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Pablo Ortiz Obituary
Pablo Ortiz had been a military man, a Navy Seal, and he had a military discipline. He was fussy. He was relentlessly neat. "He liked his clothes ironed a certain way," said his wife, Edna Kang-Ortiz. "They had to be ironed legs first and the crease had to be perfect. The shirts couldn't have any wrinkles. I tried to do it and couldn't please him."
Fine. He handled the laundry. He ironed her clothes too, and did they look good.
Before they got married in March of last year, they compared their strong and weak points. Mrs. Kang-Ortiz confessed she was a terrible cook. No problem. He did all the cooking.
Mr. Ortiz, 49, superintendent of construction for the Port Authority, lived in Staten Island with his wife, and she liked to say, "People come into your life to teach you a lesson. He taught me a lot of lessons. I was materialistic. I have become less materialistic. I learned from his strength. I learned from his patience."
In May, the sister of Mrs. Kang-Ortiz had some difficulties and needed to move to the Ortiz home with her two children. Mr. Ortiz was entirely supportive. "He would say to me, 'As long as you're happy, it's cool,"' his wife said. "His feeling was, 'You make the wife happy, you're happy.'"
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September 11, 2023
Pablo you are never forgotten. Your life and your service are remembered and celebrated today. May God richly bless those you loved and may you rest in eternal peace.
Matthew Froehlich
September 12, 2022
You will never be forgotten, Mr. Ortiz. You are an American Hero.
Michele Coppolo-Tracy
September 11, 2020
To the family of Pablo Ortiz, please know that I am thinking about "Paul" and all of you today. I was a former coworker of Paul and he and all of you are in my thoughts today.
Thomas Shields
October 8, 2019
Hello, I am a history teacher in New Jersey, and I have been teaching the events of 9/11 for 10 years. I came across your husband's heroics, when I screened 9/11 Inside the Towers. This Friday, as a school we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and implementing a tribute to him. Gone but never forgotten.
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Kathy
September 11, 2019
Never Forgotten!! You and Frank De Martini are true hero's. The story told of you two is one of real hero's!
carter
August 29, 2019
this is carter from shanley high school i am doing a project on pablo and i am proud of what he did to help out others during the attacks he is an inspiration
September 19, 2016
Just saw a documentary and wanted to say that you are true hero in every sense of the word. You will never be forgotten and are an inspiration to all. Rest in the sweetest paradise. Thank you for your bravery.
September 6, 2016
September 6, 2016
Maurella Bell
August 31, 2016
Pablo Ortiz, I have remembered you every day since 9/11. You are a part of my morning and evening prayers and when I swim in the summer, I swim laps in your memory. The world is a more beautiful place because of the legacy of honor and love you left. Thank you❤
S.J. Friscia III
August 30, 2016
In Memory with
Honor & Respect.
Eric Ortiz
September 11, 2015
To my Uncle. Rest easy, I never grew to know you as close as I would've liked, but I will never stop feeling a sense of pride to being related to a hero.
Nelson ortiz
November 13, 2014
To my only brother, Love and miss you I'll see you someday
Patrick Lenihan
September 28, 2014
Dear Pablo
We never met as I was yet to be born, though you were and still are a true hero. Your name will live on for ever, you did so much to help those in need while you risked your life. It is a truly a tragedy for you to pass in such an awful way.
Paul Herlihy
September 11, 2014
Just saw a doc about this guy,a true real life hero!
I salute you mr Ortiz !
August 8, 2014
I read of Pablo's heroism and am in awe of his courage. Love and respect to all of the Ortiz family.
April 4, 2014
I thought his actions on 9/11 were heroic and he is remembered by many - although it was a terrible day there were many silver linings in the dark cloud and Pablo Ortiz was one of them. My prayers go out to his family and friends.
Lucy S
September 11, 2013
Miles away, this day I remember. Prayers to you a hero, prayers to your family, God Bless you my brother.
