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Ryan Kohart Obituary
The two couples stumbled back to the apartment at 2:30 a.m., laughing and slightly tipsy. The men collapsed on the couch.
The women kicked off their heels. Ryan Kohart dragged out his prize case of red wine that he had brought in Italy in March.
He took a taste and penned in his wine journal: "First bottle was sharp. A little aftertaste, but it tastes great. It needs more time to age."
The bottles would be opened over the next 20 years.
The four toasted to the future and to a great night. Earlier that evening, friends and family had gathered on the rooftop of Sotheby's to celebrate the engagement of Mr. Kohart and his fiancée, Melissa White. He had proposed on that Italy trip on the island of Capri. The ceremony would not take place until next year because Mr. Kohart, a 26-year-old trader at Cantor Fitzgerald, wanted the best wedding he could afford.
By 4 a.m. they all dozed off, but Mr. Kohart and Ms. White managed to make it to Sunday brunch at Tavern on the Green with his parents.
It was the morning of Sept. 9.
The bottle is still in the apartment, but what little wine is left has probably now turned to vinegar.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Geoffrey Blake
September 11, 2020
Remember Ryan from a couple of Kohart Sunday dinners I attended. My brother in law Ken was Ryan's uncle. I also grew up in GC which lost so many that day. My son's middle name is Ryan to honor you, Nolan Ryan, and Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan. All thoughts and prayers are with you and the Kohart Clan on this day.
August 11, 2019
RIP.....
Kevin O'Connor
September 11, 2017
My deepest condolences to the Kohart family on this painful day. Gone but not forgotten
Tom
September 11, 2016
Ryan, It has been 15 years .. you will never be forgotten. To your family members, share your experiences with Ryan for he will always be inside (and outside) you. With much regards, I raise a glass and toast you Ryan !
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September 11, 2016
I still laugh everytime I see a rose and think about the one you named Charlie. Thanks for making everyone around you feel loved. Carolina blue skies forever! Sending loving thoughts and prayers to all that were blessed to know him.
S J. Friscia III
April 20, 2014
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
John Patterson
September 12, 2013
I'm a Tar Heel born
I'm a Tar Heel bred
And when I die
I'm a Tar Heel dead.
So it's Rah, Rah, Car'lina-lina
Rah, Rah, Car'lina-lina
Rah, Rah, Car'lina-lina
Rah! Rah! Rah!
Erin Steinberg
September 11, 2013
Ryan-
My name is Erin.. I am Marylin Smiths great granddaughter i know we never met but i would love to meet you
Cara Trombino
September 11, 2013
Ryan I never met you but heard great things about you. I too graduated from GCHS. It makes me sad that you had so many great things happening to you before you were sadly taken away from your family too soon. You were going to get married in 2002 and you had a great job working at WTC that I can tell you loved so much. My heart goes out to you and your family. I know you are smiling down on them and watching over them. God bless you and your family and God Bless America.
Bob Nemec
May 6, 2012
Ryan and everyone else in the Towers that day will be in our minds and hearts forever and ever! It is the "remembering and caring" that makes us who we are as Americans.
Jackie (Hopkins) Rovell
September 11, 2011
I, along with my two older sisters Patrice and Maureen, babysat the 4 Kohart boys when they lived across the street from us on Euston Road in Garden City. This was my first (outside my own home) babysitting experience. I must admit that babysitting 4 spirited boys as a 12/13 year old girl was quite an adventure. Though it truly was work, I remember it very fondly. And I remember the Koharts as such a dear family... those four boys reared by very caring and loving parents. Mrs. Kohart, you were such an adorable mommy. I remember wanting to be a mom like you when I grew up. Our family moved to California in 1978. You all moved out to Huntington Beach, CA for a short time, and I remember one time babysitting you boys out here.
Ryan is the only person I personally knew who died in the terrorist attacks 10 years ago. I know our old town of Garden City suffered much.
Kohart family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Melissa, I'm so sorry for your loss. The grief you all have borne over the past 10 years, I know, has been very heavy. But please know many share your grief, though peripherally.
I've been crying on and off all day.
I've prayed for the Lord's comfort and care for you all over these years, and I pray for you today as well.
God WAS with Ryan and all those on 9/11, despite what the atheists say. I believe the LORD and his heavenly angels were a "very present HELP in times of trouble" (Psalm 46:1). May He be your peace and a true comfort to your hearts today and always.
With fondness,
Tricia Weston
September 10, 2011
Ryan,
You and your sense of humor are greatly missed. I have many fond memories of all of us who grew up on Whitehall Blvd. My son's birthday is 9/11/09. I think of you and celebrate your life as we celebrate William's birthday every year.
September 9, 2011
God bless Ryan, nothing but good, anyone who knew him knows that to be true. God bless his family, equally as special. God bless his friends and loved ones who truly bennefitted from having the opportunity to share some time with him.
Britlan Gorse Malek
September 8, 2011
Ryan, you are very often in my thoughts. Wonderful memories of our very special college days always followed by tear-filled realizations that you were taken from your family and friends. I know you smile upon us from Heaven and that we will see you again there. You taught me so much and I will NEVER forget you. Your spirit can never be taken from those who loved you.
September 11, 2010
Nine years and not a day has gone by that I have not thought of you. But to have known you for 26 years was one the greatest blessing of my life. You where taken way to young and had a amazing future ahead of you and it still pains me to know that we where robbed of being able to spend many more years together, but such is life. I will live each day to its fullest and honor your memory to my last day. Love you and miss you.
- Geoff Kohart
Doug Abraham
August 12, 2009
Happy Birthday!!!
August 12, 2009
Happy Birthday my brother! Love you and think about you everyday. Unitl we meet again be well.
August 12, 2008
Happy Birthday Ryan.
You are missed dearly.
Meg Smith Reed
September 11, 2007
Six years later, and not a day goes by that I don't think of you. We all miss you so much. As I watched my little Ryan (he's 4 now!) put up the American Flag this morning, I thought of you. He wore his Carolina Lacrosse shirt today, for you. We will always remember. We love you Ry.
Doug Abraham
August 12, 2007
Happy Birthday!!!
P Tabbernor
November 27, 2006
In remembrance....
Kristine
November 7, 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.
August 12, 2005
Happy 30th Birthday
Geoffrey Jr Kohart
June 22, 2005
Its been almost 4 years since the loss of my brother Ryan. Not a day has pasted that I have not thought of him. I missed him so much, he truely was an amazing person. Thank God I just happened to stumble on to this site, the tears just flowed down my face, not tears of sadness but tears of joy, the joy that I was able to spend 26 years with this incredible man. Tara pretty much summed it up best in her entry. This is such a beautiful site and all that everyone has written I thank you from the bottom of my and my familys hearts.
They can never take away my memories and my love for my brother Ryan. Anything he set his mind to he did and he did it well, he was a true leader and had a heart of gold. There was not anything he would not do for a family member or friend. On August 12, 2005 our family and his best friends will get together to celebrate the 30th birthday of a person who touched us all so deeply and made us all better people for knowing him. To this day I live my life to the fullest and try and enjoy each moment, because life is so precious. Anytime I am stuggling I think of my brother Ryan and his strengh and courage helps me to fight throught it. When my time is up I just know he will be waiting there for me and it will be like he never left. God bless you all.
Fat Larry
September 11, 2003
I miss you Ryan. You put me in my place when I deserved it, and you were always loyal. I just wish we could share more laughs together.
I will never forget you.
--Captain, University of North Carolina, 1998
M. Renwick
September 11, 2003
I never met Ryan Kohart but from what I understand, he not only attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he also was a member of the UNC Men's Lacrosse Team. I, as well, carry both distinctions and am very proud of these accomplishments. On this day, like many other days, I thank God for Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness and shed a tear for the innocent souls that were unjustly taken from this Earth 730 days ago. My prayers go to the Kohart Family and Melissa White for their loss. Take God's hand, Ryan, and follow Him into the Land of Immortality. God Bless America.
Joe Keenan
March 5, 2003
Hello,
I was Ryan's roomate for 3 years at Carolina. We went through the most remarkable times of our lives together. We were there for the good times and there for the bad times and became more like brothers than just friends. Sometimes we didn't see eye to eye but there was always an understanding, we were there for each other, through thick and thin. I only wish that more people had the pleasure of knowing Ryan like I knew him. He was your biggest supporter yet able to pick out all your flaws. He would bust your balls but then pick you up afterwards and always with care. He accomplished everything he put his mind to, a remarkable task considering his ambitions. Ryan, I know I'm a better person for knowing you and ask God to give me your same resolute direction and enthusiasm. I think about you everyday and know I always will.
Keendog
Nancy Longua-Henkel
October 22, 2002
I went to Garden City High School with Ryans father, Geoff.I have thought of Geoff and his wife alot over the past 13 months. I am keeping them all in my prayers. I have children the same age as Ryan.
I know your hearts are broken. Ryan sounds like he was a funloving, wonderful man..I know he did his parents and family proud. My prayers also go to his lovely fiance. I am so very sorry for you and know that Ryan is thought of by so many who knew and cared about him and his family....Nancy Longua Henkel...Formerly of Garden City, N.Y. "Footprints in the sand" is a very comforting "prayer"...I hope it will help you all.
Casey Heeg
September 24, 2002
I received a memorial wristband bearing Ryan's name while attending a 9/11 service, and looked up his name on the web to find out more about the man who is in my prayers. What I read was yet another story of a beautiful person who died long before his time, for reasons which are hard to fathom. My heart goes out to Ryan's family, friends and fiance, along with my prayers for health, happiness, and, in time, a release from your anger.
Nancy Hofmann
September 12, 2002
I want to express my great sadness at this unjust death. I do not know Ryan. His Uncle Dennis was a grade school and high school friend of mine when in the class of '50. I wish there was something comforting to say. Ryan will be watching over his loved ones while with the saints in heaven. Nancy E. Hofmann
Jacki , age 15
September 10, 2002
In remembrance of your loss, our school, St.Pius X High School has created a school wide remembrance program that allows us to wear a bright orange wrist-band that we recieved on Monday, 9/9/02 and is to be worn through Friday 9/19/02. Each wrist-band holds the name of someone who was lost in the 9/11 attack. (My wrist-band is for Ryan) My family and I are sorry for your loss and remember you in our prayers. God Bless!!
Meg Smith Reed
September 10, 2002
Not a day goes by that I don't think of you, Ry.
Amy Archambault
June 26, 2002
I met Ryan at JFK airport as he headed to Florence with Rob and I with my girlfriends. We all instantly got along and spent most of the trip as a group. I will always cherish those memories and miss him.
Angie Campbell
May 3, 2002
May God Bless you and the family and friends that you left behind on 9/11/01. Rest in his loving peace forever more.
Karen Isham
April 20, 2002
I did not know Ryan Kohart but have chosen to do a quilt block in his honor because my son's name is Ryan & the stories about Ryan have touched my heart. It is obvious he was loved by many people. Does anyone have his birthdate or any info you might like included on the block that I will make?
Jed Dorfman
February 18, 2002
I met Ryan on a different trip to Italy than the one referred to above. In the Fall of 1996 we were both studying in Florence, Italy on two different programs. Ryan and I gravitated to each other and quickly became good friends. Soon, everyone on my program wanted to spend time with Ryan. I had so much respect for Ryan and admired him greatly. Ryan got along with everybody and was so enjoyable to spent time with. He was quick to laugh and quick to joke, but was always willing to be serious and listen and lend his ear as a good friend. I had some of the most fun nights of my life with Ryan, and also some of the most incredible deep conversations. He had the uncanny ability to always make me feel like everything was going to be ok. Although Ryan and I had been out of touch for almost two years, he will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers forever.
-Jed Dorfman
February 14, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL YOUNG MAN RYAN KOHART AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS...GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY...FRIENDS..FIANCEE ...STAY CLOSE AND NEVER FORGET 9/.11/01.GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK ...GOD KNOWS RYAN AND WHAT A WONDERFUL PERSON HE WAS...HE NEEDS NO STORY..
MAY GOD GREET HIM AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Steve & Paula Curtiss
January 21, 2002
Although we never met Ryan, we learned what a wonderful person he was from our friends, Debbie and Peter White, Melissa's parents. Our prayer's and thoughts are with Ryan and Melissa, their families and their friends.
Franz Schneider
January 16, 2002
I never met Ryan, but enjoyed a year of high school with his wonderful mother, Joy. I think often of this painful loss for Ryan's family.
anonymous
January 16, 2002
I'm glad I knew Ryan Kohart. We had alot of fun together. I miss him.
Teresa Jahn
December 26, 2001
We are deeply sorry for your loss of Ryan. May his life and love live on in 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
Tara Mulrooney
November 20, 2001
Ryan Kohart is a truly special and unique individual. He was one of the kindest people I have ever met. He was a leader who led by example, a tremendous athlete, a hard worker, a fiercely loyal friend and brother. He was a man full of passion for life and for those he loved and cared about, most notably his beautiful fiancé Melissa, his family and his close friends. Upon the mention of his name I can recount many priceless memories of Ryan and the times I have shared with him and our group of friends. It is with this memory of Ryan in mind that I write to express my disappointment with the portrait published of him; this portrait captured not even a glimpse into the truly special life Ryan Kohart led.
Although the story of Ryan's wine journal is a poignant one and does reveal how Ryan truly did live life to its fullest, it fails to capture any sense of Ryan's personality and the amazing person he was. Instead of focusing on the wine or how much of it was consumed, a portrait of Ryan should have focused on the most telling aspect of that momentous occasion of Ryan's engagement to Melissa White, how many people loved him. It should have focused on the fact that hundreds of friends and family gathered together to celebrate this milestone in his life because it is that aspect of the evening which is reflective of Ryan's life and what he valued most, his family and friends. The party was filled with people who now cling onto the memory of their beloved son, brother, fiance, or dear friend. The memory of a well-rounded young man who loved everything from lacrosse and his fantasy football league to fine wine and dining. A young man who distinguished himself at his job with Cantor Fitzgerald yet valued most the freetime and weekends he spent among friends and family. A person with a great sense of humor, who could poke fun at the best of them and still laugh at himself, someone who could always brighten your day with his cheerful demeanor and smile. It is his laugh and smile that remains with me the most and it is this laugh and smile of my dear friend that I will always cherish and will never forget. This is the portrait of Ryan Kohart I had expected from the New York Times because this is a glimpse into the extraordinary life he led.
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