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Roko Camaj Obituary
Roko Camaj had a job few would envy: window washer at the World Trade Center. Several times a year, suspended 1,300 feet above earth, he and his partner would suds up the 107th floor windows, the highest windows on the building and too wide for the building's automated window-washing system. The rest of the year, he operated the machines that crawled down the side of the buildings. ''He wasn't scared of anything,'' said his brother, Kole Camaj. ''He had no fear.'' For years, Roko's wife thought he washed only window interiors, until she saw a newspaper account of his job. When she learned the truth, Kole Camaj said, she was furious. Roko would remind her how safe his job was, that the basket and his harness were both well tethered to the building. His son, Vincent, said his father loved his job and considered it an escape. ''He'd always say, 'It was me and the sky up here. I bother no one, and no one bothers me.' ''
Last Monday, Roko, 60, an Albanian immigrant, returned home from a vacation to Montenegro, a birthday present from his daughter. All five Camaj brothers, most of them scattered around the globe, had taken the voyage together. ''It was a great pleasure,'' Kole Camaj said. ''Everyone was so happy.''
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Will black
January 15, 2024
God bless you. May your memory live on forever
Dom Howells
June 13, 2023
RIP THINKING OF EVERYONE AFFECTED BY 9/11 - Dom Howells UK
Bill Thomas
May 20, 2023
May God watch over your soul and those that love you.
Domenica Gjelaj
September 12, 2022
Rest In Peace Roko and God bless your family. -domenica gjelaj
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Cindy Roe
September 3, 2021
Remembering Roko on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
Angelina Camaj
August 17, 2021
Happy 80th Birthday in Heaven, Daddy. There are no words that can express how much we all miss you. Love you always.
PS: Thank you for that sign letting us know you’re watching over us!
Richard Quinn
September 13, 2020
My name is Richard Quinn I was a rookie window cleaner that worked with Roko in the towers . I started in July 1998 and was transferred out in April 2001 . I worked with Roko in the winter months when the machine was put away for the winter. He taught me a lot those 2 winters and those lessons stay with me today. I just wanted to write something because every year I listen for his name to be called . He was a wonderful man and someone I called a friend and mentor.
Abel Emini
September 11, 2020
Perjetsisht ne zemrat e gjith shqiptareve. Te qoft i leht dheu i Amerikes.
Tony Camaj
March 12, 2020
Thinking about you Rrok.
December 20, 2019
I read a story about WTC and Mr.Roko Camaj, very sad.
God bless you !
Damian from Slovenia
Del Newberry
January 11, 2019
Each day, as I pause to remember the many families touched by this horrible day in our country's history, I write a note to one of those families. Today, as I read the story of Roko, I was so thankful for the last birthday gift given by his daughter, and the special times the brothers were able to experience. I pray today for each of the family members and ask God to grant you a special blessing today. Much love from Texas,
Adrian Camaj
September 11, 2018
Rrok Noshi always in our memories. Today we pray for peace knowing you're in heaven watching over us. God Rest Your Soul.
Adrian Camaj
September 11, 2016
Rest In Peace Beloved Godfather Rrok Noshi Camaj
Stuart Ross
September 11, 2016
First time I visited WTC, summer 1985, I met Roko. He knew I was a first-timer, and gave me a hearty "Welcome to World Trade Center!" And his smile was just about splitting his face in half.
Rest In Peace Sir. <3
Mario Camaj
September 11, 2015
Another year passes without you. You will always be in our hearts. Thank you for the time you gave us.
marija radoncic
August 2, 2015
my deepest condolences to the camas family, as someone from montenegro this hurts me because we were such close neighbors. your smile was so bright and powerful that no one will ever forget you.
Delia
June 20, 2015
GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SACRIFICE. MY CONDOLENCES TO YOUR FAMILY. WHAT AN AWESOME PERSON YOU MUST HAVE BEEN.
Harold Borth
March 18, 2015
I worked at the World Trade Center on the 110th floor in Tower One for a Televsion station for 21 years before 9-11. I knew Rocko as a friend. He would always be helpful to me if I needed to have the window washing machine moved for a live news feed which was on a track on the roof. He was always willing to help out as a friend. I was saddened when I found out that he was working in tower two that morning. I was also up on 110th floor in 1993 and walked down the stairs. All of the TV broadcast engineers working on the 110th floor were fiends with Rocko and he always had a cheerful smile for us and very friendly and professional in his work. I am saying a prayer for his family as I remember Rocko this day some 14 years after 9-11. Thank you Rocko for being a good friend!
Sophia
September 10, 2014
Dear Uncle Roko,
Tomorrow will mark 13 years now since you left us. I remember that day so clearly. I remember the look on my mother's face when she came to pick me up. There is not a day that goes by that we do not think of you. You are truly missed. You will forever be in our hearts and never be forgotten. WE love and miss you. RIP
Ilir, Adrian & Arben Camaj
September 11, 2013
Our prayers go out to your family & loved ones. Rest in heavenly peace Godfather.
Eren Vela
September 27, 2012
Roko Camaj a man that will be remembered as fearless, nice, and a family man. I am so sorry for his family, and friends loss and what they have to go through without him.
May 7, 2012
To The Family,
I am a person that's extrememly afraid of heights and depths. I did not know Mr. Roko Camaj, but with his being a window washer at the WTC, he had to be one of the bravest individuals I've ever read about. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Mr. Terry of NC
Anne Maynard
October 6, 2011
I am a school librarian in Navarre Florida and I have the book featuring Roko Camaj in my library. I was weeding it a few years ago and realized the book was about a window washer at the world trade center. I was curious as to his fate so I looked it up to find out that he had died on 9/11. I have had the book on my desk ever since. I look at it often and think about Mr. Camaj and all the others who lost their lives that day. On the 10th anniversary I had my 11 year old son read it as a way for him to make a personal connection with what happened that day. I will continue to share the book with students and it will always have a place in my library in memory of Mr. Camaj.
Marianne Carter
September 20, 2011
At our church's 9/11 remembrance ceremony on 9/10/11, glo sticks were distributed - each with a different name of a 9/11 victim. I received the one with Mr. Camaj's name on it. I wanted to let his family know that he was remembered that night, and that I prayed for them when the lights were turned down and everyone held up the almost 3,000 glowing sticks. However, I didn't realize until just now that he was the window washer who I'd seen many stories about on TV. I'm honored to have received his name and will continue to pray for the loved ones he left behind.
Karen C. Morgan
September 12, 2011
To my fellow ABM employee, we the "ABM family" will always remember our co-workers and understand how you loved your buildings. Take pride. God Bless.
Sarah Sepolio
September 11, 2011
Roko, I did not know you , but watched a show tonight that spoke of you. Your smile was beautiful and I am sure your soul was equally beautiful. I am sure your family misses you dearly. God bless you and your family...
Mark Stanaj
September 11, 2011
I saw footage of Roko on fox news a couple days ago...it brings back memories of when I saw the 2nd tower fall when I was watching fox news 10 years ago....my heartfelt condolences to your family..
he will never be forgotten.
Annabelle Camaj Berishaj Winter
September 11, 2011
My grandmother Marija Camaj was a cousin to Roko. Though i didn't know him, my mother told me about him one day when I found his name amongst the list of those who passed on 9/11 in the Union Square subway station in New York. Though I never knew him personally, his spirit lives on through the entire Camaj Family, and Roko will never be forgotten, God bless.
Rest In Peace Roko , your friend and ex coworker Claude
Claude Roland
September 11, 2011
Arben Camaj
September 11, 2011
I was six years old when my Godfather Roko Camaj died on September 11th, 2001. I did not remember much of what happened that day but, I do remember all of the great things my family has told me about him. You will always be remembered and loved. God bless your family and all the families that have has lost loved ones.
Flora Camaj (Zef Marku) Mukavec
September 11, 2011
Thinking of your family today. May God grant you peace.
Smith
September 11, 2011
I did not know Roko Camaj, but heard a lot of stories about him through his family & friends when visiting Ground Zero last year; an honor I will never forget to hear about such a great man, husband & father. "We are all in God's hands" as he said, a reminder I see everyday when I look at his picture on my desk. All our prayers for continued strength & healing go to the Camaj family and all families who have lost loved ones in this horrific event.
September 10, 2011
roko we miss u very much i remember that day clearly u r always in my thoughts prayers may you rest in peace
September 10, 2011
Camaj Family,
10 years and it will always feel like yesterday! Thinking and praying for you all.
The Dedvukaj Family
Janelle Vincent
September 10, 2011
I didn't know Roko, but I just completed the 9.11 K Tribute Run in Las Vegas. Each runner was assigned to a person who lost their lives on this sad day and Roko was assigned to me. RIP and my condolences to his family and friends. I am honored to have run for him!
Pascalle j
September 10, 2011
tomorrow ten years ago. Always think about Roko, the dutch reporter Max Westerman had a great interview with him that had an impact on me. His passion for his work, what he did to save people in the '93 bombing etc. When the planes hit the towers I immediately thought of Roko, which windows was he cleaning, on what floor, would he be save? Unfortunately not, and the reporter talked about Roko in the news that day. In november I'll visit NY for the first time in my life, and ofcourse Ground Zero. I'll think about Roko and light a candle.
Sal Gjonbalaj
September 9, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family...
Antoinette Berisha
August 17, 2011
Happy Birthday Daj!! We Love and Miss You So Much!!!! We'll never forget you!
Angelina Camaj-Juncaj
August 17, 2011
Happy 70th Birthday in Heaven, Babi. We really wish we could have known you but you will always hold a special place in our hearts.
With love,
Your grandchildren -
Luke, Samantha and Zoe
tony berisha
February 15, 2011
roko we love you miss you with all our heart my mom misses you dearly and i do to . I remember the jokes you said. even though your not here i see you watching over me. You left a strong courageous family that loved you dearly and still loves you dearly even though ur in heaven.
vinny dedvukaj
November 28, 2010
May he rest in peace in our prays and herats forever
November 20, 2010
we try to see if your here with us but all we have is our tear that came from us for you that tells us we love u and miss you
Maria
September 11, 2010
I knew you only through a friend of mine, you were so funny and made me laugh so much even though we only talked briefly I will never forget your funny laugh. My heart goes out to the Camaj family. RIP Roko you were one of a kind.
Maria
September 11, 2010
I knew you only through a friend of mine, you were so funny and made me laugh so much even though we only talked briefly I will never forget your funny laugh. My heart goes out to the Camaj family. RIP Roko you were one of a kind.
Martin Camaj
September 11, 2010
Nine years on, our hearts still scarred from a day that changed our lives. 9/11 a day of infamy that no one will forget. As time passes the emotional impact fades but still lurks in our hearts. Today we remember all those who we have lost in the World Trade Centers and Pentagon. The courageous and heroic firefighters and policemen who risked everything for others lives. We also remember those passengers and crew of United Airways Flight 93, who bravely fought with complete disregard for their own lives, so the lives of others could be spared. For without them who knows what other horror could have unfolded that morning. I cannot even begin to fathom the amount of courage these heros possessed. We as Americans all mourn along side each other for this act should never present itself upon nor in the name of any race/sect/religion. We hope for a better tomorrow and we will strive for a world where this form of heinous crime is no longer fathomable. We all grieve over the loss of others, and of course, we grieve over the loss of ones closest to our hearts. R.I.P. Roko Camaj.
September 10, 2010
Dear Camaj Family,
Thinking of you today and always!
The Dedvukaj Family
Mark Stanaj
September 8, 2010
our thoughts and are with you.
Deborah Williams
January 28, 2010
My 10 year old son brought a book home from school today about Roko. We read it and I wondered if maybe he had been killed on 9/11. We searched and found this website. My son was almost 3 years old when this tragedy happened. It was a wonderful opportunity to discuss that day in history with my kids ages 10 and 6. I will always remember this man and the reason he died now. Thank you Roko!
tony berisha
December 29, 2009
we will always love you and you will always be in our hearts forever
Window Washer: At Work Above the Clouds
Cheryl Ashton
October 22, 2009
I work at the public library in Amherst Ohio. We have a book here in our children's section entitled "Window Washer: at Work Above the Clouds". It is a small non-fiction book about risky jobs and shows Roko Camaj at his job, washing windows at the World Trade Center. I was sorry to see that he was a victim of 9/11. I'm glad that I came upon this book and this website.
Vinny Dedvukaj
October 7, 2009
R.I.P rrok camaj in hreats and prays
September 11, 2009
Remembering you on this day! Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.
The Dedvukaj Family
September 11, 2009
In our thoughts, Vodanovic family
Nicky bojaj
September 11, 2009
RIP
Lillie Nikc
September 11, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you on this dreadful day. He is not with us any longer but will never be forgotten.
tony berisha
September 11, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Sal Gjonbalaj
September 11, 2009
Our thought's and prayer's
are with you.
Doug Abraham
August 17, 2009
Happy Birthday!!!
christian dorn
February 3, 2009
respect for a great guy
Mario Camaj
September 11, 2008
Missing you always
Eva Memisha-Zion
September 11, 2008
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
The Dedvukaj Family
September 3, 2008
Camaj Family,
As the 7th anniversary approaches us, our prayers and thoughts are with you.
R.i.P
August 21, 2008
the prelaj family
August 21, 2008
R.i.P ROKO CAMAJ
We miss you dearly not a day goes by when you dont pop up in our minds ... Hope your doing fine up in heaven cuz life isnt the same without your presence like all your sense of humor and all the good and bad times we all had with you ... But you should see how big Luke got and is now blessed with a beautiful sister zoe and teresea has a little girl samatha but only if you were here with us to go through all the excitment ... Sometimes we wish we had a better way of saying good bye but you'll always remain in our hearts
We All Love You
- HAPPY B-LATED BIRTHDAY
Keidi Pushi
May 23, 2008
WE LOVE YOU ROKO!
Ilir Camaj
September 11, 2007
In memory of our beloved Godfather Rrok N. Camaj,
We remember you. We miss you. We pray that your loved ones are doing well.
Rest in peace dearest Godfather.
Your Godsons,
Ilir, Adrian & Arben Camaj
Vinny Dedvukaj
September 11, 2007
R.I.P Rrok Camaj u will never be forgotten
September 11, 2007
Today is six years since you have left us. For a long time I did not know how to put in words what you meant to everyone and to me. I thought as the years came by I could more easily put that into words but I have realized that it is simple, you are one of the greatest men I have ever know in my life and I along with everyone who knew you was lucky to have known you. You defined the word man and you are someone to look up to. You really were one of a kind and I will never forget that. Everyone misses you and loves you so much, continue watching over us.
September 7, 2007
Camaj Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as we approach the 6th Anniversary. We will be thinking of you.
The Dedvukaj Family
SCARFACE, DET camaj
September 4, 2007
Rest in peace. I hope the best for your family.
Doug Abraham
August 17, 2007
Happy Birthday!!!
Eli Kadiu
August 6, 2007
Hello. I do not know Roko but you don't have to know a man to be able to say a few nice words considering the legacy he left behind. You make us (Albanians) shume krenar (very proud). May your kindness and your smile shine on the other Albanians immigrants and let them learn that life is lived best when you love doing what you do and this is the greatest country on earth to go after your dreams. Thanks so much for letting your kind nature represent the heart of the real Shqiptar.
Eli Kadiu, Cincinnati, OH
annonomys
June 14, 2007
you are dearly missed...your legacy lives on!
Gjon Leka Camaj
May 22, 2007
To the Family of Roko Camaj,
We are thinking of you on this day. Our prayers are with you.
Pushofte en paqe........
