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Hector Tamayo Obituary
At home in Holliswood, Queens, he had a karaoke machine with thousands of songs. "He had a lot of friends, most of them are relatives, and on Friday nights and Saturday nights and sometimes weeknights they would drink together and sing together," said his sister-in-law, Sylvia Mercene.
Many of those relatives lived with Mr. Tamayo at some point, because he opened his house to family and friends when they came to the United States from Aklan province in the Philippines, as he had in 1980. "As a joke we call his house the Ellis Island," Ms. Mercene said. Five of his six siblings are now in the United States, as are his wife, Evelyn, and their two children, Ian, 20, and Pamela, 16.
A civil engineer, Mr. Tamayo, 51, was working in 2 World Trade Center on Sept. 11.
His family remembers him as a happy person who loved jokes, his family and, of course, to sing: "A million tomorrows will all pass away/Ere I forget all the joys that were mine today."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
William Bevis
September 11, 2017
I'm very sorry you lost your loved one on Sept.11, 2001. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Allen Roper
September 10, 2011
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
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August 26, 2011
Hector,
God decided to deliver me from my pancreatic cancer. So,I am still hear working for God. As 9/11/2011 approaches I still cry when I think about your precious family, friends and business associates moving on without you. I still have the corporate documents for our company that never had a chance to get off the ground.I often wonder how we would be doing and what we would be doing if given the chance. Probably alot since I hooked up with the best construction man in the business. I miss you my friend. I will see you in heaven some day. Your friend and partner, Bill Balbach
kristine
October 23, 2008
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.
CORAZON IGOY
October 9, 2008
Its been seven years ago, about Hectors passing away, Every one wants to express their Sympathy to all of his Family, who can forget him, he is so kindness,loving person and a happy man. all the days before you shared w/ us, will never forget until every one is alive. your smile is always in my sight .miss you always. Frm:nanay ASON ICAWALO IGOY,NAY PILE I. IGCAS& NAY PATER I.YABUT. YOU are the Herro in our Home town.
YOU ALWAYS INVITED IN OUR FIESTA& BENAYLI.
maryanne yabut igcas
October 9, 2008
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. May God bless you and your Family in the time of sorrows. THAKS GOD i found this in Legacy.com ,That i can extend my sympaty.
Julia
December 15, 2007
In loving memory of Hector Tamayo. May he rest in peace & condolences goes to the family members of Mr. Tamayo.
R.I.P.
-ericka
September 11, 2007
I was never lucky enough to meet Hector, but Pamie is one of my closest friends. Now a college grad, I have no doubt that her father looks down, smiling proudly at her. His memory lives on in the people that love him and the people who have been touched by his life.My prayers are with the Tamayos today.
dolly g
August 31, 2007
Just dropping by .. thanks : )
Joyce W Macario
April 30, 2007
Hector’s spirit lives on in his children. His bright and talented daughter Pam will graduate from BU this month. She lights up when talking about her mom, brother and gigantic family of aunts, uncles and cousins. As a professor, I’ve met hundreds of students, Pam is special. With kindness, dignity, excellent school work, leadership in dancing groups and participating in Filipino cultural events, Pam honors her wonderful father every day.
P Tabbernor
March 28, 2007
In memory....
The Hector Tamayo plaque at The Immaculate Conception School, Jamaica Estates, NY
Carl Ballenas
September 9, 2006
On the wall at The Immaculate Conception School in Jamaica Estates, NY there is a plaque in the shape of a dove to honor Hector Tamayo. On Monday, September 11, 2006 prayers will be offered in his memory.
Marivic Rogan-Yaneza
July 20, 2006
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Terri Reynolds
July 6, 2005
I never met Hector. I am so sorry that the people who loved him have to go through this. I was a tourist in NYC two weeks after 9/11. My husband and I had planned a vacation to the city several months in advance. We chose to look up instead of down. We found most of the city to be busy, but as we neared ground zero there was silence. I have never felt what I felt that day and hope I never do again. To walk around the area and see the posters of people being sought and knowing they would never come home! I watched my husband cry at the sight of the memorials and I myself cried knowing it could have been him. Today, while the blossom still clings to the vine, I'll taste your strawberries, I'll drink your sweet wine. A million tomorrows shall pass away. Ne'er I forget all the joys that are mine TODAY!
Keith Guerzon
March 6, 2004
It's been over 2 years since I found out about Hector's tragic passing and there have been many times I wanted to express my sympathies, but wasn't sure how to. I'm grateful that my wife told me about this website so I could write this tribute and send my condolences to his family.