G. Freeman
September 11, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Emilio Martinez
September 11, 2013
RIP Jr. Here's to you. A toast to the best from Flaco, as you used to call me. For the good times.
carmelo torres
September 7, 2013
fellow u.s. navy hero may you're good heart and love for people will always be remembered, rest in peace 9/11 people and all new yorkers will always have you in their hearts. God Bless your soul .. true Boricua veteran' thank you for serving our country and serving new yorkers when they most needed your strength you are a true hero angel... god sent.. we will miss you...
Andy Lauder
April 5, 2013
All the way from the UK R.I.P hero.. 11 years on and you are still being remembered, along with everyone else who perished that day... May we never forget
October 12, 2012
He is a hero my friend told me about him and its her step moms dad and what he did is amazing he will never be forgotten
Matt Froehlich
September 12, 2012
Never forgotten! RIP HERO!
Gary Perko
September 11, 2012
Thank you. A true hero.
Roberto Luciano
September 11, 2012
I just watched "True Heroes of WTC 88th Floor". Pablo is an inspiration to all. His heroism & bravery saved so many, while paying the ultimate price.
Eres orgullo para Borinquen y America.
Erika Smith
September 13, 2011
Just watched "Zero Hour" documentary and learned about Pablo Ortiz's heroic efforts on 9/11. What an amazing man and a true, selfless, hero. Along with so many other heroes that day the very best of human nature was shown in the face of the very worst of human hatred. To all those brave men and woman that put others before themselves that day, I thank you for showing that goodness and riotousness are the nature of the vast majority of human beings and that heroes are ordinary people that do extraordinary things. God Bless you and your family!
September 12, 2011
Pablo, what a TRUE hero you are. I am amazed at stories that are told about you, how many people said they would not be here today had you not guided them. You are such an inspiration and I hope you and your family know that we will never let you be forgotten, God Bless!
Jenni Willoughby
September 12, 2011
What a phenomenal man Mr. Ortiz was. I wish I could have known him and I wish I could have saved him from the horror he experienced. He is the true definition of a hero and a great person.
M B
September 11, 2011
Pablo, your heroism and selflessness are a beacon in my heart to light my way. God bless you. You are always remebered!
Michele Coppolo
September 11, 2011
I worked with Paul (as I knew him) many years ago when he was a construction superintendent at York Hunter. Paul was a very nice man. Always smiled when he said hello. I remember 1 year on secretaries day, he gave the girls who worked with him a small box covered in beads, which I have to this day and today it was placed in a spot where I would see it all day. I was so upset to find out that he perished on 9/11 but I can now say that I knew and worked with a true hero. Rest in peace Paul.
Paul Otieno
September 11, 2011
I watched the true heroes of the 88th floor on TLC, wow! Pablo, you are an inspiration, a hero, courageous and totally selfless. Thanks for saving so many lives. You will never be forgotten.
Adalys Perez
September 11, 2011
Pablo Ortiz i might never meet you but you would always be in my heart no matter what happen i miss you alot and i love you alot and you are a brave men to help 77 people for safely TQM with all my heart
love your cousin Ada
Lynsey Tate
September 11, 2011
I am so very sorry about the loss of this heroic, generous man who saved so many of his fellow humans on that fateful day ten years ago. My heart goes out to the wife, children and other beloved family and friends of this selfless and unimaginably brave person. Bless him, and bless you.
Destiny
September 10, 2011
God bless you. You were a hero and you will always be remembered.
debbie
September 10, 2011
woow i just watched the show about you and your heroism.. you are definately an unsung hero. all my love and best wishes to your family on friends on this sad anniversary of our loved ones deaths born and raised in nyc
September 10, 2011
May you always be remembered as the hero that you truly were that day. Thank you for saving those 77 people from the North Tower. You will not be forgotten.
Kellie D
September 10, 2011
Watched the documentary a few days ago and I still can not help but think of your Pablo..What a very brave and selfless person he was. May God Bless you and keep your family close as the anniversary of your loss approaches. Pablo will never be forgotton for his braveness..
Bob V
September 9, 2011
I saw the story on WRGB 6 News last night with your family. Thank you for what you have done for so many others. I see the results of your influence on your children, you would be proud. I am honored to be resident of Schenectady for where you once lived thank you for being or local hero and god bless your family
September 6, 2011
I watched the documentary last night about Pablo and Frank. Their selflessness touched me so much. There are so few people in this world that have hearts and character so strong to do what they did.
September 6, 2011
What an angel...to save all those people and not think twice about getting himself out. Wow. A true hero!
September 6, 2011
To the Ortiz Family. I just watched the documentary. Pablo is a hero and an inspiration to us all. God bless you.
Doug Koesel
September 5, 2011
I just saw the documentary about Pablo and Frank. I was so moved. What a wonderful spirit of self sacrifice. He is a true hero. 76 people are alive today because of him. Our church has a permanent 9/11 memorial in it. All the victim are listed with a biography about each one. Pablo may be gone but he is not forgotten.
Michael Crossan
September 5, 2011
In the black, a reaching hand. A saviour's breath. Pablo Ortiz.
Charlotte B.
September 5, 2011
After watching the documentary, I thank you for your courage and heroism. RIP Mr Pablo Ortiz.
m bell
September 5, 2011
In remembrance of Mr. Pablo Ortiz. You are a true inspiration. RIP!
Evelyn Ortiz
September 4, 2011
10 yrs rest in peace
Matt Froehlich
September 4, 2011
On this 10th anniversary of 9/11, I pray to God that Pablo is sitting next to our Lord as a true American Hero.
Arleen Martin
September 4, 2011
Your strength and courage will never be forgotten may you rest in peace. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Burke Huddleston
May 3, 2011
As I watch a television program on 911, the faces of those you saved appear. Their voices extol a vague form, a voice that emanating from the haze. Your simple command: "Follow me." And they did.
May all of us follow the path of Pablo Ortiz. Hero is not word enough to contain him. May your reward be more than mere words...may it be found in the presence of the Almighty.
christine fiorelli
January 23, 2010
You will never be forgotten. May God's light shine upon you. Rest in peace.
Monica Williams
September 18, 2008
God bless your selfless acts.
alessandro del stabile
September 11, 2008
i,m very proud for that man
P Tabbernor
January 23, 2007
In remembrance....
Kristine
November 22, 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.
Julie Bonds
September 14, 2006
I'm watching a story on A&E about 9/11. I saw how a man saved a WHOLE floor of people. That man was Pablo. He was a true hero! God Bless Him!
Patrizia
September 12, 2006
You will be an hero forever..God bless you..
MARIA
September 12, 2006
YOUR HUSBAND, YOUR FATHER WAS A HERO. NOW HE'S AN ANGEL. YOU SHOULD BE PROUD OF HIM AND OF HAVING LIVED A PART OF YOUR LIFE WITH HIM. I HOPE THIS WILL SOFTEN YOUR SORROW AND DESPAIR...A PRAY COMES FROM ITALY FOR ALL THE VICTIMS OF 9/11/01...
alain heyrman
September 11, 2006
9/11 port of antwerp , belgium
the 9/11 docu was on our nat.tv
i am writing from antwerp to tell you how wonderful your husband and father was , pablo ortiz was a hereo!His sacrifice and example will hopefully never be forgotton .
May you rest in peace good sir & may god bles him forever en your family .
Shari Livingston
September 11, 2006
I am wearing ribbon today in honor of your husband. Insurance Office of America, Inc. remembers the fallen heroes every year. God Bless!
J Maguire
September 7, 2006
Dear Mrs Ortiz and family
I am writing from Belfast, Ireland to tell you how wonderful and amazing your husband and father was. The 9/11 documentary was just aired on our national television and what a wonderful man Pablo was. This man was a hero and I know that u don't need me or the hundreds of other people telling you that as he was a hero to you before that day.
God Bless and my thoughts are With you.
Jean Kwiatkowski
October 8, 2005
I am the quilter for the New York / New Jersey Port Authority Staff Quilt. I know Pablo's face very well - also heard in the National Geographic televised show on what Pablo did for many people. I do believe he is in God's hands.
Teri
September 13, 2005
Four years after, I just heard of your part in the 9/11 heroism. Greater love has no one that to lay down his life for another... God bless your selfless acts and God be with the family you left behind.
John Tellez
September 11, 2005
MAY GOD BLESS THE LIFE OF PABLO ORTIZ. THIS MAN WAS A TRUE HERO, A MAN OF STEEL AND A MAN SENT TO US FROM GOD.
David Kiser
September 4, 2005
I recently saw Pablo featured on the "102 Minutes" 9/11 story. After the segment ended I turned to my wife, tears in my eyes, and told her , 'that guy is a true hero, I really hope that people take the time to recognize that fact' . His heroism that day was truly astounding. In a day and age where the term hero is too frequently associated with actors or atheletes, this man is an absolute example of what a true hero is. Without regard for his own safety, he freed people that were trapped on their floors, and continued to march upwards to save others. Most people would be concerned with escaping themselves, but not him. The sacrifice he made, and example he set, will hopefully never be forgotten.
I can only hope that if I am ever faced with a situation such as he was, I will be able to follow his example in the face of danger and confront it with half the bravery that he did.
This man is the epitome of bravery and heroism, and anytime the term hero is mentioned, I will forever associate the concept with Pablo.
Cortney
August 31, 2005
I just watched a special stating your heroism Mr. Ortiz. So many people got out of that building thanks to you. You're one of the true many heros of 9/11.
Suzi
August 26, 2005
I am also watching a show about the events of 9/11. Pablo is truely amazing by saving so many lives, combing through each floor looking for people.
Peace be with you
Tom Sanderson
August 25, 2005
I'm watching a show right now about the events of 9/11, and they just had a segment about what Pablo Ortiz did to help many people get out of the building. This man is a true hero and a gift from God, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Madeline Velez
September 22, 2004
I grieve for my brother-in-law Pablo Ortiz every day. He was a proud Navy seal man, a good father who adored his children, and a loving son and brother.He is survived by many family members and friends that will always treasure his memory,and love him forever.
Susan Richardson-Garza
May 28, 2004
On January 16, 2004, my husband and I welcomed into this world our first-born son: Antonio Pablo Garza. After 9/11, I watched a program (as did thousands/millions, I'm sure)that mentioned what Mr. Ortiz did for some of the survivors of the WTC devastation. I was very moved and said that night that our first son would have his name. I wanted to let his family know. I can't imagine the loss you feel. However, I hope it's comforting to know that Mr. Ortiz' selfless act will NEVER be forgotten.
Susan Garza
September 11, 2003
PABLO, YOU ARE ONE OF THE HEROES OF 9/11. MAY GOD GRANT YOU PEACE AND MAKE HIS FACE TO SHINE UPON YOU.
Benjamin Figueroa Jr.
September 2, 2003
To the family of Pablo Ortiz:
May God grant you strength in your time of grief. I am so sorry for your loss. I was incredibly struck by the heroism and bravery shown by Pablo on 9/11 as described in the recent NYT article. People like Pablo were the real heros of 9/11 and they will never be forgotten. God bless you.
Natalie Gonzales Harris
September 1, 2003
"Greater love hath no man than this..that a man lay down his life for his friends." May you rest in peace good sir.
DONNA SINCLAIR
August 29, 2003
may your family take comfort in the knowledge that people from all over the world read about your bravery and your life and that you will always be remembered , you will never be forgotten .
