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Jie Zhao Obituary
Justin Zhao earned good grades as a student and never rebelled, even as a teenager. After starting to work for Aon as a computer technician, Mr. Zhao, 26, frequently gave his parents money and always bought them cakes and fruits.
This year was the first time that the Zhaos found their financial burden lightened since they immigrated to the United States 15 years ago from Guangzhou, China. At first, they lived in a basement apartment in Woodside, Queens. The father, Qixuan Zhao, waited on tables in Chinese restaurants, and the mother, Shuzhen Zhao, sewed clothes in Chinese garment factories.
Then earlier this year, their sons, Jimmy and Justin, both City University of New York graduates, found well-paying jobs. Suddenly, taking vacations and enjoying retirement were no longer preposterous goals.
"But who knew this would happen?" said Jimmy Zhao, Justin's older brother. "We just cannot accept the reality. We are still in denial."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Alan Olshan
September 11, 2023
Justin was a great help to me as I tried to navigate my new computer in the 1990s. He had great patience and humor. He'd come over and be able to deal with the hardware and software equally well. I tried to reach him for six weeks after 9/11 not knowing where he had worked, then called his home and learned what had happened to him. It was devastating; just as I was starting to recover from watching the buildings fall two miles south of me, I plummeted again learning that a friend had died there. I told the New York Times how to reach his family so he'd be included in the tributes to the fallen. Still miss him, of course.
CL Johnson
September 18, 2019
Greetings to all. I currently work for CompuCom and came across two plaques that were shipped from our TX facility. Our plan is to display one in our current building and send the second to a family member. Unfortunately we've had no luck finding a family member to ship this to. If anyone on this string has a family member in their contacts, please email me directly to coordinate. Thank you for any and all assistance.
Peggy Childers
September 10, 2019
To the family and friends of Jie Yao Justin Zhao:
Please know that Justin will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not allow those we lost on 9/11 be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you.
September 9, 2015
Each day when we come to work at CompuCom, we are able to reflect and remember the life of Justin. The mighty oak tree planted at the headquarters of CompuCom in his honor and memory remind us of the greatness and strength of this young man taken too soon. Friday, September 11, 2015,flowers and a yellow ribbon will be set out by the tree and his memorial marker. Please know he will always be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you for peace and comfort always.
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Robert Eisenhardt
September 10, 2014
Justin was a good colleague when I was at Aon and I really feel he was part of the Aon family, that 176 lost should be 177. A great technician, sorely missed.
September 14, 2012
Still thinking about Justin today after all of these years. I worked with him and remember his kind heart. I know this will never be easy for his family, but I do hope they feel comforted.
September 14, 2012
Still thinking about Justin today after all of these years. I worked with him and remember his kind heart. I know this will never be easy for his family, but I do hope they feel comforted.
Doric Earle
September 13, 2011
From our company's Web-site, a special thought of rememberance for Jie Yao Justin Zhao:
"As people around the world contemplate the tenth anniversary of the September 11 attacks, CompuCom remembers associate Jie Yao "Justin" Zhao who lost his life that day. Justin was working for a client in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 when his life was tragically ended. As a lasting tribute to Justin, a red oak tree was planted in front of Building A at the corporate headquarters campus in Dallas that has grown into a beautiful tree over the past 10 years. A commemorative plaque is placed next to the tree, and two more hang in the executive boardroom and in the conference center in Building A."
I thought you should know.....
Gene King
September 12, 2010
At church today I received your name as part of the 9/11 memorial. It is unfortunate that such a talented young man lost his life so young and needlessly. I know his family is proud of him for what he achieved in such a short lifetime. Our prayers are with them.
Frank Yang
September 11, 2008
On the 7th anniversary of 9/11, I pray that our Savior Jesus Christ would continue to bless our beloved colleague Justin and his family.
- Frank (a CompuCom co-worker who also worked at the Aon WTC office)
P Tabbernor
April 25, 2007
In remembrance....
Nancy
September 26, 2006
Reading your guest book has been an inspiration to me, Jie Yao. I will keep your memory alive as I strive to live my life more fully, with gratitude for the gift of each day. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
craig griffin
September 6, 2004
peace be with you all at this sad time again, from glasgow and scotland x
Corey Karren
February 16, 2004
I just wonted to say I am still thinking about the world’s big loss on September 11, my hart and prayers to the families. You will always live strong in my hart and mind.
By no means Never forget September 11, 2001
We Love you all
-Corey
Selina
September 11, 2003
My thoughts and condolences are with Justin's family. I only knew him for a short time but his kindness was apparent. He will always be remembered as a good hearted person and a wonderful son. Rest in peace.
Robin Stroud
October 8, 2002
I worked with Justin for two years on the AON contract as his account manager and never had the chance to meet him but we worked closely on the phone and he is dearly missed, I could always call him when AON had an urgent issue and always knew the problem would be resolved. Justin was a super person and is missed very much!
