch over you as you deal with the unbearable loss of your son.
Very truly,
Maureen Greenfield Watz
Erin Cressy
September 10, 2002
Dear Rob,
I could not ask for a better angel to watch over my sister. I love you Rob and I think of you all the time.
Love always,
Erin Cressy
sean kelley
September 9, 2002
I only knew Rob for a short time while at St. Bonaventure, but I had the privilege of being his friend and teammate. I know that no Bona rugger will ever forget Rob. God Bless you, Rob
michael hauge
May 31, 2002
i met rob through a softball team we played on together in 1999. the starting spots had already been filled out, but we had several guys who couldn't play regularly due to the varied locations and times of our games. our coach was a good friend of his and asked if he would fill in as needed. i can't remember how many times he was called to fill in, only to find out the one he was to replace was able to make it, after all. but in spite of his last minute hustle to some remote park only to be given bad news, he was always the loudest voice of encouragment to anyone; whether at bat, crossing the plate, falling flat or making a big play. and when we neeed him in the field he gave all he had in ability and heart. i can't remember anything about rob that wasn't about the positive side of life. his picture in this site is one of him smiling, and that's the only robert peraza i remember. he is the one person i knew who died that day. and when i see pictures, hear stories or am reminded of 9/11, i always think of rob. in the short time i knew him he showed me how life is to be lived; wide open, with joy and gratitude for the moments we are given in this flawed and beautiful life. i bet he never knew he gave all of us these life lessons because for him, he was just living in the most obvious of ways. rob, you will never ever be forgotten. peace to your soul and all who hurt for your leaving this world.
Kim (Kellish) DeMonte
May 26, 2002
It's so hard to know faces who were taken by these terrorists selfish actions. May the strength I always saw in your family guide you through these extraordinary times. My thoughts and prayers will always be with you.
Angie Campbell
May 9, 2002
May God Bless you and keep you always. Rest in peace forever more.
Angela Gazzara
April 25, 2002
You were the best Rob and it is an honor to say I knew you.
I can never find the adequate words to descibe you to people now because they don't serve justice to your goodness, selflessness and powerful spirit. You were truly one of a kind and the world is a much dimmer place without your bright smile. In your "better place" I hope you now see how beautifully you affected all the lives you touched.
Peace be yours in Eternity.
March 23, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL PERSON...ROBERT DAVID PERAZA 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 HIS SAINTS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Teresa Taylor (Barrows)
March 17, 2002
I had the pleasure of meeting Rob while in school in Norwich. Shortly after, Rob and I both became close friends in our many meetings at Bernie Windsor Dance Center. Rob, I know you're in heaven smiling down on us all and especially over your little brother Neil. Take care good friend and keep dancing in heaven!!
Dan O'Neill
March 14, 2002
I just wanted to send my condolences to Rob's family and close friends. I just found this site, otherwise I would have offered them much sooner...
I only knew him briefly at St. Bonaventure through many of my friends who played rugby with him. Unfortunately, Rob was not the only acquaintance I had at Cantor Fitzgerald.
R.I.P. Rob...
Michelle Skinner
March 11, 2002
It's hard to believe that six months have passed. So many memories, Bonaventure and NYC. There has not been day that I haven't thought about Rob and what we have all lost in losing him. Knowing him was and is a blessing. My love and prayers to the friends, family, and all who were touched by Rob.
Craig McAvoy
January 28, 2002
I went to high school with Rob in Norwich, NY and played football with him. Although I'd lost touch of him after we graduated, I always remembered him as a fun-loving, "good guy" and was deeply saddened and angered upon hearing of his death on 9-11.
Caryn Dalton
January 16, 2002
I only really knew Rob for one summer (we were from the same hometown of Norwich, NY), but it was long enough to know that he was a very nice person, and so undeserving of any of this. My thoughts go out to you Joan and Neil and the rest of your family. Rob will be dearly remembered by everyone whose life he touched.
Elaine Rocchi
January 2, 2002
I knew Rob while I attended St. Bonavenure, and I can't think of anyone who deserved this fate LESS than he did. He was a sweet, friendly, happy guy who should have lived a much longer life, but the life he led was full and wonderful for him. God bless him and his dear girlfriend Megan and his family.
greg ferretti
January 2, 2002
Although I never knew Rob, we were fellow alumni from St Bonaventure University. Many of my friends were classmates and teammates of his. They painted a picture of Rob that made me know that we would have been great friends if we would have been at school for the same years. My condolences to the Peraza family. Rest in peace, Rob.
Teresa Jahn
December 16, 2001
What a wonderful tribute uncle Steve is doing for Robert by running the marathon for Robert. We are very sorry for your loss of Robert. 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
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