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Rose Riso Obituary
Some people say Rose Riso saved 39 lives on Sept. 11. Others say it was 184. Diane Fattah knows she is alive now because of Ms. Riso, a senior tax auditor at the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, where she took her responsibilities as fire warden seriously.
"When we used to have fire drills, she would put the little red hat on and the whistle and get out the flashlight, that's how she was," Ms. Fattah said. And Joyce DeSantis, another co-worker, said, "You'd get that look if you passed remarks during fire drills."
Their office was in the south tower, the second to be hit. On Sept. 11, after the first strike, "Rose told us we all had to get out and all had to get out now," Ms. Fattah said. "This building was going to be loaded with smoke and we had to get out." Ms. Riso kicked Ms. Fattah off the phone, allowing her to reach the lobby 35 seconds before the second plane hit. Ms. Riso never got out.
"It didn't look bad to me until I was downstairs," Ms. Fattah said. "From up there, it just looked like a little dent in the building. Who knew? But she did."
Ms. Riso, 55, lived in New York with two cats that made her face light up whenever she spoke of them. Her co-workers are planning a memorial service for her on Wednesday.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ghislaine Martin
September 8, 2021
we will never forget ...
Paula Albanese
September 8, 2021
My dear cousin, Rosie,
It has been twenty years since we lost you. We still miss your smile, your sense of humor, and especially the love you gave to our large family. I remember that my Mom always made you a heart shaped birthday cake on your February 14th Birthday. ❤ Rest In Peace, Rosie. You are a hero and will never be forgotten.
The Kindred Family
November 22, 2019
Our sincere condolences we send to your family. Each day may God continue to give the comfort and help needed to cope. Rose touched many many lives and will never be forgotten but always remembered with love and appreciation. May the time come when these violent acts are ended for all time.
Luke
August 29, 2019
This is Luke a Sophomore from Shanley High School in Fargo, North Dakota. Rose was a true hero helping her co-workers get out safely from the building, she is a great example of what to do in an emergency situation and putting others first. I am very sorry for her loss and wish the best for her family.
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August 8, 2019
What a terrific hero. RIP...
larry albanese
September 11, 2018
there is no greater gift than to lay down your life for another and in Mary's case, many others!
Tom H
September 11, 2018
Today, 09/11/2018, ( 17 years ...) we remember you Rose ... We will never forget. Wishing all the best to your family and friends. Much regards.
Laura Reis- McLoughlin
September 10, 2018
I have NOT and will NOT EVER FORGET your sacrifice or your heroism on that fateful tragic day! 17 short years ago, yet it feels like a lifetime. Please Everyone, DON'T EVER FORGET, but more importantly educate your children so the memory remains. The kids graduating high school now were not even alive when this occurred and unless we teach them what happened that day, they will never fully grasp the depth of the tragedy and the loses incurred by so many. Pray for all the victims and there families as the pain is still there!
September 1, 2017
I'm Olivia Manuel, a sophomore at Shanley High School in Fargo, ND. I was assigned to research a person who endured the attacks of 9/11. Reading about how Rose Risco made sure her co-workers were safe before she was truly amazed me and showed a lot of bravery and selflessness.
M Champa
September 12, 2016
My daughter goes to St Thomas Aquinas High School in Ft Lauderdale Florida. She was given your name to research and pay respects. Together as a family we light this candle in honor of her life and bravery in saving countless lives that day. You will never be forgotten.
God Bless you always
September 11, 2015
Dear Chris my email address is [email protected]. look at this Mary is still working to save family connections
July 2, 2015
I wish I could have shared more of our lives
Your cousin Larry Albanese
September 10, 2013
I never met you in life. I went to the 9/11 Memorial on 9/10/2013 for the first time even though I have been living in NYC since 1989. I saw your name and a beautiful rose on top of your name. It was very touching and I though of you and many others on that difficult day. Rest in Peace. Much Love, Osvaldo Perdomo, NYC
Noreen Cohen
September 11, 2011
Rose Mary Riso was selected in 2004 as one of the names to be honored in the TSA Homeland Security Dog Program. We are privileged to have Rriso, one of the dogs trained in the program. She is the best.
Chris Freiler
September 11, 2011
10 years, to the day, Rose, and I still am missing your sweet smile.
Rest in Peace. See you soon, I hope!
Taylor Gazaway
February 21, 2009
I just wanted the families and everyone that sees this that i wam writing a speech on the 9-11. The speech requires us to choose a hero and Rose is one of the people that i chose to use. No one died in vain on that day. Even though i never knew her I can tell that she was an amazin person. I will never forget anyone that lost there lives on that day.
God Bless
Doug Abraham
February 14, 2009
Happy Birthday & Happy Valentine's Day!!!
V Scalo
July 17, 2008
I still recall. I wonder why so many seem to wander in and out.
Rose thank you for your light, you truly were a light in the darkness.
Out of sorrow your sacrafice was able to save lives and touch the people around you.
On this anniversary of the attacks, we ought to be looking at the sacrifices people made for us and asking ourselves whether we are living lives worthy of their sacrifices.
I will never forget what happened on 9/11.
Doug Abraham
February 14, 2008
Happy Birthday & Valentine's Day!!!
Nicholas Taylor
December 10, 2007
We will always remember you.
Thanks for your heroic deeds.
God Bless.
kristine
April 17, 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 16, 2007
In remembrance....
Mark Surber
September 11, 2005
I was once part of the Tax Department family so I know how well respected and how seriously Rose took her work responsibilities. She also had a warm, caring side that I remember distinctly. I think of you now and then but especially today. I held my son tight this morning in church and said a special prayer for you and Bob. God bless you.
annie cody
November 4, 2004
For school i had to do a project on my hero. I wanted to do it on someone who had saved lives in the WTC, and when i found Rose's story, i picked it. She's a perfect candidate, because she saved lives without a thought of herself.
September 12, 2003
A friend of mine was at the Memorial Service at Ground Zero on Sept 10, 2003, and she called from her cell phone so that I could hear some of the tributes being read. She held up the phone as Rose Riso was being remembered. As 9/11 will always be a part of me, so now will Rose. May God Bless Rose Mary Riso, her family and friends, and May God Bless all who have suffered a loss. Rose will not be forgotten.
September 8, 2003
What a caring person she was. Just by reading these entries I can see that if it wasn't for her more lives would of been taken. Thank God she made everyone leave when they did. I am so sorry for your family
C. Anne D'Alfonso Ahern
October 7, 2002
This tribute to my friend and cousin, Rose M Riso demonstrates her enjoyment of life’s simple pleasures. Rose sent me this eerie commentary on E-mail, in what now seems very long ago!!
From: Rose Riso [email protected]
To:
Cc: [email protected]
Date: Tuesday, January 18,2000 10:13 AM
Subject: Hi!, etc.
Today, it is too cold outside. The subways are running slow. It took longer to get to the office.
However, it is sort of comfortable in the office right now.
I had my little heater on in the apartment this a.m. since the apt. was
less then comfortable, even though we were getting steam.
I work on the 86th Floor of 2World Trade Center. I sit near a window that has a view of New Jersey(Jersey City),
Ect.
Colgate toothpaste has a clock facing the waterway, so I can look out and see the time. Somedays it isn’t accurate, but today it is.
Even though it is cold, it is very clear so I can see far into New Jersey
on the horizon.
Keep in touch.
Rosie
p.s. – Ricky and Timmy send their Meows!
Love Always,
Rest in Peace.
Marie Reis
September 22, 2002
The year 1946 was a wonderful year for me and my family. I was 13yrs old, the war was over and we were blessed with 3 babies. I had a sister and 2 cousins, all were born within 1 month. I was particulary thrilled about the third baby as she was born on Valentines Day. Her name was Rose Mary Riso. My mother and her mother were sisters, so we were in close contact even though she lived in NY and we lived in Penna. At first "Rosie" and her family lived on Kelly St. in the Bronx,then moved to the Pelham Bay section,and eventually to an apartment in Flushing, NY.,where she lived until Sept.11,2001.She was a good student and worked her way through college taking years of night courses to get her degrees in Accounting. She,her mom and dad helped me many times as a young registered nurse just starting out in the "Big City".There home was always open to me and I could visit whenever I chose. She and her family were always loving and welcoming to me. Over the years I watched "Rosie" blossom, and admired her dedication to her family,co-workers,and especially her job. She loved going to plays and going online on her computer. When her mother died after a prolonged battle with cancer, she was very lonely. She decided to adopt 2 cats named "Ricky and Timmy" from the North Shore Animal League.They were a joy to her to the end."Rosie" had a fantastic sense of humor and we competed to send wild and wacky gifts to each other. I still have the 8" plastic black and white cow thats moos and serves as a kitchen timer. I also have the alarm clock that performs a myriad of duties, including shining the time on the ceiling. We where scheduled to have dinner at Windows of the World on Tuesday Sept.25,as I would be up from Fla. to attend my 50th HS.reunion.She loved her family, Ricky and Timmy, NYC.,and she loved her job. When I watched the first WTC.building get hit I called 212-321-4697 at the NY State Dept. of Taxation and Finance. I got her answering machine and left a message.I called her home and got her answering machine there. I had hoped she would be out sick or might have gone to Albany on business, as she often did. Then I watched #2 WTC. get hit. I knew she was the fire marshall on the 86th floor and I knew she would be the last to leave. I now know she saved many lives while losing hers. We were devastated then and remain heart-broken now over a year later. She is irreplaceable and we'll miss her forever and never forget all she stood for.
Marie D'Alfonso Reis Jupiter,Florida
Laura Reis-Mcloughlin
September 21, 2002
Dear Rosie,
You will forever be in our hearts. Not a day goes by that we don't pause to remember and think of
you. We know you gave your life for
others. You are our hero. Forever in our prayers, rest in peace.
Tom Freiler
September 13, 2002
Your actions on Sept. 11 will always define your life. Putting the safety of others before yourself is the finest thing a individual can ever do. You did it.
Thank you.
J Vasseur
September 13, 2002
On Sept 11, 2002, it was both an honor and a privilege to wear a bracelet with your name on it. It will be kept with my special possessions. You will always be in my prayers.
Chris Freiler
September 13, 2002
Cousin Rose,
Not a day goes by, now, without my thinking about you.
Vincent Scalo
September 11, 2002
Rose thank you for your light, you truly were a light in the darkness.
Out of sorrow your sacrafice was able to save lives and touch the people around you.
On this anniversary of the attacks, we ought to be looking at the sacrifices people made for us and asking ourselves whether we are living lives worthy of their sacrifices.
I will never forget what happened on 9/11.
Leslie Rose Ferrara
June 27, 2002
To my dear cousin Rosie...
I miss you. You were a loner in life except for Ricky and Timmy of course. Rightious, hard headed, helpful, fiercely independent. You took care of your parents and your brother. I only got to know you recently and we butted heads just like we were cut from the same cloth. I was deeply driven to create a gift for you in order to make peace with this tragedy. Rosie, to me you fulfilled your mission on this earth. YOU SAVED LIVES! Even through your own fear you saved many that day. That is what gives me comfort - to know that you were being your ultimate best self. I made you a medal out of sterling silver because you deserve it...you are a hero.
Love,
your cousin,
Leslie
Angie Campbell
May 13, 2002
May God Bless you and keep you forever more. Rest in peace..........
Anonymous
April 5, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL WOMAN..ROSE MARY RISO AND MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HER LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..STAY CLOSE..PRAY..AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK FOREVER..MAY JESUS ST.ROSE AND ST.MARY GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Teresa Jahn
December 14, 2001
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 Ahern Scott
November 30, 2001
Rose,
My father never mentioned your name, but I knew who you were. You were the "cat" lady. My father always asked you questions about your cats because he wanted to learn more about mine. Although my father did not make it out, I wanted to thank you. If it wasn't for you, 184 people from NY state wouldn't of survived. You are a hero.
Sincerely,
Geraldine
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