Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Ralph Gerhardt Obituary
He delighted in bungee jumping and feeding sharks. At 6 feet 2 inches tall, Ralph Gerhardt enjoyed playing the part of daredevil and strong man. He had an impish sense of humor and a reputation for practical jokes.
Still, he was an affectionate son, who called his parents in Toronto every day.
He had grown up in Toronto, the son of German immigrants, but New York had always been his dream.
And so last February ‹ when Mr. Gerhardt, a 34-year-old bond trader, was transferred by Cantor Fitzgerald to the 105th floor of the World Trade Center ‹ was one of the happiest times of his life.
He was eager to show his parents that life ‹ "my New York" as he was so proud to call it.
His parents came often to visit so he could show them the apartment he was fixing up on Lexington Avenue and 26th Street, the bicycle he liked to ride over to Central Park, the woman from Staten Island he had met at work, the many museums and monuments he prided himself on knowing, as well as the best tour guides.
"It was the pinnacle," said his father, Hans Gerhardt, who last heard from his son at 8:48 a.m., moments after the plane hit. "He said: 'Something just happened. I am O.K. We are evacuating. I will call you later.' "
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May 2023<br />We chose Ralph from all the Canadian names. <br />A calming place to reflect and remember. <br />Bob and Nancy
Nancy Johns-Root
September 11, 2023
May 2023<br />A visit to the Memorial from two Canadians (Windsor, ON)<br />Bob and Nancy
Nancy Johns-Root
September 11, 2023
Jerry Salloum, former staff member, DMCI
July 24, 2023
I had the privilege of teaching Ralph Gerhardt in a senior physical geography class at Don Mills Collegiate Institute in North York. Without doubt, given his delightful personality, he was the type of student that his teachers could not possibly forget. Like many others, I am deeply saddened by his untimely death.
Mark Hittinger
September 12, 2019
Hello, I am a TSA officer in San Diego, Ca and yesterday on 9/11/19 all the officers were handed a card with a 9/11 victim's name on it to wear that day. I was given Ralph Gerhardt. I wanted to let you know it was an honor to wear his name tag on my uniform. I will keep this card and keep all the victims in mind as I do my job everyday. My condolences to friends and family.
Regards,
-Mark
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Eric Calladine
September 11, 2014
I never met Ralph but got to know his father Hans while he was working at the Sutton Place hotel. A friend of mine, Dan Cook knew Ralph and speaks fondly often of him. My condolences on this September 11, 2014 to the Gerhardt family.
V. C.
September 11, 2014
I would like to send my message to the Gerhardt family. I knew Ralph back when he was going to Overland P.S. He used to visit my family's home from time to time to play, he was a friend of my brother. We'd like to send our prayers to the Gerhardt family on this day. Please know that our thoughts are with you.
Jocelyn Murray
September 11, 2012
I worked with Ralph during his brief stint
at Tullett Liberty in those days. A true gentleman and lovely person that I will rmember forever
Justine
September 11, 2012
Another year.. . I worked with Ralph before his Cantor days in Toronto. What a wonderful man. My heart goes out to you.
ALVIN GERHARDT
September 13, 2011
Our deepest sympathy. My dad heard Ralph's name and wondered iv tnereis a relation. He is also a Gerhardt.
Linda Silverman
September 13, 2011
Dear Gerhardt family,
I am totally shocked today when I read in the Alunmi magazine that Ralph was killed on 9/11. I was housemates with him at Western for 2 years and wondered often where he was after I finished. I too moved to the US and as a result lost touch with many of those from Western. I always remembered him as the nicest guy and I am so deeply sorry to hear of his passing and of your loss.
Sincerely,
Yvonne Brumberg-Ugran
Louis A
September 9, 2011
Almost 10 yrs, and still miss Ralph no less.
My heart goes out to you Hans, Helga and Stefan.
Love always,
Louis A.
September 11, 2010
Hello Mr and Mrs Gerhardt and family,
I had the pleasure of meeting Ralph in our early twenties, I first met him at Western and to my surprise at my first job on Bay street. We also ended up working together again at Cantor in Toronto (he got me the job...saying I can handle the guys on the floor). Boy did we have fun, I particularly remember the way he drove-and loving every minute of it. I remember meeting you Mrs Gerhardt at Cantor and how proud you were that your son was taking you out for lunch:-). We kept in touch even though we were living worlds apart. My husband and I moved to Tokyo and I remember receiving an email from Ralph saying he was going to come and visit us and do some business. I kept that email for a very long time.
I think of him often and always with a smile.
Take care
Yoo-Mi Astley
Donna Hahn
September 11, 2009
Hello Mr. & Mrs. Gerhardt, Stephan, Christine and family.
I think of your family often --but am especially reminded of you all today -.
I will always remember Ralph's smile and sense of humor. I hope you all are doing well - take good care.
Hugs and kisses.