I first met Hector in 2000 at his office in New York City, negotiating a deal for a construction project. We hit it off right away and I joked with him that my company had to get the job since I was half Filipino on my father's side. We wound up getting the job and Hector and I kept talking about getting together for lunch sometime or with the families on a weekend or something. Hector called me a couple of months later and informed me that the job was on hold and that he would be working at the World Trade Center doing an office fit-out for a law firm. We talked about doing lunch at a Filipino restaurant somewhere downtown, but unfortunately that never materialized. In October of 2001, the project came back to life but with a different firm. I figured I'd call Hector and joke about why his company gave up the job.
I'll never forget the hesitation in the receptionists voice when I asked to speak to Hector; it instantly hit me for the first time that he was taken in that tragedy. I truly regret that we never got to hang out, but hearing all the wonderful tributes to him on this website only confirms my impression of Hector as a fun loving family man who I was proud to have met. The deepest sympathies from my family to yours.
Me, my Mom, my brother, and my Dad - New Years 2001. Now everyone can see that smile...
pamela tamayo
February 13, 2004
its been almost 2 and a half years since that day that changed my life forever, yet it feels like it was only yesterday. I remember sitting in my spanish class when Fr. Bill announced what happened and we all said a prayer... i remember breaking down in the school lobby as someone ran down the stairs screaming "the towers have collapsed". at that moment, i knew that life would never be the same again.
Hector was not only a modest and kind man, but he was definately the father everyone dreams to have. He brought smiles to our faces whenever he sang songs or when he'd come home and give me and my mom a kiss; whenever he called me his baby and kuya his "boroboboy" hehe; whenever we'd go to family parties and he'd just laugh. His laugh was soo contagious too. Even when he'd try to force me to dance with him when he sang that lullaby - as embarassed as i was at the time, i loved every minute of me complaining and asking him to stop even though he never would.
Daddy. I miss you soo much. The tears have dried up at times, but that feeling of emptiness still resides in me. Its the little things that remind me of you the most - anyone singing karaoke, seeing an empty bottle of corona, seeing mom smile, and all that good stuff. You are the most inspiring person i've ever known. You are and will continue to be greatly missed by all. Please rest assured that we are all doing well now and are moving on. You must be especially proud of Mom - look at her now = )
I miss you. I love you. I thank you. Rest in peace eternal Daddy.
"It' s not the way you died that matters. It's the way you lived that makes you a hero." Dad. You will forever be my hero.
florene iturralde curtiss
October 23, 2003
Our deepest symphaty to the Tamayos
family from us here in Canada and from Manhanip,Malinao,Aklan,from the Iledans,Iturraldes,and Yabut of Manhanip
The Rotil's Family
October 12, 2003
To the Tamayo Family,
With our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I have not meet him, but Nanay and Tatay knews Tay Benoy very well.
Gail Tamayo Prado
September 13, 2003
Two years have gone by, and it has been hard to let go. The tears have dried and the smiles are getting brighter, but the sadness of not having Uncle Hector around will forever be a part of our lives.
In their picture memorial that Ian and Pam had placed at Ground Zero for Uncle Hector this week, they wrote, "It's not the way you died that matters, it's the way you lived that makes you a hero."
How true that is.
May You Rest in Peace Eternal, Uncle Hector. You are forever missed.
Charlie Collins
October 8, 2002
To the family and friends of Hector:
Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Hector or any of those close to him, I'd like you to know that I share in your loss and your pain.
We had a 9/11 benefit memorial motorcycle run here in Phoenix of which I was a part of. There were over 7000 motorcycles in the parade which was covered by 4 television stations. I was told by a police officer that the group was about 7 miles long. They even had the freeway shut down for us for almost 2 hours! Those of us who registered early received a wrist band with the name of one of those who lost their life in the 9/11 tragedy. So I am prode to say that I was the person who rode in behalf of Hector.
God be with you all and God bless America!
Kevin Nadal
September 6, 2002
A year later after 9/11, I still cannot believe that our beloved Uncle Hector is no longer with us- at least not physically. He was always a man that made us laugh and showed us how to have a good time, someone who stressed the importance of family, and someone who always made me feel at home no matter how long it's been since I had seen him last.
We miss you, Uncle. Rest assured that I promise to look out for Ian and Pamie as best as I can... God bless you always.
Luther Tamayo
July 14, 2002
You are always in our thoughts and in our hearts. We try to keep as much of the wonderful memories of you. Not a day goes by without your image coming into focus. We just hope that as time goes by, we will be able to remember you without the accompanying pain and anguish of 9/11.
Angie Campbell
May 29, 2002
May you rest in peace forever more!!
May 11, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL MAN..HECTOR TAMAYO AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA ...NEW YORK AND THE GOOD FILIPINO PEOPLE..MAY JESUS AND HIS SAINTS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Gisele Perez
April 30, 2002
I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Hector two years ago. I was working as his Administrative Assistant for a short period, but it was enough to recognize what a good person he was. He was indeed a very sweet and special man. He walked around the office humming his favorite tunes and I would tease him and tried to get him to sign out loud. He would just give me a devilish smile and say "One of these days, one of these days" and continue on his way. He was a very happy person.
I left the company before he moved to the office at World Trade, to pursue other career opportunities in Chicago. When the attacks happened in Sept. 11th, I prayed that everyone I knew was OK and that I would never see a name or a face I'd recognize of the people we lost. My world came to a halt early this morning, when my sister sent me the link to this page and asked me if I knew the name. She had seen his name in a copy of a company employee directory I had.
I did not need to see a picture to know it was the same Hector Tamayo I knew. (If you knew Hector, you'd agree that he was "one of a kind".) I do wish there was a picture of him, so that everyone could see what a great smile he had. I do not know his family, but my prayers and deepest sympathy go out to them. I feel their loss and will always remember Hector with respect and admiration. I'm very happy to be one of the people whose lives he touched.
God bless you, Hector and may your smile never cease. You will be missed!
March 12, 2002
TO THE TAMAYO FAMILY:
OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIMES...YOU ARE A HERO FOR US ALL.MAY GOD WELCOME YOU IN PARADISE...(FILIFINO FAMILY IN CANADA)
Gayle Teofilo
March 11, 2002
Hector Tamayo was a man that every person strived to be. My uncle and Dad's bestfriend, was the strong & silent type who was intelligent, artistic, full of humor and laughter, and most of all loving. He left my Auntie Evelyn & cousins Ian and Pam too soon, however, I can picture his smiling face looking down upon us when he sees that his relatives and friends (especially my Dad) has taken upon the role (as best we can) to nurture the void in Hector's family's hearts. My Uncle Hector touched my life more than he will ever know. May he rest in peace.
Teddy Yabut
January 21, 2002
I am from Tambuan,Malinao, Aklan and i was surprise when i found out that the missing was one of our relative.I was not able to see Mr.Tamayo in person infact I only seen his picture in their family album back their Aklan.I only confirmed it when i saw the local TV interview with Dra.Iquina.His sister Mrs. Iquina was my elementary school teacher and i also studied in St.Joseph's Academy in Malinao.
My prayers for his Family is for them to continually trust God as He said "all things work together for good for those who love Him".
May the good lord continually protect the family and we're continually pray for justce of
K.Hector and the rest of the victims.
God bless to all:
Teddy Yabut and Family
Jackie Reburiano
December 30, 2001
Hector Tamayo was a man that was too great for mere words. He was my uncle, a great father and husband. He wasn't someone that you thought of as a fleeting relationship, one that you knew was just there. I always knew that he truly cared about me and my cousins. I hope he knows that I will never leave Ian and Pam's sides. He left a void that is irreplaceable to many.
Dianalynn Bodero
December 17, 2001
My daughter Chainelle Molina, went to school with Pamela, Mr. Tamayo's daughter. We lived for years right across the street from the Tamayo's and in a funny coincidence, ended up moving to a new house right across the street from Mr. Tamayo's sister-in-law, who once lived in his house for a time. Our family grieves for our neighbor and his family and we will never, ever forget September 11 or this sweet, gentle person we had the privilege of knowing. May God bless you.
Teresa Jahn
December 10, 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
Prescilla Lintoco - Zuniga
November 28, 2001
When I was in New York summer of 1997, I called up Hector just to say hello and asked him about going home to Malinao to attend the Saint Joseph's Academy Golden Jublilee. He told me that he was ready to leave within a couple of days for Malinao, and because I was almost finished with my work in Manhattan I told him that I would see them all in Malinao for the Big Event.
(Unfortunately, I wasn't able to go home because of some constraints.)
One thing that surprised me about Hector was his memory. For the fact that I wwas a couple of years ahead of him, and didn't stay much in Malinao during my high school and college years, but when I introduced myself to him over the phone, he knew me right away. He even recalled some of my funny ways back then.
For the family of Hector, our deepest sympathy and prayers.
Lintoco Family
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