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Juan Lafuente Obituary
Juan Lafuente, 61, was a vice president at Citibank, near the World Trade Center. Here is his wife, Colette, the mayor of Poughkeepsie: "He loved his family, his work, his home. He constantly strove to improve himself professionally, and never considered retirement after leaving I.B.M. in 1993. . . .
"Juan did not need things — he had the same jackets, shirts and slacks for years and years. He lived a simple life — good food and a night out with family or friends. After his morning paper and coffee at the deli, his weekends were spent mowing or raking or painting, bill paying, watching the Mets (his love for baseball he brought from Cuba), storming out of the room when they really screwed up. . . .
"He had great joy in his daughters' accomplishments and supported them through all of their struggles."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 13, 2021
Dios te bendiga Juan. Deseo que tu familia sepa que duermes con los ángeles. Descansa en paz.
S J. Friscia III
April 26, 2014
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
Trevor Dudley
September 11, 2012
Juan, we will never forget you
Joan (Sommer) Turenchalk
September 10, 2012
Dear Collette & family,
I worked for you, Collette, when you were the County Clerk in Dutchess County & the DMV. You were a fantastic boss. I never got to say to you that I was deeply sorry for your loss. I retired after 30 years of service in Sept. 2011. After that, I found out that remains had been found of your loving husband and father, Juan, a couple of years prior. Again, I was deeply saddened for you and your girls. Now on this the 11th anniversary of this most horrific day in our country, I think of you and pray for you all. I will attend a memorial service tomorrow in Wappingers as I have every year. A 2700 pound piece of steel from the Trade Center will temporarily be displayed near the Toyota Dealer on Rte 9. It is the site of a permanent memorial in progress. I first touched the piece of steel last year when it was so graciously paraded up Rte 9 to this location. An most touching experience I will never forget. It gave me closure for all the souls lost on that day. I'm hoping to visit ground zero some day. I will find Juan's name and touch it and say a prayer to him and all who died that day.
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Jonathan Trott
September 11, 2011
Dear Ms. Lafuente and family,
I worked as a consultant for Citibank from 1983-2000. I had the honor of having given Juan his technical interview in 1997 for the position with the GECD's Citibanking Project (CASA). I recommended him as I immediately recognized his talent as a Computer Scientist. I was his supervisor and had the privilege of getting to know him as a hard working, generous, and kind individual who's advice I always sought. I will never forget Juan.
I offer my condolences to you and your daughters and all those who knew and loved Juan. He is missed by all.
Patricia Shanny
September 11, 2011
Blessings Colette and family on this 10th anniversary!!! Peace to you all, Pat Shanny
Todd
September 10, 2011
To The Lafuente Family,
I had the pleasure of working with Juan at Citibank. Although I dont recall if we ever had any conversations, I do recall seeing him frequently with his cup of coffee and moving around the floors between the GECD departments. I supported the GECD group so I saw him almost daily. Immediately after 9/11 I was tasked to determine if Juan had arrived at work and signed into the computer network that morning. Unfortunately we were not able to confirm him arriving at work that fateful day.
May gods prayers go out to your family as noone is forgotten and I will remember Juan for the quiet hard working guy who always had a cup of coffee with him.
Michelle Clapper
September 11, 2009
Dear Mrs. Lafuente and family.
You will always be in my prayers and thoughts. 9/11 will never be forgotten. Mrs. Lafuente, you were my teacher in the 88-89 school year. You were so incredibly kind and a gifted teacher. I just wanted you to know you and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers since 9/11.
Cat
January 23, 2009
Hi dad. It seems funny that I never knew about this page until I accidentally stumbled upon it tonight. I figured it only fitting to sign this book and say hello to you. It's been almost eight years now, and I want you to know that as much as we all miss you every day, we're okay. We are all living and doing our best, just as you would have wanted us to.
I love and miss you,
Cat
PS: You would love my husband if you had the chance to meet him.
Rene Gonzalez
September 11, 2008
Un recuerdo para Juanito, como lo conociamos los amigos de su hermano Jorge, y a quien admirabamos tanto por su inteligencia superior
Barbara Stocklin
July 7, 2007
I remember Juan from the 1960s when he was a young colleague of my fathers at IBM in Poughkeepsie. Juan was very approachable and kind, and I remember he helped several of his Cuban relatives make a life in America. He would come to our house for dinner, he would play with us kids, and he was very nice to my mother (she was a good cook and he was unmarried then). I wish his family well, and my heart goes out to them even though I really never knew them. The world lost a genuine and humble spirit in Juan LaFuente on September 11, 2001.
Peter Schroeder
January 22, 2007
To The Lafuente Family,
You are in my thougts and prayers always.
With Love,
Peter Schroeder
P Tabbernor
December 1, 2006
In memory....
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.
Catherine Shu
September 11, 2006
Cat-
I remember reading your beautiful tribute to your father in our college newspaper, and wanted to let you know that I am thinking of your father, you and your family on this day.