Diane Sleeman
September 11, 2009
Mr and Mr Gerhardt, my sister and I worked at the Old Mill restaurant with you we still to this day remember your loss of 9/11 and our thoughts and prayers are with you
Diane and Donna Sleeman
Carolyn (Burias) Gallagher
September 11, 2009
It is still hard to believe what occurred that day, 7 years ago; hard to believe that Ralph, (who I knew for a brief time in high school) is gone. Remembering him as a bright, studious, and friendly student, he was definitely "most likely to succeed". Upon reading some of the other websites and tributes, I'm happy (yet sad) to know that he grew up to be an amazing person- taken so young, he will be missed.
Lynda and Don Danard
September 11, 2009
You are in our thoughts today; Hans, Helga, and Stefan.
Remembering Ralph.
love,
Lynda and Don.
Doug Abraham
June 6, 2009
Happy Birthday!!!
Lynd Hutchison
September 14, 2008
Ralph was an amazing individual. Not a year goes by that he is not in my thoughts. So full of love, laughter and spirit. All those who met Ralph, even if for a brief moment know how special he was.
Ralph will always be remembered.
Connie Dotson
September 12, 2008
Blessings sent to the Gerhardt family during this time of remberance of the loss of your son. My wish is that he's smiling from above to his family. Time helps to heal the wounds...God Bless you all....a friend of Lynda's.
Lynda and Don Danard
September 11, 2008
Dearest Hans, Helga, & Stefan;
You are in our thoughts today, as we remember Ralph.
love,
Doug Abraham
June 6, 2008
Happy Birthday!!!
Doug Abraham
June 6, 2007
Happy Birthday!!!
Kristine
October 26, 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
October 19, 2006
In memory....
Charles & Christa x Holmes
September 9, 2006
To the Gehardt family:
Although we only know Christine, through the Galloway running program in Washington, DC, we can only wish you our condolences and most heartfelt sorrow at the death of a son, brother cherished relative and friend! To be sure, we shall all meet again. This is the promise of our Risen Lord!
Wir werden Ralph Gerhardt in ewiger Erinnerung behalten!
Nathalie Kulin
August 28, 2003
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Gerhardt,
I never knew Ralph, but I knew Mr. Gerhardt. I am sure you wouldn't remember me, but I have fond memories of staying at the Sutton Place when I was growing up. Please accept the sincerest condolences of myself, my two brothers Andrew and Greg, my mother Marie, and my father Stanley.
Kindly,
Nathalie
Brian McAuley
October 8, 2002
To the Gerhardt Family,
I met Ralph in high school. We were both part of Junior Achievement. As part of the program we both received scholarships to take the Dale Carnegie Course. I always remember when Ralph would stand up to speak with his "strong" voice. Everyone in the class loved Ralph for being such a genuine guy.
The first thing we had in common was growing up in Don Mills. The second was Dale Carnegie. A few years later we touched base again at Western and shared a few courses. I recently found an old notebook with Ralph's name and phone number in it. I think it was from the time I needed his help with a class project. I was going home for the weekend and he was staying, so he bailed me out and helped me before I left so the assignment could be in on time.
My whole body went numb when I was watching a CTV news report on September 13, 2001 about Canadians that were missing. I always thought that everyone would know someone affected by September 11. I never expected it would hit this close to home. I came to Ralph's memorial service to show respect for a very respectable guy, who at one point made my life just that much better.
God Bless you, Gerhardts.
Maritza Velazquez
September 11, 2002
To the Gerhardt family,
My condolences go out to you. I did have the pleasure of knowing Ralph for a short period of time. He was a patient of the doctor that I work for. He was always very friendly and pleasant when he came to the office. Hearing the news was hard on my co-worker and myself. We did not know him personally but it brought us all to tears. We had even tried calling him that day and the next to see if he was alright because we knew that he work in the towers. Our efforts were in vain but we hoped for the best. Now we know he's with God and that brings us some comfort in all this chaos. God bless you all and you are always in my prayers.
Gary Fisher
September 10, 2002
The company I work at is passing out lapel pins in memory of the people that were killed on Sept. 11 last year. I know how it feels to lose a son as my son was killed a year earlier on the same day. I wasn't going to look your son up on this email site but something compelled me to so I did and found out what a fine boy you have. You see I say have because in my mind I still have my own boy just as you have yours. They are with God now and we will one day see them again. My son's name is Timmy Fisher and he is missed every day. Please be kind to each other and yourselves as some days are very diffcult to get through. Your son is looking after you both now and he will always be near. God bless you and I pray for all the people that have died. Gary Fisher
Judy Dufour
September 10, 2002
Stephan, Mr. and Mrs. Gerhardt--
During work today, something compelled me to look at this page. I think of Ralph often because the loss of a loved one changes your life in so many ways. I had the priviledge of working with Stephan and I think of him everyday and the strength you all need to have to get through this. I know it is hard. Please know that I am thinking of you all.
