Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Deborann DiMartino
Deborann DiMartino
Obituary
Guest Book
Deborann DiMartino Obituary
Sometimes Joe DiMartino finds himself studying last year's Christmas picture from Keefe, Bruyette & Woods at 2 World Trade Center, where his wife of 16 years, Deborann, worked as an assistant trader on the 89th floor. "It shows the whole trading department, and every one of them is now gone, except for the one girl who went in late that day," he said.
Mrs. DiMartino, 36, took the express bus to the World Trade Center each morning from their house on Staten Island; Mr. DiMartino drove over the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge each night to the Pepsi-Cola plant in Brooklyn where he worked until dawn. The only time when their schedules coincided was the evening.
And so, together, they would help their 11- year-old, Danielle, with her homework, then get her and her sister, Samantha, 5, to bed. "I kissed Debbie good night that Monday night, and left for work," he said of Sept. 10. "Now I can't drive over the bridge because I can't look where those beautiful buildings were."
This year, the giant lighted mechanical Christmas display Mr. DiMartino used to install outside his house has been replaced "by one lonely yellow ribbon on the tree outside," he said. "A lot of kids are going to be disappointed."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Megan Butler
November 15, 2024
I worked for an investment firm in NYC and Deb covered our account. I can still hear her voice when I called to place a trade with her. I was beyond devastated when I learned she did not survive the collapse of the south tower. I have watched the ceremony every year and see her picture standing out in the crowd. Brings a tear to my eye and a smile to my face to see her. I have prayed for her husband, girls and family daily since that horrible day. May she RIP.
Mike Mulrooney
September 11, 2023
Was great lady and sorely missed.
Cindy Roe
September 7, 2021
Remembering Deborann on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
September 12, 2016
Remembered. Always, with love and respect
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Josephine Pallotto
August 29, 2016
As we approach the day, I just want to say I'm so very sorry. I used to work with her a long time ago when the company was on the 85th floor... She was funny, sweet, caring and had a heart of gold. I always think of her & Philip, especially when I visit the area where WTC stood.
Sam Gardner
September 11, 2012
Your kids must be 22 and 16 by now. Hopefully they are as good and kind as you were.
Mike C
September 11, 2012
Debra, you were a warm and caring person and you were excellant in your job. The world would be a better place were you still among us.
Valerie
September 6, 2012
Got a mercyband with Deborann's name in 2002. Have prayed for her every day, with rare exception, since that time. I hope your family is healing and learning to live with a proufound loss.
Lorraine DiMartino
September 11, 2011
My heart goes out to the DiMartino Family for thier loss.
Deirdre Wynter
September 11, 2011
Ii thought it might be nice for Debbie's family to know that memories of her have travelled
further afield than just the USA to Ireland. I worked at kbw as
a temp in the HR department
from 1997 to 1998. during that
time I cane to know Debbie
as a very warm, friendly
person, and I would usually get a chance to stop by to
sharea few words with her each day at the trading desk. As luckwould have it Debbie was mysecret santa that christmas that I worked at kbw. The pretty candleholder that
Debbie gave me as her gift sits
beside my fireplace here in
Dublin (I returned to Ireland in
2000). Each year on 9/11 I
light a candle for Debbie in that
candleholder, and will do so
today. My thoughts and
prayers are with you all. Deirdre
September 25, 2009
every day and every year and every second it dosent go by without thinking of you loving you, but you are with me always in my heart and in my mind.sometimes i feel you sometimes i hear you at night calling my name gracie i know becaus only you called me that. I remember the day you were born it was a very happy day for all of us.i have my memories and i still have you in my heart.debbie I love and miss you with all of my heart...love you always gracie
John Puma
August 26, 2008
Words are easy to write and say but the feeling is one that is broken inside. This cannot be fix some can move on but others think of the pass.My sister was love by many but,there isn't any love stronger then family.
grace posa
September 24, 2007
deb just to let u know how much we love and miss you very much...you will never be forgotten...love ya sister grace
Jennifer Herskowitz
September 23, 2007
I just stopped in to write and tell you how much we miss and love you so very much. You were one of a kind and a soul which could never be forgotten. I love you and I miss you!!
August 17, 2007
joey,so very sorry to hear of your loss, stay strong. the girls from harway ave(1979).
Philip DiMartino
July 15, 2007
God bless you. Yes my last name is DiMartino but so far no relation.
grace posa
June 10, 2007
june 10,2007 on september 11,2001 I lost my sister debbie at the world trade center. she worked at kbw in the second building that ended her life, she was the baby in the family of eight.she was loved a lot.we miss you and always will have you in our hearts always.I miss your beautiful smile i miss seeing you.i miss having tea and going out for coffee some nights just to talk.you are very special to me and i just miss you so much all the dinners you had on the holidays so we all could be togeather for the hoilday. mom misses her baby so much you will always be in her heart always. danielle and samantha loves you and misses you...you were so young when you left us..deb love you. your sister grace.....
Kristine
October 24, 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
September 25, 2006
In remembrance....
Renee Rogers
December 21, 2005
Mr. Dimartino, I just drove past your house the other night to see the amazing Christmas display that you have outside. I see from reading about your wife here at her Legacy.com page that this was a tradition that the two of you had started. I'm glad you began it again. Standing outside of your house, I could feel your love for her all around.
Thank you for letting all of us feel that love.
All the best,
Janet Moritz
September 11, 2005
I did not know Deborann, however I know and work with her sister Rosemary. I wish to extend my condolences on this the fourth anniversary of such a horrible tragedy. May those who knew and loved her find comfort in the joyful memories they have of her. God bless her children and her family members and always God Bless America.
John Mulia
October 10, 2004
My prayers go out for Mrs DiMartino and her family. My the good Lord watch over her family.
erica loeffler
September 11, 2003
I worked at KBW 13 years ago. Debbi was a sweet and very friendly girl.
My deepest condolences to her family and to all the other families who lost loved ones. May G-d bless you all.
sandee
September 11, 2003
i just wanted to say that you are in my thougth in prayers always - and so is your family especially on the anniversary of this tragic day.
September 5, 2003
Just wanted to say that i am so sorry for your family. 9/11 was truly the most horrible day that we will ever see. I read these entries of people that i do not know & cry. So many young people lost their lives because of terriorsm. I am so sorry
Jennifer Herskowitz
April 1, 2003
There are so many great things to say about my wonderful aunt Debra-Ann DiMartino. She was so full of light and the most upgoing person I have every met before in my life. By living through this horriable event I wish and pray for anyone who lost someone on 9-11. YOU NEVR REALLY KNOW HOW INPORTANT SOMEONE IS UNTILL THERE GONE- We love you and we MISS you. GOD BLESS AMERICA.
jane ( romano) basciano
December 1, 2002
i will always remember little puma,my heart goes out to the hole entire family... i wish i can come over but i dont know where you live...please send me something back.its been very hard for me too
Debra Emanuele
May 28, 2002
When I first met Debbie about 10 years ago, we would both casually say hello, nothing more. I wasn't looking for a new friend and did not want a new friend. I was going through a difficult time in my life and that was not on my mind. I had many friends with whom I grew up with and were still close with. But . . . God had another thought in mind. I guess we kept meeting up with each other enough so that we had to start talking to each other. Well . . . we did become friends, good friends. It is now 10 years later, and guess what, I did need her friendship. I truly believe that certain people are meant to come in to your life. Some people stay and some have to leave you. Although she had to leave, I will always hold her friendship close to my heart. In one of my dreams of her, we were walking and I said to her, "Do you know I miss you"? She turned to hug me and simply said, "I know".
Joe Graziano
May 13, 2002
Joey
Just found this site and wanted to express my sincere concolences to you and your family. The love you two shared was unbelievable. All the beautiful times will help you through this terrible tragedy.
Love Always
Joe G
Christine Barton
March 24, 2002
I am going thorugh all of kbw workers to say I am sorry to the familys my daughter jeanmarie wallendorf also worked at kbw and I feel for everyone i miss her everyday and hope i wake up from this nightmare . again I am truly so very sorry for your loss !!!!!
Doris McAlister
March 20, 2002
Dear DiMartino Family: In memory of
Debra Ann I am donating a block to
the memorial quilt organization. I am so sorry for your loss and this small gesture is not much, but I would like to do this for your family. I am donating this block in
honor of my daughter, Debbie, in
your Debra's memory. I am going to
do machine embroidery and use butterflies since I understand Debra
loved butterflies. May God bless you, heaven knows you have had enough hurt. Love to you and your
family, Doris McAlister
Ellen G
March 11, 2002
Deborann you will always be in our thoughts and prayers and always remembered.