Bob Ostertag
September 11, 2004
Collette - Stumbled onto this site quite by accident - on this most difficult of days for you. Watched the Ground Zero proceedings this morning. All those people - almost incomprehensible. I can imagine but can't really know your feeling of loss over and over again. My thoughts are with you. Bob Ostertag
Holly Williams
September 11, 2003
Mrs. Lafuente:
Today, marks two years since that awful tragedy that claimed the body of your husband. But, it did not claim his soul. My prayers are with you and your two daughters at this moment, just as they were that day, and as they will be for a long time coming. I had the pleasure of knowing you at Arlington High, but never had you for a tearcher. I remember the talks we'd have in the hallway: you telling me, " now Holly, stay out of trouble".... You have always been an anspiration to me for some reason. And I was so pleaseed to know that when I moved to the city of Poughkeepsie, the "coolest teacher in Arlington High" was going to be the nayor. For the first time, I felt safe in my own town. You did not let me down. I feel for you and your family, though I cannot truly know how you feel. I cry for all those who perished. I think about them all the time. Not just today. Though I did not lose anyone in the attack, this is still my country, and those people gone were still my neighbors. And it could've well been anyone, including me. Mrs. Lafuente, continue to be strong. I love you with all my heart. And when I see you again, I will give you a hug. And I hope you accept it, as always. God bless you and your family. I Will Never Forget..........
Tichanda Daniels
September 11, 2003
Dear Mrs. Lafuente,
I just wanted to let you know you and your family have been in my prayers. I will never forget how you impacted and touched me while I was at Arlington. I studied government because of your class. I know you are blessed and I hope you and your daughters continue to celebrate in the legacy of your husbands life.
With love,
Tichanda
jessica dennis
September 11, 2003
You and your family are in our prayers. We are so sorry for your loss.
The Dennis family
Kelli Wilson
September 10, 2003
I have had the great privileged of knowing your family for several years now, unfortunately most of the time has been since 9/11. The moment I met Cat she crawled into my heart and life and made it so much brighter and easier. Through her I have been able to get to know the rest of her family, minus Juan. I remember arriving at school that day and being excited to see Cat only to find out what tragedy came to your family. From that day forward I have been greatly saddened that so much pain and sorrow has been brought to such an amazing family. I cannot express how much all your kindness and generosity has brought to my life. Your family has opened their house to me on what would be one of the hardest days of your life (the first Christmas with out Juan) and even on such a hard day made mine a little easier. I know I am always welcome there and that is a great comfort. I can only hope that you all find peace and happiness in your lives, for you truly deserve as much of both you can manage. Your strength, love for each other, and love for others are a true inspiration. All my love!
Henry Voelker
September 8, 2003
Collette & Family,
My wife Susan and I stll think of Juan every day. I remember the "happy days" at IBM and the day which you married your daughter in Poughkeepsie. Don't know how to tell you how we feel. Regards and prayers,
Susan and Henry (Hank).
Nicole Yanolatos
November 7, 2002
Mrs. LaFuente,
I'm sorry about your husband. He sounded like a wonderful man.
I miss you from economics class.
With Love,
Nicole
Ruby Gutierrez
September 12, 2002
To the family of Juan LaFuente, even though I didn't know Mr. Lafuente, I feel very close to your family. At my church we handed out wristbands with the names of the victims from 9/11 and my wristband had Mr. Lafuente's name on it. I have been holding your family in my prayers. May God grant your family with peace and serenity. Mrs. Lafuente, please know that your husband is safe in heaven free from the perils of this world. Even though he is no longer with you and your family physically, he is and will always be present spiritually.
Kimberly Gearhart
September 11, 2002
To The Family,
My heart goes out to you and may the grace of god be with you each and every day as Juan smiles upon you from the gates of heaven.
Michael & Bonnie Kane
September 11, 2002
Mrs. Lafuente (& girls),
Thinking of you all this day. May the joy of Christ's resurrection be a constant reminder of His promise of everlasting life.
meegan shea
September 11, 2002
Had the pleasure of growing up with 2 of this daughters from dance class at E&A to classes at poughkeepsie high school. My thoughts and prayers are with your family always and forever.
Debra Del Santo
September 10, 2002
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Mayor LaFuente. Even though I had you as a substitute teacher over 25yrs ago, I have never forgotten you, and your husband will never be gone as long as you have the memory of him in your mind and the love for him in your heart...even 25yrs from now. May god watch over you and your family.
Debbie
Karen Harvatin
September 7, 2002
Colette
The residents and staff at Vassar-Warner are eternally grateful to you for stepping forward to save our Home. Your leadership was extraordinary given the personal tragedy that you were facing at that same time. You and your family are in our prayers today and always.
Karen Harvatin
Michael Ferrara
September 1, 2002
I'm sorry to say I had never met Juan, but I had Mrs. Lafuente as a Social Studies teacher in high school at Arlington. Judging by Mrs. Lafuente's character and charm, I can only imagine how beautiful a person her husband was. When I heard about the tradgedy in NY, I didn't expect the losses to hit this close to home, it was shocking to say the least. All I can say is that Juan and Collette will be in my prayers. May God bless you, and give you the courage and strength to make it thorugh this.
Brenda Bedner Moore Frazier
June 3, 2002
To the Lafuente family:
I can't think of any words to adequately express my sympathy for your family. I do want you to know, however, I will continue to include you all in my prayers. Much love, Brenda Moore-Frazier (Bedner was my name when I became acquainted with Cat at the Middle School).
David Rosenstrauch
March 10, 2002
Juan,
I had the pleasure of knowing you when I worked at Citibank in 1997/98. You worked in the next desk over from mine. Your happy, smiling presence always added a little bit of laughter to my days and I thank you for that.
I am terribly saddened at the terrible tragedy that befell you. May God bless your gentle soul.
February 16, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL MAN JUAN LAFUENTE AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS..STAY CLOSE AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND THE GOOD PEOPLE OF CUBA..MAY JESUS AND ST.JOHN (JUAN) GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN.AMEN
Teresa Jahn
December 26, 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
Cathy Brady
December 8, 2001
Collette,
I worked for the City of Poughkeepsie DPW when you were alderwoman. I am so sorry for your loss, and I pray for you.
Sincerely,
Cathy
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