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Marian Hrycak Obituary
"This was supposed to be our time now," Joanne Hrycak said of her husband, Marian Hrycak, who went to work as usual on Sept. 11, but never came home. The couple had been getting ready to take their annual trip to Vermont, were sprucing up their home in Flushing, N.Y., and had just bought a puppy.
Now, she said, she has learned things she never knew about her husband of 32 years. It was no secret that the 56-year-old collected books, stamps, coins and Conan comic books. But she had also found tuna fish cans and toothpaste tubes he had squirreled away for some far-off reason.
When they met in 1967, she could not bring herself to call him by his given name. What was his mother thinking? "I just couldn't," she said. "He was Marty."
He took her ice skating on their first date and nearly broke his neck, but it did not matter. They married in 1969, raised two children, and he eventually went to work for New York State's Department of Taxation and Finance. His specialty was investigating shopkeepers who charged consumers tax on items that are tax-free.
Shortly before 9 a.m. the day of the attacks, he called to say he was safely out of the building. She later learned he was not. He was last seen on the 78th floor of the south tower, helping some elderly coworkers evacuate, before the second plane hit.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Gary McGough
September 12, 2018
Every Anniversary of 911 brings with it a deep sadness for the personal loss of my friend, Marty Hrycak, as well as all the people who equally suffered his fate. I will always have fond memories of New York, making real friends like Marty, but, I can never forget the tragedy that changed our world.
Richard Kolsch
September 11, 2011
I was in the same class with Marian at st. Francis. He was one of the few that signed my yearbook. I wish i would have kept in touch. What a terrible loss.
Richard
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Greg Hrycak
May 2, 2011
It took 10 years, but, they finally found Bin Ladin. Justice has been served. Dad, I hope that you and the 3,000 others killed that fateful day can now rest in peace.
You may be gone, but you will never be forgotton.
September 19, 2009
Good morning Joanne. 8 years and as far as I am concerned, it is as if it were yesterday. Please know that Marty was thought about by many many people. I wish that i could post my recollection of Marty, but once again, reading all those entries about him, He was truly a wonderful man. Hope that you and your family found comfort in knowing that he was loved by many. Thinking of you and sending my warmest best wishes to you and your family Ken Fairben
Carmen Pedrosa
September 9, 2008
I will always remember Marty. He was a very nice person. I was in the clerical department of which he worked. When they undid the Collection section I was sent to Tax Enforcement..I survived that day but still feel quilty for being here at times. God bless you always, rest in peace my co-worker on this 7th Anniversary of that terrible day.
Gary McGough
October 26, 2007
Joanne,
When I arrived in New York City in 1982, Marty was one of the first people I met at my new job. He immediately made me feel welcome, and I appreciated this very much. During the next two and one half years, he and I worked closely together, and became good friends.
We had a standing group that went out for Happy Hour after work at least once a week. Our group included Marty, Jay, Barbara, Sheila, Roxanne, Ken, and me. When we did, Marty often talked about you and your kids, what you were doing, and so on. Marty said it would be too much of a headache for you to come in town for a couple of hours, and so, he never abused his time away from you. He frequently talked about your church activities, and clearly he was a truly religious man.
I believe that the first time I met you was at the Japanese restaurant in Manhattan for an unusual Christmas Dinner. With so many of us, it was pretty hard to get to know one another. Trying to talk over the din, the sake, and the spirit of Christmas, made it impossible,and it was somewhat of a memorable blur.
At work, Marty was an outstanding boss; bright, gentle, and always able to put people in a good mood even when he didn’t feel much like it. He had an extremely well organized mind and an extremely disorganized desk – which I would kid him about. He had good ideas, and was sensitive to people and their skills. We worked with a team to convert our business to a new software system, and we all traveled to Pennsylvania to get it done for over two years.
When I left New York and returned to Los Angeles, Marty came out on a business trip. We did have a good visit, had California style Mexican food, and it was great to see him. About two years later, I flew to Manhattan, called everyone, and we met briefly after work. That was to be the last time I was to see Marty OR Jay.
I hope that you know what a great man Marty was to others – relative strangers to you. I was unaware that he was in the World Trade Center for several years, and I cannot describe how stunned I was, and how sorry I was - not to have written something sooner.
This is the first opportunity for me to let others know a little about him from a friend and co-worker’s perspective. I think of him often. Even though we hadn’t seen each other for a long time, I always felt he was a lifelong friend.
I hope you and your family are well.
Gary McGough
Las Vegas, Nevada
Barbara Carpenter
September 11, 2007
Thinking of Marty on this 6th anniversary of this day.
Tatiana Janowycz
May 31, 2007
Tatiana Janowycz
Dr. Vivian Chan
May 21, 2007
Dear Joanne,
As the years pass by, our hearts and thoughts are still with you. Our feelings for you and your family are as fresh as that day. We send you our hugs and ask you to cherish the wonderful life you shared together with him as you were blessed.
Love you.
Joanne Hrycak
March 10, 2007
this message is for FrankDePasquale, Oppdal, Norway
I am so sorry I just found this site and wanted to answer you entry, please email me at the address below. thank you
Joanne Hrycak
P Tabbernor
November 11, 2006
In memory....
Kristine
November 6, 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.