Vinny Dedvukaj
May 21, 2007
R.I.P//u will never be forggoten always in our hreats forver. may ur famliy find peace
Memories of WTC
Alan Esporrin
April 27, 2007
Adrienne
April 21, 2007
We will never forget...
Kristine
October 27, 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.
Regina Dukaj
October 19, 2006
People never knew just how much you meant to my mom. Now all we can do is reminisce, Why does God take the best to love and just leave us with there memories. Daj Rok, your friend and cousin has came to you and please take care of her for us
until we see her again.
The Dedvukaj Family
September 11, 2006
To the Family of Roko Camaj,
We are thinking of you on this day. Our prayers are with you.
The Dedvukaj Family
September 11, 2006
In memory of our beloved Godfather Rrok N. Camaj
Five years later we are reminded of loss.
We heard a speach given on this day in memory
all those lost. It went something like this:
"We should not measure our loss to thier worth
or else our pain would be immeasurable"
Rrok we remember your smile and your
immeasurable kindness and love.
God bless your family and all the families that lost loved ones.
Pushofsh ën Paqe
Your Godsons,
Ilir, Adrian & Arben Camaj
Laura Nickel
September 11, 2006
Roko, I know my father misses you. You meant the world to him. I saw your name on tv today at a restaurant while I was getting my lunch and I cried and wished I'd met you. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers today...everyday.
Hana
September 11, 2006
For Americans and to the world 9/11 is the synonim of many heroic names, for Albanians it is one great name: ROKO CAMAJ.
Your everpresent soul amongst us Albanians gives us the strength and so much pride that we need to go on and through our lives always remembering You as one of the greatest Albanian sons.
Martin Jansen
September 11, 2006
In Holland we had a tv show with the name "Max in the City". It was about a dutch journalist living in New York and telling us about the city. In one episode he had an interview with a very nice warm man who was cleaning windows at the WTC...
That man was Roko.
He was the first man I was thinking about when the planes hit.
RIP Roko. My condolences for his family.
September 9, 2006
Daj Roko your gone 5 years now but your still in our hearts everyday.
Love & miss you
Regina
Gjon camaj
September 6, 2006
9-6-2006
I've been reading the transcripts. I know its been over four years, but my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to the people that tried to rescue him. Roko and his co-workers are American heros. My heart goes out to all of them and those who love them.
Camaj family
Laguna Niguel CA
Gjon Leka Camaj
September 5, 2006
god bless you Rroko...
it is now years later but all those lost should always remain in our hearts.
P Tabbernor
September 3, 2006
In memory....
Gjon Leka Camaj
April 5, 2006
Camaj Gjon Leka CA 4-5-2006
Gina Judd
April 3, 2006
I've been reading the transcripts. I know its been over four years, but my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to the people that tried to rescue him. Roko and his co-workers are American heros. My heart goes out to all of them and those who love them.
Mikey Dedvukaj
March 9, 2006
To Rok noshi camaj,
Im sure you knew my brother simon, you both worked together, and are now also in gods hands together. please watch over your family and tell simon i said hi... To rok camajs family my prays are with you all. Threw the hard times we make it, not knowing how but im sure there up there smiling and helping us. GOD BLESS
amanda camaj
March 7, 2006
WE ALL MISS YOU
YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS
I STILL HAVE THE PICTURE WITH YOU,MY SISTER AND ME I WILL HOLD ON TO IT THE REST OF MY LIFE
LOVE ALWAYS
THE CAMAJ FAMILY
CAMAJ FAMILY
March 4, 2006
MAY GOD REST YOUR SOUL...A COUSIN I NEVER MET IN THIS LIFE TIME ..ILL SEE YA IN HEAVEN MY FRIEND
Dedvukaj Family
December 27, 2005
Camaj Family,
Wishing the best during this holiday season. Thinking of you!
Camaj Family
September 11, 2005
In memory of our Godfather Rrok Noshi Camaj,
You remain in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. May God watch over your loved ones and every decent soul who suffers the pain of loss however tragic or natural. Rest in peace dearest Godfather.
Love always,
Ilir, Adrian & Arben Camaj
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