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Neil Dollard Obituary
His family's memories of Neil M. Dollard frequently involve a telephone. There were the calls Mr. Dollard made to his mother, Helen, from his kitchen ("How do you debeard a mussel?") and to his sister Megan ("I'm working with purple basil. Have you ever made purple pesto?") and the endless conversations on the special line that connected him to his brother Peter's office; they spoke "maybe 45 times a day" by Peter Dollard's count.
After high school, Neil Dollard, who was 28, headed straight from Staten Island to Cantor Fitzgerald, signing on as a "bluecoat" who emptied wastebaskets, and working his way up to bond broker. He embraced the lifestyle, building a wardrobe of natty suits and taking on the vocabulary of Wall Street: "waving in" bottles of wine at dinner, for example, to indulge clients. He bought a condominium in Hoboken, N.J., and had a happy relationship with his girlfriend, Kristin Ledzion. They planned to join other family members vacationing in Chiavari, on the coast of Italy, in the middle of September.
He called them there on Sept. 10. "He spoke to all of us, and he told me how much he was looking forward to the trip," his brother said. "He said that when he got there, we were going to wave everything in."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Beata Lyons
September 11, 2023
Another year. Another big hug sent to heaven. Hope you’re resting easy.
Cindy Roe
September 7, 2021
Remembering Neil on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
Beata Lyons
September 18, 2019
Another year of sending hugs to heaven
September 17, 2019
In memory of Neil Dollard, a 9-11 victim in New York.
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Meg Chambers
September 11, 2019
Neil,
Thinking of you today as I do every year. Although I never met you I feel as if I do. Ive read so much about you online. Its been 18 years since I first received your name on a badge that honored people who lost their lives on 9-11. You will forever be missed and loved by your family and friends. I just wanted to say I was thinking of you today and you will always hold a special place in my heart.... you were the name given to me to honor. ❤
Meg Chambers
September 12, 2017
Neil,
Yet another year has gone by. I thought of you and your family yesterday and continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers each year. I still have the button with your name on it above my desk and I think of you often. Peace and love <3
Edythe Richman
September 11, 2017
Read about your son and saw his beautiful smile. So sorry for your loss.
September 12, 2016
Remembered. May God bless your family and friends with peace. Live continues, but the memories of love and good times shared, light the darkest of days and warm the heart. Rest easy
Beata Lyons
September 12, 2016
Sending ((hugs)) to heaven.
Meg
September 11, 2016
Neil,
I did not know you personally. I received a button with your name on it in 2001. In the past 15 years I have thought of you often and hope that your family and friends have been able to find a bit of peace. Today I will light a candle in your honor and for all those that have lost their lives because of that terrible day. I will not forget...
Beata Lyons
September 10, 2015
Tomorrow I will sit and watch, like I do every year and wait to hear your name called and remind myself that this is not a dress rehearsal. ((Hugs)) to you in heaven.
Kristin
September 10, 2015
I still think of you, I will never forget the time we spent together. When I think back to that awful day, I still get choked up and the only comfort I get is knowing that you are in a better place, and now you are with my mom. Gossiping with her, I'm sure. My life has evolved and I have a wonderful husband who I know you would love and 2 beautiful daughters who I know you watch over. Time goes on, but I will always have the memories.
Meg Middleton-Chambers
September 12, 2014
I haven't forgot.... You and your family are always in my prayers.
September 11, 2014
Blessings to your family, friends, and Kristen on this sorrowful day. Always remembered.
Geraldine
September 11, 2012
Much time has passed since I learned about you at Thanksgiving 2001 as we prayed for you through a Catholic church in Atlanta, though I lived in Orlando. Little did I know you were Mike's best friend and Kristen's boyfriend. Oddly, the morning Mike's mom was being laid to rest and the day I met Kristen, your wallet was found. I don't believe in coincidences. I continue to pray for you and your family on many days, not just today. I know you are peace. I wish pray for the best for your family.
Meg Middleton
September 11, 2011
My name is Meg, and though I never met Neil, I have thought of him often over the past 10 years since 9/11. I was living in Oak Park, Illinois in 2001. In the weeks following the attack I was at our local Farmers Market, if you made a donation to a 9/11 charity fund you got a button with the name of someone who lost their life during the attacks. I recieved Neil's name. I always wondered...who was Neil? He was someones son, but was he a brother, father, what kind of man was he? I have prayed for peace for his family and friends. It wasn't until yesterday I started my research on Neil. I am so glad I finally I did! I now have a face to put with the name and found he was very loved by family and friends. I still have the button and I will always have a special place in my heart for him and will continue to pray for your family.
September 10, 2011
I only knew Neil for a short period of time, but it did not take long to realize that Neil had a heart of gold and cherished his friends and family. I think of him often and my heart goes out to those who were close to him.
Beata Lyons
September 10, 2011
almost a decade has passed, and although you are gone, you have not been forgotten.
Steve & Lucy Covello
September 11, 2009
Hello all. My wife Lucy and I were Neil's downstairs neighbors at 1106 Washington St., Hoboken, NJ. We have since moved to Syracuse, NY, but we think about him and his family. If you would like to read my blog entry on the subject, please goto www.apescience.com/id. - Steve and Lucy Covello
Kristin Walsh
September 10, 2009
You are always in my thoughts and prayers!! I like to think you and my grandmother are watching over Samantha, making sure she stays out of harms way, Thank you! It's been 8 years now, but you are still brought up in conversations, and they always end up with us laughing. Everyone still misses you, you will never be forgotten.
Doug Abraham
April 25, 2009
Happy Birthday!!!
Louis Berry
February 5, 2009
Neil was one of the funniest guys around.I used to work with him when we were kids at the supermarket.I know his family and some of his friends and they adored him..rest in peace brother.
lou b
Terry & Annette O'Brien
September 11, 2008
Thinking of you today.It is hard to beleive its 7 years. Your family is doing okay...I see your Mother and Susan every two weeks. Your mother is a very strong woman.May you rest in peace
Kristin Walsh
April 29, 2008
Happy Birthday Neil, we all still think of you and miss you!!
Doug Abraham
April 25, 2008
Happy Birthday!!!
Kimberly Little
September 10, 2007
Hi Neil,
Here we are 6 years later, and you are still such a strong presence in our home. Children talk about you, have named several fish after you, and always watch the tributes to hear your name be called. You are a wonderful human being. Thank you for being in my sister's life. Thank you for being part of our lives. You will always be part of our lives. We miss you, may you be at peace. We know you are still watching over Kristin, thanks!
bret
August 6, 2007
i am looking at this sight for the first time and it is good to see you. I hope that your family is well. Your name comes up often in conversation i tell stories about you still till this day. It has been a long time since i saw you but it seems like yesterday we were hanging out.
Doug Abraham
April 25, 2007
Happy Birthday!!!
Kristine
October 27, 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 27, 2006
In memory....
Kristin Ledzion
September 12, 2005
Hi Neil,
It's 9/12/05 and yesterday was rough once again. I remember the feeling that I had that day, wondering if you were still alive, waiting for the phone to ring to tell me that you were ok. It's the most horrific feeling any human being can ever go through, but I beleive that it makes us stronger. The pain is different this year, it's not a pain of wondering where you are, it's a pain of wishing that you were still here. I still talk about you consantly and beg to God to let me dream of you everynight. I go by your saying "Life is what you make it", I've changed so much since 2001, the things that used to be important to me are the least important now. I live for you Neil! Everyday that I wake up and see the sun, I see you. You are all around-and I feel at peace. Thank you for all of your love, it's what makes me who I am now. You will never be forgotten. I love you!
Jim Curty
September 11, 2005
Warmest thoughts to Neil's family on this 4th anniversary.
July 13, 2005
i am so sorry, peace
Beth Dollard
January 7, 2005
Dear Dollard Family,
I wonder if I might be related to Neil. My great-great-great grandfather Martin Dollard came from Ireland to Albany, NY. I offer my deepest condolences to you all.
Sincerely,
Beth Dollard
Juliet Shields
October 9, 2003
I didn't know Neil very well but I did on occasions have drinks with Neil and also with his brother, Pete. I don't know why it's taken me so long to write something here....it's not because I didn't want to. I guess it's hard to know what to say.
There is one very fond memory I have of Neil...one evening (many years ago) I was hanging out with him and his roommate at their apartment. I'd run out of cigarettes so I ran across the street to a little dive bar to buy some. It just so happens that the typical "creepy bar guy" came up to me and just wouldn't stop talking to me no matter how hard I tried to get away...Lucky for me, after about 10 minutes, Neil realized I'd been gone too long and showed up at the bar playing the "make-believe boyfriend." Let me tell you, I was VERY happy to see him just then.
I hope this little anectdote brings a smile to his family and friends....
You are all in my prayers.
James Curty
September 11, 2003
Megan and family:
"Making the decision to have a child - it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body." --Elizabeth Stone
It's very weird - we come into this world crying with everyone around us smiling. When we leave this world, we leave smiling while those we love are crying...
There is a big smile as wide as the heavens shining down on you all today, and every day.
Thinking of you today, and sending you warmth and positivity....
Kristin Ledzion
September 5, 2003
Oh Neil, where can I begin. Next week is Sept.11th, it seems like yesterday. I miss you honey, and just wish you could come home. It's not fair, why did this happen to you? I miss you more now then I ever did. I just want to hear you talk and kiss you again. NOTHING is the same without you here. I talk to you SO much, that I think i'm going crazy. Thank you for coming into my life, you were the best thing that ever happened to me. I wish you could come back, and at least have one more conversation with me. I never said goodbye, we both thought it was just another day. I love you Neil!!! I'm scared of next week, I don't want to open everything up again! Please help me deal with this. I miss you, and think of you every second....I will never forget you!!
Pete Dollard
April 21, 2003
Neil,our birthdays are coming up next week.You know I would have teased you turning 30.I can picture you laughing and saying "I know,I'm done!".Missed you yesterday at Easter dinner.Wanted to share the wine I bought and tell you a funny story about my night before.Sara Neil is about the only thing making us feel alive again.And when Anne has her baby we will have something else to give us a sense of life and hope.I'm getting so tired of just looking at your pictures.I want to see YOU.Happy Birthday,old man.
Madeline V
November 16, 2002
To Neil's family
I've put off writing anything for over a year now. I went to 49 with Neil, (way back in the day) He was a year ahead of me in school. Then he went on to New Dorp and I went to another HS. I saw his name and hoped for so long that was I was reading was not true. Then I put off writing for not knowing what to say or why. I feel stupid now writing this but I had to say Neil sticks out in my memory and my "little" sisters altho we were just aquaintances. He was kind, generous and "Grown up" even back in middle school. My sister who was only about 7 or 8 at the time I went to school with Neil, immediately remembered his name and said "oh no not Neil, he was the nice guy". This just from coming to see her "older sister" (me) at school functions and how Neil stood out to a little girl (my sister) for being so nice. My memories of him are all related to chorus and how funny he was once you got to know him a little. I just wanted to say how much of positive impression he made on people, even people who were not close friends with him and how he is missed and loved. I think of him at least every single day and I see how well he did in life with his job. He is someone my sister and I plan to tell our kids about one day when we have them. I want to thank your family for raising such a good person. Kindess combined with humor is hard to come by, and he was both.
Cheryl Augustyne
November 8, 2002
Anne & Megan,
When I saw the name 'Dollard' I thought...Oh no, I went to JHS 49 with 2 sisters with that name...I hope it isn't someone in their family. I'm sorry that it was your brother. Although I had never met him, I'm sure he was as sweet as the two of you.
P.S. Jamie Montanaro's sister Kristen died in the WTC, too. She was in Marsh & McLennan on the 93rd floor. Jamie sends her condolences too, and knows how you feel.
Peter Dollard
September 24, 2002
I miss you man.I really miss you!!
James Curty
September 11, 2002
Megan and family:
I liked this quote and figured I would share it:
"If all it took to bring him back was a star, I would reach up and give you the sky."
Sending you warm thoughts, prayers, and positive energy on Neil's first anniversary in heaven.
Tracey Kaul-Litrell
September 8, 2002
Hey Skippy,
I haven't seen you since '89, but through the years whenever I looked in my JH'49 autograph book, I would smile and think of your wit and strange sense of humor.
Your entry in my book included "....I'll see you around so I won't say goodbye".
This is true. No one ever really needs to say goodbye. You know I'm not religious, but I do believe one day, we will all meet up again.
I hope your family and friends find comfort. I know that if needed, I can always just talk to the sky, and those I care for are listening.
I won't say goodbye either Neil.
But we'll miss you in the meantime.
August 15, 2002
While you left us far to soon your impact on our lives will forever endure.
kathy cahill-psirogianes
August 14, 2002
WE KNOW THAT NEIL, TOMMY AND THE GANG IS TOGETHER FROM THE CANTOR DESK . TOMMY SPOKE SO FONDLY OF NEIL AND YOU ARE ALL IN MY AND MY FAMILIES THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. SOMETIMES WHEN I GET DOWN MY DAUGHTER TELLS ME GOD IS PROTECTING UNCLE TOMMY MOMMY AND I BELIEVE ALL OF HIS FRIENDS FROM THAT DAY TOO. GOD BLESS ALL OF HIS FAMILY
KATHY CAHILL - PSIROGIANES {TOMMY CAHILLS' SISTER}
Dina Verdeaux
August 9, 2002
Neil,
We are so sorry that you couldn't be at our wedding with Kristin. You are missed very much and we know you are an angel watching from up above.
Love,
Dina and Chuck
Kristin's Cousins
Jim C
August 6, 2002
May fond memories help soothe during this difficult time.
Leanne Shay
June 24, 2002
I worked with Neil at Cantor from 1992 to 1996. Neil always knew how to put a smile on my face. My heart goes out to his family.
Neil,
You have finally been recovered! You have finally come home!
Now Rest In Peace!
Angie Campbell
April 25, 2002
May God Bless you and watch over the ones that you left behind. Rest in his loving peace..........
Krista Ruhe
January 29, 2002
I knew Neil back when I was a trading assistant on the Govi desk at Smith Barney and he was an assistant at Cantor. I was just learning the ropes and Neil was endlessly patient and kind to me. We got to be friends beyond being wined and dined as his client.
I remember when we were talking about movies I told him that my favorite was a Russian film called “Burnt by the Sun.” He went out and rented it not realizing that it had subtitles and laughed when he told me that his mother had rushed in from the other room to ask what on earth was he watching. I was very touched by the gesture that he took the time to watch it.
I had hoped and hoped that Neil wasn’t at Cantor any more and was so very sad when I ran into an old colleague this morning who told me Neil didn’t make it out. It had been years since we’d been in touch but Neil would cross my mind often. I’m glad I had the privilege of knowing him. My heart goes out to his family. I can’t even begin to imagine their pain. I know how deeply he loved them. He was such a good guy.
Marc Melendez
January 15, 2002
It's really something special for someone to start at the level in which Neil did, only to work his way up to where he did. It's a nice story with a very somber ending. So many people were proud of him for what he accomplished, myself included.
January 12, 2002
MAY THE DEAR LORD SHINE HIS LIGHT
ON THIS BEAUTIFUL BOY..MAY HE 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
January 6, 2002
MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOUR FAMILY NEIL, YOU WERE A GREAT GUY WITH A WONDERFUL SENSE OF HUMOR, YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN
Teresa Jahn
January 4, 2002
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
Geraldine Riley
January 2, 2002
At Christmas dinner in Orlando, Neil's name was prayed for by a friend (from Atlanta) who received his name from a basket of names at church. I was struck by Neil's name and felt his presence. This may sound crazy, but I believe Neil wants his sister (I believe Megan) to know he loves her and he's ok. I know it sounds crazy. I will continue to pray to and for him and his loving family who suffered this tragic loss. My love and prayers be with you to those who knew and loved him. Please pray to Neil for guidance and support. He is with you.
December 30, 2001
sadly missed and always in our prayers
Melissa Cicio
December 30, 2001
Neil was my nephew Bret Jacob's best friend. I watched him grow up in a gaggle of young men, all of them funny, but Neil one of the funniest. A sense of humor that was dry and sophsiticated. He was soo loved by those around him. Always ready for my nephews Bret and Craig, always there, sometimes in the background, but someone we always recognized as important. He is so very missed by my nephews, by his friends, by me. There is just no replacing him, or his smile and sense of humor. Life took him before he could find his mate, become a father, really know about life. Neil is very missed and very loved. My heart aches for your family Neil, know you are not forgotten!
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