Barbara (co-worker)
October 8, 2002
Justin could be summed up in about 5 words. Kind, sweet, honest, friend and unforgettable.
I worked with Justin. He was a wonderful employee of Compucom as well as a great associate at AON. Anybody who knew Justin knew that he was a rare gem and there are not many people like him.
Justin could not hurt a soul. That is what makes this loss all the more tragic. Knowing Justin, he was asking for forgiveness for these terrorists when all of this took place instead of being angry.
My heart goes out to Mr & Mrs Zhao and Jimmy Zhao. I will continue to pray for the healing of your hearts.
God Bless you Justin. I will see you in Heaven.
David H
September 12, 2002
Ah Yao, as he’s commonly known as by some of his buddies.
Ah Yao’s intelligence has made him the intellectual person he was.
Ah Yao’s leadership transformed him into the highly regarded person he deserved.
Ah Yao’s charisma earned him the well admired person he enjoyed.
Ah Yao’s generosity won him the respect he has among his buddies.
And Ah Yao’s kindness secured all his friendships last into eternity.
For sure, Ah Yao is a gigantic lost to all of us.
For wherever Ah Yao is now, I’m sure he is making a positive impact.
Ah Yao, if you are reading this, you will always be in my mind.
And I certainly will not forget your wonderful family.
Ah Yao, Rest in peace.
Your buddy David.
A friend from Compucom
September 12, 2002
I didn't know Justin personally, but we worked for the same company. I just wanted to let his family know that there are many people here at Compucom that feel your pain and hold you close in their prayers.
I've heard that he was well respected by his colleagues, and that he was admired for his dedicated work ethics. We hope that you can find some peace in knowing how much he was cared for by his co-workers.
David Lowery
September 11, 2002
God bless him and his family. I did not know Justin, but work at the same company. I hope that Justin's family finds a way to cope with the loss, and some how finds a way to end this day with a smile. I pray the best for his family and friends. God bless!
Dave
Moe D'Albero
September 11, 2002
Justin was my work-study student. He was smart, hard worker, caring, sincere, giving, understanding person. He's like my brother to me. I'll missed him terribly. May he rest in peace in heaven!
Bruce Samblanet
September 11, 2002
I pray to my God and Lord, Jesus, that He will comfort Justin's family in way that they thought not possible. I am sorry and so sad about their loss.
Julienne Viola
September 11, 2002
Thank you Justin for coming to see me to fix my son's laptop computer at school. I met you through Alan and had your telephone number in my book as someone to call for computer help.
I am so sorry. I hope and pray that you look down on me and help me through the rest of my life's journery. Keep your family safe and say hello to my mom, dad and niece Christina and nephew Michael who also died very very young. They are your age and you can talk to each other as you have me in common.
Julienne
Freed of London
Connie Bonilla
September 9, 2002
May he rest in peace forever.
Angie Campbell
June 11, 2002
May you rest in peace forever more!
May 28, 2002
MAY THE BEAUTIFUL YOUNG SOUL OF JIE YAO JUSTIN ZHAO AND THE SOULS OF ALL THE FAITHFULLY DEPARTED THROUGH THE MERCY OF GOD REST IN PEACE AMEN.
Marie Duncan
March 20, 2002
Following a link from the Husqvarna Viking Designer I link, I wanted to make a quilt square for a 9/11 victim. Justin was chosen by going to the end of the alphabet and choosing the first available name. Reading about him, I learned that he worked for AON, which is where my daughter works, in Chicago. I can't begin to understand what you are going through, but I want you to know that I and so many others care.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Faith
March 12, 2002
Justin seemed to have been so valuable and loved by his family--and such a wonderful son. He shall not be forgotten. My some peace and comfort come to his family.
Sharon Aldridge
March 11, 2002
My God, just when I though that I'd cried all the tears that I could cry six months ago, they've started flowing again today, as I look at this young man's face, and the faces of so many others on this website. May they all rest safely in the Lord's loving arms. Amen
Katherine Bretz
January 23, 2002
This photo reached out and toyed with my heart. As trite as it may be, I would like to offer my condolences to the family as I recognize what a loss this must be.
M K Kwok
January 2, 2002
Yes..who thought this would happen?"
How is it possible to thought this would happen??"
I'm not realated to Justin Zhao, don't know him...after I dropped by this site.
I know Jie Yao Justin Zhao can be a friend, don't know why..
God Bless you,
God Bless America,
May you find peace in your special place,have a nice long life.
Maybe in times, we can meet?
who would know?
IRENE STAPINSKI
December 5, 2001
GOD BLESS JIE YAO JUSTIN ZHAO ..REST
IN PEACE.GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND
FRIENDS.GOD BLESS AMERICA AND MAY WE
NEVER FORGET 9/11/01
Teresa Jahn
December 1, 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
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