Betty Arce
August 29, 2003
To the Ortiz family:
I read with great sadness and yet shared Edna's pride in how Pablo Ortiz sacrificed his life on behalf of his co-workers and other tenants of One World Trade Center. He was an angel in life and now has his wings to look after his loved ones and friends. You were blessed to have had him, if only for a little while. May you find comfort and solace in his heroism and his courage. He leaves you a wonderful legacy of love, tolerance and caring for humanity.
Marta Strzinek
August 29, 2003
Dear Mrs. Ortiz and children:
I hope the love and words of admiration that you are receiving today because of this article in the NY Times will add to the comfort of knowing that your father and husband stands as a true hero and human being in the mind of all of us that met him through this story of bravery.
I cannot imagine your sorrow, yet I cannot think of anything more honorable, as he would have felt as a former SEAL, than to lay his life for his commrades. It is in the code of honor of a SEAL never to walk away from a wounded fellow companion... Pablo showed us the ultimate lesson in valor, courage and humanity... He did not walk away, he kept on going back until he could do no more.
May your God fill your spirits with happiness for having been blessed with his company in mortality and may you hope for an eternity with your beloved father and husband.
Marta M. Strzinek
Carol Griffin
August 29, 2003
The world has lost a beautiful human being.
Robyn Turner
August 29, 2003
Mr. Ortiz lives on through the people he saved and the example he set that terrible day--of bravery and a strong sense of duty.
August 29, 2003
your husband was a very brave man. I was reading the reports & crying. You must be so proud of him. May God bless him forever & your whole family. You were truly bless with this man.
Jonathan Jaffin
August 29, 2003
On that fateful day in NYC, I thought of and heard about all the heroes and acts of strength. There were many people who needed Pablo Ortiz that day, whether they would survive or not. Pablo assisted as many as he could, and was right where God needed him to be.
Elaine Escobar
August 29, 2003
I just learned of the heroism of this brave person. Through his untiring efforts, many lives were saved. To his family, I know that nothing can fill the void in your hearts but be proud of your husband and father. The world need more like him.
Tammy Espaillat
August 29, 2003
My condolences to Mr. Ortiz's family. He must have been such an extraordinary man to have stayed behind to help others instead of running to safety with his wife. I wasn't witness to the tragedy except via tv & radio, yet I still feel as if I was there. The pain is still intense. Best wishes..God bless you...
John Viergutz
September 9, 2002
I just learned of Pablo, from watching Investigative Reports, where the grateful survivors of the 89th floor expressed their gratitude for Pablo's extraordinary commitment to saving as many other lives as he could, without concern for his own. What a man he must have been; may God Bless him and his family & friends, and may we all be inspired to better ourselves, from his lesson in character and grace under fire...
Maureen Foo Van Natten
September 5, 2002
As time gets closer to the day that we all lost Pablo, the harder it gets. Justina and JaShing will never forget their dad and will love him always. Their memories of him are what keeps them going. I would like to say thank you to all of you who have expressed knowing Pablo in his last hours. You have helped Pablo's children develop some closure. They can now remember their dad not only as their father but also as a hero. He died with honor and they will also be proud.
Angie Campbell
May 8, 2002
May God Bless you and watch over the family and friends that you left behind that horrible day last September. May you rest in his loving peace forever more.
Anonymous
March 19, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL MAN...A HERO..PABLO ORTIZ AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS WIFE ...FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..MAY JESUS AND ST.PAUL GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN..AMEN
Akane Ito
March 12, 2002
Dear Mrs. Ortiz and Family
I would like to offer my deepest sympathy for your loss. I know there is no words that can ease your sorrow. I wish what I am writing will be a little help.
I am working for Cosmos Services America, Inc. I was on the 89th floor, suite 8969. As you know, that morning was so beautiful and nothing was different from any other day. I just sat at the desk and was about start work. My desk located close to the entrance door. My president opened the door and about to say good morning, he was blown in to the office. I first thought it was an explosion. The building shook like an earthquake. The celling fell over me. I could smell the fuel and the black smoke started to came into the office. Outside the window, I could see fireball, papers, and debris. I did not know what to do. Since we were trapped in the office, we could do nothing but to wait the rescue. I think it was about 20 minutes after the 2nd plane crushed, your father and your husband opened the door for us. He led us to the stairs and went back to the floor. I knew Mr. Ortiz by face. I was about a few blocks away from the building when it collapsed. If Mr. Ortis had not opened the door for us, I am not here, on this earth. The first thing I could do was to talk to my family in Japan. Several people on the street offered me to use their cell phones. Then with so many people's help, I could go back to my home, NJ, next day. Since then, my president was searching for Mr. Ortiz, hoping he made it, that day.
That day, your father and your husband saved the lives of many. I wish I could thank Mr. Ortiz, however, it is not possible, now. I would like to let you know that Mr. Ortiz will be in my prayers always.
Thank you.
Edna Kang-Ortiz
February 14, 2002
Pablo Ortiz was a hardworking and loving man. He made a difference in my life.I have come to understand that with his actions of September 11 he will be in the prayers and thoughts of his co-workers and others. This brings me Peace. He was selfless that day and saved so many. I am so proud to have been his wife.
[email protected]
Dianne DeFontes
February 10, 2002
Dear Mrs. Ortiz and Family, I am sorry for your loss and I know that there are no words that can ease the loss of a beloved father and husband. Please know that I was on the 89th floor of 1WTC, Your father saved my life and the lives of several people on that horrible day. I am and will be forever grateful. Pablo Ortiz will forever be in my prayers.
Harold Martin
January 24, 2002
January 24, 2002
PABLO ORTIZ
Dear Mrs. Ortiz and Family:
I am writing to offer my deepest sympathy, realizing there is very little I or anyone could say to ease your sorrow, although I wish I could and hope that what I am about to say will help a little.
My other reason for writing is to express my appreciation for Mr. Ortiz having saved my life and the other people I worked with in our office on Sept. 11th located on the 89th floor of the North Tower, Bldg. No. One, WTC.
I work for Cosmos Services (America), Inc. an insurance broker. I along with four fellow employees were in the office when the plane hit and as it turned out, we were trapped, because both available fire doors to the stairwells were locked. If it weren’t for Mr. Ortiz coming up the stairwell onto our floor and when hearing our radio opening our office door, asking us to follow him down the stairwell, I wouldn’t be writing to you today.
Since Sept. 11th we had been trying to locate your husband, although no one knew his name. Our company president, Walter Pilipiak, finally received photos of Port Authority employees and was able to identify our hero.
It took someone like your husband, who was familiar with the building, to be able to get us out before the building collapsed. We were out of the building only about 5 minutes when it collapsed. Had we tried coming down the stairwell by ourselves, assuming we would have gotten the door open, we would never have gotten out in time, because of the detours we had to make on the way down.
Just to give you some information about myself, I am 60 years old, married for 32 years to my wife Marilyn. Nothing compares to what happened on Sept. 11th, not even the 3 heart attacks I’ve had, the last one being 5 years ago. I live on Long Island and commute to the city each day. I have a 30 year old married daughter and 26 year old son.
This past April, prior to joining Cosmos Services, I worked for Aon Risk Services, Inc. on the 103rd floor of the South Tower. I try no to think of what would have happened if I had continued to work there. I lost several good fiends of the approximate 300 people that Aon lost. This is what continues to bother me about Sept. 11th.
I can only hope that a little of what I have written will help you and your family to deal with your enormous loss. I will always remember the man that I never had the opportunity to know.
People tell me that I had a guardian angel looking over me that day. Now I can say yes I did and his name was Pablo Ortiz.
Thank you and God bless.