Salvatore Pino
February 27, 2002
On September 11,2001, through a senseless act of terrorism, We lost a beautiful young mother of two. She was a daughter, a wife, a sister and above all, a friend. Her name was Debra Ann Dimartino.
Debra loved life, and lived with a simple philosophy of caring. She loved books, music and butterflies with their graceful movements. Debra often described butterflies as little angels flying from flower to flower, spreading a quiet peaceful contentment. Debra in her quiet way, was as her beautiful butterflies, flying from person to person,sharing love and understanding with compassion to everyone. Little did her family Know that through her beautiful butterflies her message of love would continue. During a memorial service at ground zero, for the World Trade Center Victims, Marie (Debra's Sister)stood up and raised above the crowd a picture of Debra. Here is Debra, My beautiful sister. She stood in the cold and the wind her face was drawn and had a look of sadness and confusion; fron the corner of her eye, she sees movement. She turns slightly and flying gracefully towards the picture of Debra is a beautiful butterfly. It stops above the picture, lingers awile, as if to say, Hello, I am fine,turns, flies straight up and flies into the direction from which it came. At that moment Marie felt a complete peace that turned her drawn face into a smile that radiated to her that Debra, Beautiful little Debra was happy with God. Just as the dove holding the olive branch returned to say all is good, so does a gentle butterful say to Debra's family and all the World Trade Center Families, That as long as there are butterflies, there I will be. The miracle of one butterfly appearing at the very moment her picture was raised says that the love Debra has planted in all our hearts will flourish and grow and her memory will carry us through all
Our hard times. Debra you will never be forgotten!
Christina Berchini
February 11, 2002
Former Keefe Bruyette co-worker and friend, Gail Felzak, sends her deepest condolences to the DiMartino family. There isn't a day that goes by that Debbie and Phil are not in her thoughts. She will always cherish the memories.
Signed,
her niece,
Christina
Sandee Gaeta
February 11, 2002
Dear the Dimartino family,
I worked at the nursery school where Samantha attended. Ive met her family and they were all such wonderful people. When i recently found out that Deborann lost her life on September 11th I couldnt help but think about her family that was left behind. Deborann and her family will be in my thoughts and prayers forever.
Anita Panecki
February 1, 2002
I don't know Debra Ann, but I feel connected with her now. I am wearing a mercyband with her name on it and everyday I think of her and pray for her and her family. I know she is looking down on us and is watching over us now. May she forever be in our hearts and minds and never be forgotten.
January 11, 2002
DEAR LORD BLESS DEBORANN DIMARTINO
AND MAY SHE REST IN PEACE WITH GOD
AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HER HUSBAND AND CHILDREN..GOD BLESS HER
FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..AMEN
Teresa Jahn
January 4, 2002
May Deborann's warm heart, her life and love live on in those who have been touched by her life. May the sorrow in your hearts be lightened by precious memories of times shared with Deborann. Our hearts cry with you in your loss of Deborann. We are deeply sorry.
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
Michele Keefe
December 30, 2001
Dear Joe & girls,
There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of Debbie. And never without a tear. Each morning as I pass the once WTC, I always remember her and all the times we rode the 19X together. She was the sweetest person I could have ever known and I am happy that I was so very fortunate to have been her friend. I will miss her. My heart and prayers go out to you, Danielle and Samantha. She was so proud of them and spoke of them with such love and affection. As for her feelings for you, her eyes said it all when she mentioned your name. She was a dear friend and she will be greatly missed. Sincerely, Michele Keefe
Deborah DeMartino
December 16, 2001
My heart goes out to you and your family during this season.......
Lisa Antico
December 11, 2001
To Joe and his family our hearts and prays go out to you. We cried when we found out about Debbie, you and your family are in our prays. God Bless You All. Lisa & Antico Antico (Joe Causi's friends)
Vincent A Ognibene
November 28, 2001
Always a friend to Philip(Eddie)Paul Ognibene
Showing 1 - 43 of 43 results
Make a Donation
in Deborann DiMartino's name
How to support Deborann's loved ones
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.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Deborann DiMartino's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored