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Lorenzo Ramzey Obituary
His nickname was Grandmaster. For anyone who dared to move a pawn against him, the reason was obvious. Lorenzo Ramzey played a daunting game of chess.
Every day during his lunch hour, he challenged anyone to play. If no one was willing, that did not stop him. He dragooned an opponent into a game. Could you beat him? Forget it.
When he went home to East Northport, N.Y., where he lived with his wife, Volteen, it was often back to the chessboard. He would log on to the Internet and play against cyberspace opponents, sometimes until 3 in the morning. Relatives would call, and the phone line would be busy for hours. Mrs. Ramzey's grown children were planning to get her a second phone line.
Last summer, two relatives in Florida played an epic game against Mr. Ramzey on the Internet and, for the first time, beat him. "They never let him forget that," said Jennifer Fontus, his stepdaughter. "They said they had dethroned the Grandmaster." He was supposed to visit them for Thanksgiving for a rematch.
Mr. Ramzey, 48, came to America from Panama when he was in his late teens, and worked his way up in the insurance business, eventually becoming a casualty broker at Aon. He also loved golf, but was less proficient with woods and irons than with knights and bishops; friends who had been humbled at chess were quick to remark, "Did he tell you about his golf game?"
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Basil
May 9, 2022
I miss you, I´ve never been the same since
Patricia Hernandez
September 12, 2021
RIP Lorenzo and Cleon.
Mike Hudzik
September 11, 2021
I met Lorenzo in the mid ‘90’s when I was an underwriter and he was a broker on the Herman’s Sporting Goods account. We spent a lot of time working together and I always enjoyed his company - such a great guy. We used to go golfing and neither of us were any good but we had a lot of fun and pretty much laughed the whole time we were out there. On this 20th anniversary I send peace and love to his family. His spirit will live on forever and I know you cherish all the great memories of him.
Bill Mcginty
September 11, 2021
Still thinking of this wonderful man. Bill McGinty
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Patricia Hernandez
September 13, 2016
Forever in our thoughts and hearts.
Nicole Alexander
September 12, 2016
Still missing u,grandmaster
Alyssa
September 11, 2016
Every year I choose a name at random from the list of victims of the attack on 9/11. This year I chose Lorenzo. I have made a donation in Lorenzo's name to the American Cancer Society. May Lorenzo rest in peace and may his legacy live on forever.
September 11, 2015
Every year I like to leave a message so family and friends know their loved one is not forgotten. I read Mr. Ramzey's bio, and while I don't know how to play chess, I'm sure we would have enjoyed a game. May you rest in Paradise.
Patricia Hernandez
September 11, 2013
Rest in Peace. Lorenzo and Cleon.
Nicole Alexander
July 15, 2013
U will be greatly miss.
Nicole Alexander
July 15, 2013
U will always be miss
Nicole Alexander
September 9, 2011
U will always be miss
Suzanne Pantzer
September 8, 2011
I am praying for your family.
laura shinn
September 8, 2011
god bless your family. you were truly a wonderful man
Anthony Basile
May 22, 2010
Rest in peace Bud!
Kristine
March 6, 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 8, 2007
In memory....
David Alexander
October 3, 2005
You were known as ''Grand master'' by those who played chess with you. I knew you as uncle Lorenzo.You were a real sport and embraced every game of chess you played with the same grace you applied to lfe. R. I. P. you are missed David.
nicole Alexander
October 3, 2005
Uncle Lorenzo, knowing you and having you as a family member was one God's plan.you were taken away suddenly and too soon. you are gone but will always be remembered and loved by all of us..... love Nikki.
Diane A
October 3, 2005
Uncle Lorenzo you are greatly missed ,and will never be forgotten ,forever lasting love always...
Venice (charmsy) Alexander
October 3, 2005
One beautiful september morning one of God's beautiful creations were called back.Lorenzo we who love you can easily say gone too soon,but God knows why. Lori as I have often heard you referred too by family members, we will always love you and always remember your beautiful smile. your laughter and your ability to make everyone feel at home.''Gone but not forgotten''
Jennifer L.
October 3, 2005
Lorenzo, it has been four years, but it still seems like yesterday. Your body was taken from us but your spirit lives on. Not a day goes by without a thought or a memory of you. We have been enriched to have had you with us for as long as we did. Our lives grow richer still with the legacy you have left behind. May you walk with the angels and continue to spread your light where you are.
Love,
Your daughter
Jennifer L.
Bernadette Jones
September 5, 2005
We will never forget!
Patricia Ramzey
January 6, 2005
Lorenzo, You are missed dearly. To this day, I still sigh in disbelieve and ask myself why??? I don't believe Ernesto and I ever thanked you for the kind words on our wedding day and for always listening and lending a helping hand. We were honored to have you as the "best man" at our wedding and in our lives. I'll always tell your niece and nephew about their uncle Lorenzo. Love always, Pat
Yasmin
January 13, 2004
Dear Lorenzo: May God be with you in your journey... I will never forget our times together.
Love you always,
Amy
September 17, 2003
May you Rest in Peace Lorenzo. My heart goes out to your wife and family
Ramona Hernandez
September 13, 2003
As I watched the somber celebration of lifes that were stolen in a moment, without warning, my heart cried. It cried for those who have gone on before us and left so many behind with a profound sadness.It has been now two years and it was as though it happened yesterday. I shall never forget that day.May you rest in peace Lorenzo.
Sean Grimes
September 11, 2003
Lorenzo, you were more than a father. You were a mentor, a friend, a teacher, a companion. Words cannot express everything you were to us as a family. Trying to express how we miss you is futile. I choose to believe you're still with us and you know what you were and are to us. We love you and miss you every minute of every day.
Shanae Cruz
July 31, 2003
Death came to swift for such a great man. I had the pleasure to have known you for two years at Americana and you will be missed. For your great sense of humor, your patients and your practical jokes I at times become involved in, I know you are in a deserving place no one I know would have been more entitled. Friends always.
BARBARA LLEWELLYN
September 11, 2002
DEAR LORENZO,
MAY THE ROAD RISE TO MEET YOU. MAY THE WIND BE ALWAYS AT YOUR BACK, THE SUN SHINE WARM UPON YOUR FACE, THE RAIN FALL SOFT UPON YOUR FIELDS. AND UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, MAY GOD HOLD YOU IN THE HOLLOW OF HIS HAND. --YOUR FRIEND, BARBARA
Tonya Ray
September 11, 2002
The news I received on 9/11 was disheartening. I worked with Lorenzo at Americana Financial Services for 2 years. We forged a friendship towards the end of his departure from that company.
I admired his love of his family (when he talked about his wife, I always saw the sparkle in his eyes, when he talked about his grandson, it was with such pride). We discussed his family quite often (daily to be exact).
My prayers go out to the Ramzey family.
I know for a fact he possessed a strong faith and because of that I know he is in a better place. But to the Ramzeys -- know this for certain -- (NO ONE MAN LOVED ALL OF YOU MORE!)
Love and prayers,
Tonya Ray
Gail Grant
September 11, 2002
I met Lorenzo shortly after I came into the insurance industry. He was like a big brother to me. He always kept me informed of changes in the industry. When I changed companies after 19 years Lorenzo was there to encourage me. The only thing that I regret is that I did not make more time to get together. I was always too busy.
I feel such a void.
I thank God for having had the opportunity to know you. May the peace that only comes from God be with your family this day and forever.
You will be missed but never forgotten.
Rest my Brother.
March 28, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL MAN..LORENZO RAMZEY AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND THE GOOD PEOPLE OF PANAMA...MAY GOD AND HIS ANGELS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Michele Hayes-Santana
March 13, 2002
My Dear Lorenzo:
I will truly miss you my brother and true friend for over twenty-five years. I still remember the wordly advice and encouragement you gave me when starting our insurance careers at Fred S. James and Company. Your unfaltering kind spirit, your smile, your laughter, your devotion to your wife, family, friends and career was very inspiring. You fought a good fight and ran a good race. Thank you and may God receive you with his Blessed hands. My prayers are with you and your loved ones. Peace
Jacqueline McKie-Gatling
March 11, 2002
On this six-month anniversary of 9/11, I am watching a special on CNN. There was a reading by Mary Tyler Moore of a beautiful poem written by a survivor of Aon. During the reading, which paid tribute to her lost friends and associates, they showed pictures. While I stared at the tv screen, I was shocked when she said "Lorenzo" and I saw his picture. I worked with Lorenzo at Kemper Insurance and he was one of the nicest people you will ever meet. My prayers are with his wife and family.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Jackie.
Linda Snipes - Stephens
January 25, 2002
I have known Lorenzo for over twenty-five years. We began our insurance careers during the same time. He was the greatest friend and co-worker anyone could ever have. He was very conscientious about his work. Lorenzo was always supportive and patient with me, no matter how times I asked the same question. We shared many lunches and laughs at 55 Water St.,NYC. I will surely miss you. You were like a brother to me! Your family will be on our hearts and in our prayers. I thank God for you!
Until we see you again my friend..
Bill Dobson
January 5, 2002
I had good fortune to work closely with Lorenzo for 25 years. I loved him like a brother, I think of him every day and will never forget him.
Donna Confessore
January 4, 2002
You are missed very much Lorenzo. Working with you at Americana Financial Services and then at Aon was a joy. I miss your hardy laugh from all the pranks we pulled on each other. You will always be remembered.
Linda Pisapia
January 3, 2002
I worked with Lorenzo many years ago at Fred S. James & Co. down at 55 Water Street. He was always a gentleman with a really nice sense of humor.
Ursula Bell
December 31, 2001
One of Lorenso's sons contacted me via email about him being missing. I prayed day and night for his safe return. I looked up his name to see if any further information was available about his where abouts daily. I was hoping so badly to look on a site where he had been found safe. I am so sorry for your loss and you and your family are in our prayers (always).
Love,
Ursula Bell
Teresa Jahn
December 15, 2001
We are very sorry for your loss of Lorenzo. 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
Tiki Murray
November 18, 2001
I only knew Lorenzo a short time, but he was a charming man and always helpful whenever I requested his assistance. I am praying for his family to get through this terrible time, and I pray he is at peace.
Maria Sanchez
November 16, 2001
May God Bless you, Lorenzo. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with your family. What a wonderful person you were. I knew you for so many years working with you at Sedgwick, Americana Financial Services and AON.
I will never forget you. You will be missed!
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