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Robert Ferris Obituary
While many men his age pondered retiring to Florida or hitting the links in Arizona, Robert J. Ferris considered buying a house near an orphanage in Haiti.
His wife of 38 years, Susanne, demurred. "I don't know if that would have worked out," she said.
To Mr. Ferris, 63, a family vacation meant packing Susanne and their three children into the family car and setting off for Columbus, Ohio, to visit relatives. If he wanted to support a local firehouse or church, he did not just open his checkbook: he went door to door in Garden City, N.Y., asking for donations.
Similarly, at Aon Corporation, where he was a senior vice president, he was just as likely to befriend a secretary as he was an executive.
Mr. Ferris went to Haiti after Hurricane Georges in 1998 to visit his son, Bob, a doctor in his first year out of medical school. Mr. Ferris volunteered at a nearby Roman Catholic orphanage, where the children called him Papa Bob.
Mr. Ferris's son went on to work in the intensive care unit at St. Vincent's Hospital in Manhattan. He was on duty Sept. 11, and from the hospital saw smoke billowing from the first tower.
"Bobby, you won't believe what I'm seeing," Mr. Ferris told his son on the telephone.
Minutes later, the second plane hit. Mr. Ferris's son was one of the doctors waiting for ambulances that never arrived.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ann
June 28, 2024
News footage from a documentary called " The Stroll." This was about 53 minutes into the film. I paused it to randomly look up Mr. Ferris. My deepest condolences.
Jim Merrill
September 13, 2023
Sending kindest regards and love to Suzanne and Family.
Todd Lyle
September 12, 2023
Peace brother
September 11, 2023
Love you grandpa!
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Jean
September 15, 2021
Bob and Suzanne were my Garden City neighbors when I was a newlywed. Bob was such a warm, delightful, unassuming man who adored his family. His three children reflected his values and carried on his legacy of selflessness dedication to others. Suzanne was a St Anne’s “fixture.”
Twenty years later, Bob is missed and his memory is cherished.
J Gayle Gaymon
September 12, 2021
May God bless your family in this time of sorrow.
Eileen & Fred Brown
September 11, 2021
20 years, but we will never forget this good and kind and generous man. Rest in peace.
Cindy Roe
September 11, 2021
Remembering Robert on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
John Flynn
September 11, 2021
Bob....still thinking about you. Best safety guy we could have had! Can't believe it's been 20 years.
Bruce Robertson
September 11, 2021
Once again we remember our friend and mentor. Bob supported the Continental Ground Safety Team. I had been with TWA when Bob was at Eastern. We never met but we each worked with folks we each worked with. Lunches remembering those folks were always fun.Our very best to the Ferris family. Please look us up if evet in Houston.
Maryann Petti
September 11, 2021
I worked in the Data Management Dept of Aon Risk Services. We were on the 105 floor and that’s when Bob Ferris came into my work life. My manager said we needed to help Bob. So that meant I would be working with Bob. He was such a kind soft spoken gentleman. 20 years since that terrible day. Bob I will never forget you and prayers for your family and friends.
James Merrill
September 10, 2021
We have lived in CA since 1986.
My husband and Bob worked together at Postal Service in Manhattan
and The Ferris Family lived near us in Garden City, NY. We always enjoyed them so much. Even though we live so far away we think of them often and the memories of times together always bring a smile. What a great family! Bob was the best!
Sending our love to The Ferris Family. ❤
Peggi and Jim Merrill Brentwood, CA.
Todd Lyle
September 11, 2020
Peace brother
Dee Spencer Bush
September 11, 2020
Gone but never forgotten.
I miss his crazy laugh and booming voice.
I miss our coffee meetups and diet cheats.
He was a great friend and advocate.
Tom Traynor
September 11, 2019
Bob - You befriended me at Work Comp Bootcamp at Textron and worked together from that day forward. You were kind and caring and very thoughtful to anyone and everyone who you met. I am thankful for meeting you and your mentoring me to help me do my best. I have never nor will forget you. God bless you and Rest In Peace.
September 2, 2019
Sending my condolences to the Ferris family.
- A resident of Ontario, Canada
C Springer
June 29, 2018
It has been so many years but whenever I return to garden city, I think of Mr. Ferris and his family and what a great neighborhood I lived in. My parents are both gone now and our home has been sold. But I will always remember the fondness my parents had for Bob and his wife and how I would see them at st. Anne's frequently. God bless you and your family; rest in peace.
C Springer
June 29, 2018
It has been so many years but whenever I return to garden city, I think of Mr. Ferris and his family and what a great neighborhood I lived in. My parents are both gone now and our home has been sold. But I will always remember the fondness my parents had for Bob and his wife and how I would see them at st. Anne's frequently. God bless you and your family; rest in peace.
Maryann Petti
September 12, 2016
You are still remembered fondly. Your story was not over and I am sure you still live on in your family. May you continue to Rest in Peace Bob.
Joan Fraser
September 11, 2016
Every year on 9/11 I think of your father.
[Joan Fraser, Retired. Stony Brook Residency Program/Pediatrics]
Dr. J Gayle Gaymon
September 11, 2016
I remember when you worked at the US Postal Services. There are no words to express the sorry of that awful day. May your name be written in the Book of Life. May your works follow you and may you be rewarded in kind.
Maryann Petti
September 12, 2015
Bob may you continue to Rest In Peace. You were a good man. Always a pleasure to work with you.
AMI Comp Camp Canvas Bag
Rebecca Shafer
November 23, 2014
We will never forget you, Bob. You were always a positive person that made us smile. At Comp Camp you were cheerfully taking care of our valued clients, making sure they had their AMI coffee mug and canvas bag. I thought of you the other day when someone told me they still - after 15 years - have their AMI canvas bag! Of course I still have mine, and was so pleased that others have kept their bags. Comp Camps were grueling for us "teachers," but we had a lot of fun teaching our clients, and were proud that we could make a difference in the success they would experience in their jobs as a result of our efforts.
I remember well the day you and I drove down the west side of Manhattan, traveling to the World Trade Center to attend a meeting. You, being the safety professional that you were, speculated aloud about how that building would be very challenging if there were ever a fire in it. Who knew that you would be the one in there trying to protect others.
Just wanted you to now that I and others still think of you and value your friendship and comraderie. Here's an AMI bag for you, Mayor of the Marriott! Cheers to you, Bob.
Love, Becki
Kim Hufford
September 13, 2014
You Will NEVER Be Forgotten..
Tim Racicot
September 12, 2014
Bob....I think of you in particular when I hear 9/11 mentioned....I remember the sage advice and safety support you provided while I was with Continental Airlines. More importantly, I remember you as the type of person you were.
Cheryl Castilleja
September 11, 2014
I never had the honor of knowing Mr. Ferris, but it sounds like he touched many lives. Rest in peace. You will never ever be forgotten.
Karine Soutayra
September 11, 2014
There isn't a long time ago that I learned by chance of the tragic death of Mr. Ferris in the towers. Today I have a special thought for Bobby, his mother and sisters.
I remember them as a warm and happy family who welcomed me wonderfully for three weeks in spring 1987 in Garden city.
Wholeheartedly with you on this special day.
Karine Soutayra,
french high school pupil in 1987(Malissard, Valence)
John Flynn
March 19, 2014
Bob: I remember you when you were with the US Postal Se in Queens NY. At our EAP conference meetings, you always made sure that we were in a safe working environment. Miss seeing you.
Beulah Jones-Houston
September 11, 2013
Hi "Dr. Bob"!! I miss helping you prepare for the Comp Camp seminars with Molly. You were such a pleasure to work with and a true gentleman. My prayers go out to you & your family, rest in peace....
September 14, 2012
I just finished reading Rebecca Shafer's article and was touched by it. I also worked with Aon, in the Cambridge TPA unit and worked with Bob Ferris supporting the Continental Airline account. Bob was always professional and a good colleague. I still have his business card and think of him on September 11.
Jim Switzgable
Sacramento
September 12, 2011
I think of Bob every time I see or hear anything on 9/11. Bob worked with us to reduce risk at Continental Airlines. Bob always was a pleasure to work with and a professional in every sense of the word.
Tim Racicot
St. Louis
Maryann Petti
September 11, 2011
I remember Bob today and will never forget working with you on the 105th Floor of Tower 2. I remember how lovingly you spoke of your family. You sir were a true gentleman and a good guy. God Bless you and your family.
Joan Baisley
September 2, 2011
I worked with Bob at Aon Management Institute in Glastonbury. He was such a likeable guy! One of my memories of him is bringing his wife to our office so he could take her for a visit to Boston afterwards. Another is his frequent reference to myself and the other office workers as the "worker bees" as he walked through the office after hours. We were fortunate to enjoy our work. He was truly a gentleman. I was at my son's home that Friday and as the news of the day unfolded we were all sitting watching when Bob Ferris' son came on the screen with his father's picture. My daughter Liz and I looked at each other and broke down. I pray for his family and friends. We will make sure that no one ever forgets.
Tina DeDominicis
August 31, 2011
I knew Bob from the Aon Management Inatitute in Glastonbury, CT. He was called the MAYOR of the Rocky Hill Marriott and when we held classes for clients he was the one to make sure everyone got on the bus, off the bus, ate their lunch etc.etc. Bob had a great sense of humor and was great fun to work with.
I was so sad to hear he was in NY that day and I am sorry it took 10 years for me to offer my sympathy to his family. You see I felt they had enough to deal with and showing up at the memorial service would not make it easier on them. "Wheels", as some called Bob, knew he was in my thoughts and prayers and that was the important thing! The irony of his safety specialty haunts me still. God Bless!
Frances Ferris-Reeves
March 10, 2009
Though we didn't know each other, we have a common bond, the name Ferris. May God bless such a man and may we always remember 09-11-2001. It seems like a large percentage of the world is already forgetting.
Bruce Robertson
September 28, 2008
Bob and I are of similiar vintage and we worked at Eastern Airlines at the same time. We had a number of mutual friends but we did not meet until he and his team came to support our fledgling Safety Team at Continental Airlines. I always considered him one of the true gentleman of our industry.
Interestingly, I have learned more about Bob the patriarch, Bob the community volunteer, Bob the activist, from this site than I ever knew before. I realized that our many lunch time conversations where about me, Continental Airlines and the direction our Safety program was taking, not about him. He was transparent to the process and as a result one of the finest mentors I have ever had the pleasure of working with.
I was flying that awlful morning and once on the ground, high on my list after speaking with my family was learning the fate of Bob and his sidekick George. Another AON Team Member from the mid west was good enough to keep our Safety Team informed. As the hours wore on it was more apparent that Bob was still there when the second aircraft struck. That saddness is with me still.
Peggi Merrill
September 18, 2008
We have never forgotten Bob and think of him often. May he rest in peace.
Our warmest regards and love to Suzanne. Peggi and Jim Merrill
Pat Sadujew
September 11, 2008
Dear Ferris Family,
I worked with Bob at Aon. When we needed a Risk Control - ergonomics expert - he was our guy. He always did well in client presentations - very professional and full of useful knowledge. I was proud to be working with him on client projects because I knew that we were delivering some of our very best to them. He always spoke highly of his family and while on the road - always anxious to get back to them. My thoughts are of his family today and hope that time has done its part in the healing process.
DAN FERRIS
March 25, 2008
THOUGH WE NEVER MET, WE HAVE A COMMON LINK, LAST NAMES
Tim Calkins
September 14, 2007
Even on the week of the sixth year aniversary of that tragic day in 2001. I still reflect back on great times our families had spent together growing up. Bob was my God father and dear family friend. He was a special person that touched many lives. God bless his family and freinds.
We miss you.
Kristine
October 30, 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.
P Tabbernor
October 5, 2006
In remembrance....
Steven Fernandez
September 27, 2006
Dear Bobby and Family,
I just ran in the Tunnel to Towers Run on September 24, 2006 and found this link. What can I say about a father I knew as one of the many that would throw their reins around our group during those St. Anne's years. God Bless the Ferris Family and God Bless America.
Kelly Conway
September 12, 2006
To the Ferris Family,
My heartfelt condolences go out to you all. While it is sad to be reminded of such loss, it is moreso an opportunity to rejoice in the wonderful life and impact Bob had upon everyone around him. I work at Aon and met him years ago at a conference in Chicago. Our discussion revolved around his family and Notre Dame, where I believe one of his children also attended. He will be dearly missed.
Thomas Hunt
December 19, 2005
To the Bob Ferris Family
I knew Bob when I worked for Wolverine Metal Specialties (Trextron). Bob conducted a safety training class for a group of Textron employees and as an "ice breaker" on the first evening it was my task to interview Bob then introduce him to the rest of the group during our evening meal. Since Bob and I are about the same age we had a lot in common and we talked about our kids and our retirement plans. I will always remember our discussions as I think about our chance meeting during the week of safety training.
Tom Hunt
Victoria Hartsough Carmichael
September 12, 2005
To the Ferris Family,
Robert Ferris was the son of my paternal grandmother's brother. My grandmother's name was Mary Ferris Hartsough of Delaware Ohio. Upon learning from my aunt Helen that Mr. Ferris was one of those in the Tower that day my heart ached for his family.I'm sure his legacy of kindness and caring for others will live on in the hearts of his family forever. May he rest in peace. God bless you all.
Ellen Fagan
September 19, 2004
On September 11, 2001, the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) held its annual meeting in Minneapolis, MN. On the second day of our meeting, we watched in horror as our world shattered and cities and lives and families were destroyed. It was a month later that we sadly learned that one of our valued members, Bob Ferris, had been taken from us as he worked in the Twin Towers. We have yet to fill the void left by Bob's too-early departure from this earth, our organization, and our lives. At our recent IACET meeting, on September 11, 2004, we stopped to remember him and all the victims of that tragic day three years ago. Thank you, Bob, for your place in IACET and the mark you left on the world. Our sympathy and thoughts continue to be with your family and friends, and you continue to live in our memories and hearts.
Ellen Fagan, IACET Secretary (2003-2005) and IACET Past President (2001-2002)
Fred and Eileen Brown
September 11, 2003
Bob,
You are probably the nicest, most generous man we have ever met. This is reinforced by the remembrances from fellow LIers, college classmates, co-workers, and acquaintances. You have touched many lives, and passed your values on. We know that your spirit lives on in your children, now grown, and we hope that this knowledge can give some comfort to your wife. May your light shine forever.
Bob Ferris
February 19, 2003
I was Christened Robert John Ferris on 6 December 1949.
I write in memory of my namesake and all others who died in this tragic attack on humanity.
Theresa Dillon (nee. Farinella)
September 12, 2002
To the enitire Ferris family...my condolences. I attended St. Anne's school in GC and remember the kindness which your father/husband always showed to others. May the years ease some of the pain and the knowledge that you are in the thoughts and prayers of so many grant you solace.
Theresa A. Dillon
Northport, NY
(formerly of Stewart Manor, NY)
September 11, 2002
Hello,
I attend Santaluces HighSchool in Lantana, Fl. Today, name tags were passed out around our school of those who passed away during the Sept.11th tragedies. We were to wear these tags around our necks all day. My tag said Robert J. Ferris. I thought it would be a good idea just to come on here and write a lil something. I just wanted to say: May God bless the Ferris Family in many ways.
Joyce Ferris
September 11, 2002
God bless this family. I saw the name, and of course, wondered if there was a relationship. I'm sure there's not. But then I saw "Ohio" so you just never know. I'm very sorry for your loss. Just felt I had to write something. God Bless. Joyce Ferris
Robert, Nancy, Dustin and Laura Sutton
September 8, 2002
In memory of Robert John Ferris
We did not know Robert, but my husband is the brother of Cam Sutton who works for Aon. I came across this on the internet and wanted to express our deepest sympathy. I have thought of all the lives lost that day and especially of the ones from my brother-in-laws office and it still hurts deeply. Our deepest deepest sympathy to the family.
Nancy Sutton
Philip Kinscherf
August 27, 2002
Hello, Bob. I am not sure if you ever come back to read this at all. It has taken me some time to come back to these pages. I myself lost a family member on that fateful day. Not a day goes by that I don't think about what happened. I remember the days at Regis and I remember never thinking such a think could happen back then. I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad sounds like a truly wonderful man. I know that you and your family are in the prayers of the entire Regis family each and every day. God Bless.
Janet Neidlinger
July 26, 2002
To the Family of Robert Ferris,
To the best of my knowlege, we do not know each other. At a July 4 festival, I happened onto a tent run by an organization (Hope in Action) who were asking people to select a name of a victim of the 9-ll attack and donate 10% the day's time or income this Sept 11 to a charitable cause on behalf of that person. I picked Robert's name out of a hat so to speak, and then began researching about him. After reading your tribute here, I was touched by his love of the Haitian children, and I have decided to go with my first idea for a tribute. I am involved with a Christian child sponsorship organization called Compassion International. Compassion serves underpriveleged children in many contries, including Haiti. This Sept 11, I will be donating $25 to their "Partners in Compassion" fund which provides money for extra expenses above and beyond sponsorship such as surgeries, disaster relief, building projects, non-formal education, and staff training. I can't absolutely guarantee that the donation will specifically be used in Haiti, but it may. My deep sympathy for your family's loss. I hope you will take comfort in that Robert will be touching lives even after his passing. My prayers are with you. May God be your comfort!
Jonathan Palmer
April 1, 2002
Deepest sympathy and condolences to Bob's Family from a fellow member of the Gamma Theta Chapter at Ohio State University - Class of '63. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Beulah Houston
March 28, 2002
Hi "Gramps"!!!! That was my nickname for him when I was told that he was going to be a grandfather. I was so happy for him and his family. I still remember seeing his granddaughter's pictures in his office and on his laptop. I miss helping him and Molly getting ready for Comp Camp. I teased him all the time that he was a pack rat. I remember the last time I saw you was on Sept. 10th, you came down to 98 to look for George in the afternoon but he had already left the office for the day. Teasing, I said to you "What do you think? George is supposed to wait until you show up? He has a life, you know!!" I remember you looked at me and started to laugh, saying "Beulaahhh!". I will miss seeing you stop by looking for George and hearing about your granddaughter. I will always think of you and keep your family in my prayers.
Jeffrey Smith
March 14, 2002
I never got to meet Robert. And from what I have read im sorry I didnt get that chance. I saw Roberts missing picture on a telephone pole in NY shortly after Sept 11th. And I wanted to learn more about him. And im glad I did. I work for American Airlines and am truly sorry for your loss to your family. And my whole family at American Airlines send our deepest sympothy.
Truly yours, Jeffrey
Joanne Frein
March 13, 2002
I worked with Bob at the Northeast Regional office of the U.S. Postal Service in the early 80's. He was the manager of our department and was really fun to work with. I was shocked and deeply saddened when I heard he was killed at the WTC on 9/11. My sympathies to his family and all those who knew him.
Dave Sternberg (Ohio State '91)
March 11, 2002
Bob was a member of the Ohio Gamma Theta Chapter of Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity at The Ohio State University. He was a frequent attendee at our annual New York City Alumni Dinner. His memory is being honored through a scholarship fund that has been named in his honor, the Robert Ferris Scholarship Fund managed by the Phi Kappa Theta National Foundation and the local chapter Alumni Association. Bob was an excellent role model for undergraduate members. We hope recognizing undergraduates who have achieved high academic standards on their way to obtaining their degree in an effort to making the world a better place will serve to honor his memory. As an alumnus member of Bob's chapter and a board member of the Phi Kappa Theta Foundation it will be a great honor to memorialize Bob in this way.