Harold Martin – [email protected]
Tirsa Moya
January 23, 2002
To The Family & Friends of Pablo Ortiz,
I wish to say that I was deeply saddened to learn that Pablo did not make it out of the WTC. Up until last week my boss was trying to put a name to the face of our hero. Unfortunately, when we finally learned Pablo's identity we also learned that he did not make it out.
I pray that God grants you the strength and ability to cope with the pain of having lost such a special person. I also pray that you gain comfort in reading these words of gratitude and praise.
The morning of September 11th was like any other work day. Being the early bird that I am, I was in my office on the 89th floor answering e-mails when our building was struck. We had no clue as to what had just happened. My boss was just entering the office and got blown back into the hallway by the impact. It felt like an eartquake but when I looked out the window I saw fireballs. My initial reaction was to communicate. I called everyone I knew who worked at the WTC to make sure they were ok. By then we had heard that a plane had hit our building. I called my dad and told him what had happened and that we were going to try evacuating. I told him that I loved him and that I would call him as soon as I got out. We were not able to begin evacuating until about 9:25 because we could not get the doors leading to the stairwell open.
I finally called my dad about 2 hours later. The fact that I was able to get out of the building safely is owed to God and the bravery of many. One of those brave souls being Pablo Ortiz. Had he not appeared at our door when he did, I am most certain that we would not have made it out unharmed.
I was hoping to thank Pablo in person for his unselfish act of bravery. Since this is not possible, I wish to extend my eternal gratitude to you, his family and friends.
Not a day goes by that I don't think of him and not a day will go by that I don't.
May God bless you and keep you always.
Sincerely,
Tirsa
Walter Pilipiak
January 14, 2002
Pablo Ortiz was a heroe on 9/11/01
I am the President and COO of Cosmos Services (America) Inc.,an insurance brokerage firm whose office was located in suite 8969 of One World Trade Center.
On 9/11, I just exited the elevator with one other passenger and entered my office at 8:45 am. The force of an explosion lifted my 215lb body and blew me into the sheetrock wall of my office entrance. I had four employees already present and rescued four other tenants from the 89th floor black smoke filled hallways. Some of the people were cut from glass and all were experiencing difficulty breathing. My job was to keep them from panicing.
After the second building was attacked, I decided to try and get out of the building. We COULD NOT. The main exit doors to the emergency stairways were locked or jammed.
I returned to my office to call my wife, when your father and husband Pablo Ortiz showed up in my office with a flashlight and said lets go, you can get out now. I made sure my office staff exited ahead of us and Mr. Ortiz followed me to the stairwell. He then went on to conduct a further search of offices on the 89th floor. I have known from 911, that Mr. Ortiz was a heroe and he along with two other PA employees are the parties responsible for us (the 89th floor) being alive today. Not everyone made it to safety from the 89th floor. I am so sorry that our heroe did not make it to safety, but a day does not go bye that I don't thank God for the action this great gentleman took on 9/11.
We have all read about the NYPD and FDNY, many of which we passed on the stairs as we exited, but the only face I could remember was Mr. Ortiz. Unfortunately, I have found him as one of the listed deceased.
We have passed the four month mark sinc ethis tragedy and I am now a peace with myself only because I found your father's/ husband's Tribute.
I did not know him personally, other than to share an elevator ride up from 78 or to see him in the cafeteria on 44. Now that I have read the tributes, I feel I know him a little closer and his SEAL experience probably accounts for his display of heroics on 9/11.
I wish that anyone who reads this accounting will take the time to say a prayer for Mr Ortiz and the family he left behind. Thank you Mr. Ortiz for saving my life and all my staffs' on September 11th, 2001.
Walter J. Pilipiak
Teresa Jahn
December 16, 2001
We thank Pablo for his time serving his country in the military and then working for the Port Authority's construction. Such a love for his country comes with a huge caring heart. We are very sorry for your loss of Pablo. 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
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How to support Pablo'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.
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Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
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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.
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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.
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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 Pablo Ortiz's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
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