Barbara Carpenter
September 11, 2006
Dear Joanne and family: I wanted to let you know that I'm thinking about Marty today. You may remember me. I had worked with Marty at both Guardian and then at National Benefit. And even after many years, I sometimes had dinner with Marty and Jay -- maybe once a year. We had finally met at Jay's funeral. I wanted you all to know that Marty is not forgotten.
Frank DePasquale
October 28, 2005
Marian and I and another boy from St. Francis Prep with our dates shared a limousine to the Senior Prom. If I can find a picture we took that night, I will send it to the family or post it here if you wish.
I found out about Marian's tragic end from another SFP alumni just yesterday, Oct. 27, 2005.
We send our deepest condolences and prayers to his family.
Frank DePasquale & family
SFP Class of '63
Ken Fairben
September 14, 2004
Dear Joanne
Just wanted to let you know that Diane and I were thinking of you during the many Memorial Services that we attended. I also believe that our meeting was meant to be. I have read all those notes here and without knowing Marty, I am sure that he would have been someone that I would have been proud to call my friend. You and the children were blessed with such a man in your lives. I will remember you always and hopefully we will continue to keep in touch. God bless you and the Hrycak family. Warmest regards, Ken Fairben, Father of Keith G. Fairben, NYPH Para medic. 9-11-01
Barb Cross
September 10, 2002
To Marty's wife and family
Our son-in-law is a teacher of 7th graders in Salem Oregon. As a project for his students to understand the impact of the 9/11 loss, he had each of his student's make a flag with a name of a victim. When they were finished, students could take home a flag to honor a person. Marty's flag was with our family at Thanksgiving and Christmas 2001. We will continue to bring his flag to our table so our children and our grandchildren will never forget. He has touched our lives - and now your family is a part of our family. Wishing you healing energy and peace.
Andrea & Keith Louallen
September 8, 2002
I have known you guys for more than 15 years now and Marty was like a dad to me. I would just like to recall some memories of Marty for those of you that didn't have the fortunate opportunity to know him like I did.
Marty usually didn't say much but when he did, his comments were quite funny. In one incident, I was painting the Hrycak dining room and I can remember how quiet it was in the house, so at one point I got off the ladder I was standing on to refill the pan with paint and I jumped and nearly fell because to my surprise, there was Marty right behind me not making a sound while he was making MACARONI SALAD! I said, "Wow. You don't even make a sound while you cook". But his silence finally ended when I was over their house about a month later and he and Joanne had just come home from going shopping. He was so excited to brag about his new toaster. We all had to laugh because he knew every fact about that toaster. So of course I had to humor him and tell him to make something in the toaster so we can be sure it worked. He agreed and ended up making me a bagel. I guess his $13.00 toaster was a hit!
There are so many wonderful things to say about Marty but that would take up way too much space in this guest book. However, I do want to add that my husband didn't know Marty that well but he has said that he admired Marty and that he would have liked the chance to get to know him better. And now that I am pregnant with our daughter, I will be sure to keep his memory alive when she is old enough to understand that her Uncle Marty was a great man and that he lost his life being a hero. We all miss you Marty and you will forever be remembered. God Bless.
To Joanne, Chrissy, Greg, Trish, Chelsea and Mandy too...We Love You Guys!
Greg Hrycak
September 5, 2002
Thank you all for the kind words of support and encouragement. They have truly touched our hearts.
The Hrycak family.
Kenneth Simon
July 11, 2002
As founder of the Tannu Tuva Collectors Club, of which M. Hrycak was a long-time member, I and all our members wish to send you our sincerest sympathy in your time of grief.
We will be running his obituary in our newsletter No. 27. If you wish a copy please e-mail me at: [email protected].
Yours,
Kenneth R. "Ken" Simon
Clare Martin
May 27, 2002
Dear Mrs. Hrycak,
Shortly after September 11, our parish, Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta, held a memorial mass for all those who perished on 9/11. We were asked to choose names and to remember that person in prayer. I chose your husband's name.
Please know that I sing a second set of prayers in dedication to your husband including the "Our Father", "Hail Mary" and "Guardian Angel" every night as I give my 11-month-old his night time bottle. I like to sing prayers because St. Augustine said that if you sing a prayer it's like saying it twice.
You and your family will remain in my thoughts and prayers and may God watch over you always.
Sincerely,
Clare Martin
Angie Campbell
May 1, 2002
God Bless you and keep you always.
abbey citarella
March 11, 2002
today is march 11 6 mos. have passed since you lost your loved one
i just wanted to give my love and hope to all in grief...god bless you joann, chrissy and family.
Richard (Brother Gerald) Gilmartin
February 13, 2002
I remember Marian when he was at St. Francis College. We talked many times about nothing in particular but came to feel a comradship that will never end. His death came as a shock, and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your children. His memory lives on in many. God bless and keep you.
BETTY & BENNY MARTINEZ
January 15, 2002
Hi Joanne:
We regret so much to hear of your loss. May God continue to give you and your family strength to go on. Our prayers will always be with you and yours. We never met him but he looks like he was a very dear man. Our love to you always. God bless. Betty & Benny (NYHQ)
Teresa Jahn
December 28, 2001
We are very sorry for your loss of Marian. May his life and love (but better ice skating talents) continue living through those who love him. 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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