Kathleen Cardon Brown
February 26, 2002
"Some people come into our lives and quietly go. Others stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never the same."
Diane and Tom Trudnowski
February 10, 2002
It was through a quirk of fate that we met Bob Ferris - it was our first visit to New York in late August, 2001 - and we met Bob while riding the Long Island Railroad into the city.
(See Newsday article at
http://www.newsday.com/ny-liprofile12414456oct14.story
We are the couple mentioned at the beginning of the article.)
This being our first visit to New York, we were unsure of where to go, which subway to ride, etc. Bob made us feel completely at ease. When we arrived at Penn Station, he was headed to work and we were headed the similar direction, to visit the Statue of Liberty. He let us use his MetroPass so that we would not have to wait in the long line to purchase one for ourselves. We were extremely grateful. He got off of the subway at the WTC, and we continued on our way, grateful that we now had our "bearings", thanks to Bob.
The next morning we arrived at Penn Station once again, and while walking through the crowded station we heard our names being called! We could not imagine who would know the both of us in New York City! Well, it was Bob Ferris. We talked with him for about 20 minutes in the station. He recommended a place for us to go to for dinner and dessert (Puglia's italian restaurant and Ferrara's desserts in Little Italy) - he said that he and his wife had recently eaten there. We did end up eating dinner and dessert at both places and had a wonderful time. Fortunately Bob had given us his business card, because we were able to send him a special thank you for his kind help when we returned home to Seattle.
On Sept. 11, Bob was the first person we thought of. We prayed and hoped that he had not gone in to work that day - we hoped for a miracle. Tom called and spoke to Bob's son and we found out the sad news. We still cannot believe it.
It is amazing how one person can touch your life and the lives of others so profoundly. When we returned home from our trip to New York, we had told everyone about how Bob had helped us. They could not get over the kindness and generosity of a perfect stranger. When Sept. 11 happened we heard from so many people, asking about Bob.
We pray for Bob's family every day and want them to know what a special man he was. He is an angel now. God Bless-
Diane and Tom Trudnowski
January 17, 2002
DEAR JESUS SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON ROBERT JOHN FERRIS AND MAY HIS SOUL
REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND
FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND MAY
WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..AMEN..
Roger Ma
January 15, 2002
Dear Ferris Family:
My deepest condolences and sympathies for your loss...
Roger
Regis, Class of '88
Cathy Hopkins
January 15, 2002
I knew Bob when I worked in the disability management area of the New York Times. Bob headed up the AON consulting team. He was one of the kindest people I have ever met. A true gentleman - and a gentle man. He was so very proud of his family and all of your accomplishments and spoke of you often. My mother's maiden name was Ferris and I used to tease him that we were somehow related. I remember the countless meetings we had both at AON's offices and at the Times. He used to call us at least twice a week to see how we were doing and if he could be of any help.
It has been a few years since I have spoken to him as I am no longer involved in that area of the Times, although I'm still with the paper. However, he and you will always be in my prayers. There is no doubt in my mind that Bob was going office to office, making certain everyone had left or was leaving. If there is a heaven, and I do believe that there is, Bob is there now, making sure everyone is all right. It was a privilege to know him. I hope you can take some comfort, as small as it is, in knowing that he will be missed by many.
My heart, prayers and sympathy are with all of you.
Cathy Hopkins
Barbara Anderson
January 15, 2002
I am a friend of Mary Ellen's and have thought frequently about her and you during this difficult time. My prayers and thoughts for you both. B
Teresa Jahn
January 2, 2002
What a warm and caring heart Papa Bob shared with the children as a volunteer. We thank him for helping others. May his warm heart, life and love live on in those who love him. We are deeply sorry for your loss of Robert and moved to deep tears to learn his son was waiting to take care of victims knowing one might be his own father. 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
BARRETT WHITTEMORE
January 2, 2002
It was my privilege to work with Bob at Eastern Airlines in the sixties and early seventies. I counted him, Susanne and his family as wonderful friends. I shall never forget Bob.
Rebecca Shafer (Bruce)
December 26, 2001
Mayor of the Marriott
Bob was a huge part of our lives at the Aon WC Injury Management Consulting unit. Notwithstanding his vast knowledge of safety and workers' comp, we could always count on him to help with whatever needed to be done. Roll up his sleeves to make coffee or teach executives how to control their worker's compensation costs -- he was always there to make sure things ran smoothly. Bob served as host to our guests during Comp Camp, made sure everyone had arrived, was safely tucked into their room,then finally found there way to the bus to camp in the morning. During these times, we fondly referred to Bob as "The Mayor of the Marriott"! Bob was a very special individual -- always arrived early and left late, just wish he'd arrived late to work on Sept. 11th but that wouldn't have been like Bob. I'm sure he was making sure everyone got out before he did.
Phyllis Borgo
December 6, 2001
To the Ferris Family:
I worked across the hall from Bob on the 102nd Floor. I'd pass his office every morning on the way into mine and we'd say "Good Morning" to each other ... Bob was such a nice man! A few weeks before 9-11, Bob came to me with a beaming smile and showed me a picture of an exceptionally beautiful baby ... he proudly said, "this is my granddaughter." I asked if she was a model because she was so beautiful! Bob was so happy and proud of his family and I'm sure the feeling was reciprocated. I miss seeing him each morning and will always think of Bob of a true "gentleman."
Your friends at Aon miss you! May God keep you in his care.
Heather McNallie
November 29, 2001
The Ferris' are close family friends of my boyfriend's family. To say he thought of Mr. Ferris "like an uncle" would be an understatement as the two families have spent such a great deal of time together from casual dinners to weddings and christenings. Over the past few years, I had the great pleasure of meeting and speaking with Mr. Ferris and his family (who always made me feel like family). They are all such wonderful people and I know that I am blessed to have known Mr. Ferris even as briefly as I did. There's a saying that says "the flame that burns the brightest, burns the shortest" and I'm sad to say I now personally know that truth. I think all who have known him know that they have truly brushed the grace of God in his presence. I wish the Ferris family my deepest sympathy for this loss and my greatest thanks for the times they shared him with us.
Ellen Fagan
November 29, 2001
Bob was an important part of a volunteer organization that champions high standards in training and adult eduation (the International Association for Continuing Education and Training - IACET). He was one of our IACET site visitors and was critical to our role in that he was the voice and presence of IACET to those companies he visited who were undergoing IACET's application review process. Bob was thoughtful, insightful, poised, and articulate as one of our highly-thought-of site visitors. His death leaves a great void in our association's ranks and in our hearts. He is greatly missed! Ellen Fagan, IACET President 2001-02
Kathleen Hojnacki
November 27, 2001
Bob was my first cousin, and always seemed to be the great patriarch of the Haid family, as he was the oldest of 20 of us cousins on his mom's side. He was so proud of his work and especially of his wonderful family. We all will miss him, especially this first Christmas. But he will be with us in other comforting ways. God bless him and his great family!
kimberley hess
November 15, 2001
Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
God Bless you as you have not gone in vain.
kimberley hess
cambridge
Maryann Petti
November 9, 2001
I use to work for Aon at 2 WTC. The five years I was there I had the pleasure on occasion to work with Bob Ferris. I was so sad to hear he did not make it out of the bldg safely. He was a such a good guy and great to work with. My boss often had me help Bob with special projects. Bob was so dedicated to his work. I pray that he rest in peace and I believe he's spirit will go on. I will always remember his smile. God Bless his family.
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Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
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Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
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The Five Stages of Grief
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Read moreWays to honor Robert Ferris's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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