Steve Williams
September 9, 2002
When the tragedy happened and they reported locally that your son was one of the Canadians lost in the horrible actions of last September, I was taken aback by the name and his age, I went to first year university in Ontario with a guy whose name is very similar from what I remember and initially I thought it was him, they even look similar. 15 years have passed but just the thought of someone I knew being taken sent chills up my spine. I am incredibly sorry for your loss and that of all the families hurt by this. I wish you all strength and we all should strive to love our neighbours a little more strongly and never take anything for granted. Life is the greatest gift we have, everything else is immaterial. God Bless.
Ralph Gerhardt
September 6, 2002
Dear Family Gerhardt,
I just surfed in the internet (sorry
about my bad english) and looked at all those names of the victims in WTC on 9-11. When I saw the name
Ralph Gerhardt and his age (34 the
same like me, i was born 18.06.68)
all the tragedy came closer to me.
I am really sorry for all of the
victims at 9-11. Many of my relatives live in Albany/NY. and I
visited Manhattan many times, i still can't believe that the twin towers and all those people are gone!
God bless you all
Ralph Gerhardt
Brühlweg 2
72655 Altdorf
Germany
Eddie J
May 28, 2002
My condolences to the Gerhardt family.
Angie Campbell
April 26, 2002
May God Bless you and keep you.
Sue Wilkins
March 16, 2002
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Gerhardt,
I am a Quilter from Canada (Northeast of Toronto) who has chosen to contribute to the
United in Memory Quilt Project.
We have been asked to make a quilt block to commemorate the life of one person who lost their life that fateful day.
I hope it will comfort you to know that one will be made to honour Ralph's life.
If you have any special wishes or concerns on this please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Sue Wilkins
Thea Medina
March 16, 2002
To The Gerhardts,
I do not know you nor had I ever met Ralph. But I think of him and your family often. I have in my possession a Mercy B.A.N.D. with Ralph's name on it from my church here in Albuquerque. I pray for Ralph and your family often. I pray that in these times of sorrow you are able to celebrate Ralph's new life with our Lord Jesus who died on the cross for us. In John:16,33 it says, "I have said this unto you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world." I hope only that these words speak truth to the life in which we live and the circumstance in which we find ourselves. I proudly bear Ralph's name on my wrist and pray daily for all other victims and families of September 11, 2001. When people ask who's name is on my bracelet , I am sure to tell them of the young man from Toronto, son of Hans Gerhardt, who lead an exciting life and who loved his family.
Sincerely,
Thea Medina
Tim lilleyman
February 10, 2002
I have been privileged to know the Gerhardt Family for a long time & Ralph was a wonderful credit to the Family & to living life to the fullest.
I had not seen him for many years but by chance saw him in July of 2001 & had a 15 minute moment in time that I will remember for ever,he was so full of NYC & the magic of daily life,I envied him,he was at the top of his game,it made me very happy & certainly made his parents happy.
His service in Toronto was a great healer for a lot of people,he would have been proud to bring 1200 people together to remember him & pay tribute to his Dad,Mum & Brother.
He will be missed.
Tim Lilleyman & Family
February 10th 2002
[email protected]
Janet Lee Evans
January 28, 2002
Stephan, Hans and Helga,
Thank you for the memories of my time spent at your various homes in Toronto and Orilla. I know you all loved Ralph very much and I hope that you are all are coping as best you can under the circumstances.
Best Wishes,
Lee
Fred Howard
January 24, 2002
Though I did not know Ralph, I met him through his brother Stephan last week in Houston. My sincere condolences to the family; and I wear the joint Canadian/U.S. flag that Stephan so gratiously gave the class, proudly each day. May God's everlasting love be with your family always.
Fred Howard, CTC
January 23, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS
YOUNG MAN RALPH GERHARDT AND MAY HE
REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND
FRIENDS.GOD BLESS AMERICA ...NEW YORK AND THE GOOD PEOPLE OF CANADA.
MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..MAY ALL
THE SAINTS MEET YOU AT THE GATES OF
HEAVEN..AMEN
Renita Halladay
January 16, 2002
I would like to offer my sympathy to you and your family. Having not meet Ralph but having worked with his brother. I feel some closeness. Always remember the good times and never let them leave your heart. God Bless you and Ralph
David Tartick
January 6, 2002
Hans & Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. I think fondly of those years we worked together, and I'm sure others feel the same way.I recently visited the site, and thought of you. Things will get better.
David Tartick
Teresa Jahn
December 30, 2001
We are deeply sorry for your loss of Ralph. May his life and love live on in those who love him. Our hearts cry with you in your loss of Ralph.
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
Showing 1 - 46 of 46 results
Make a Donation
in Ralph Gerhardt's name
How to support Ralph's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Ralph Gerhardt's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored