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Christopher Peter A. Racaniello
Christopher Peter A. Racaniello
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Christopher Peter Racaniello Obituary
In a family of Wall Street types, traders and bond brokers, Christopher A. Racaniello found it hard not to chase tradition. Like father, like son was the plan: the 30-year-old was working his way through the ranks at Cantor Fitzgerald. "He was hoping to make his way to the trading desk," said his father, Frank Racaniello, a retired trader. "I was proud of him the way a parent always is. But it felt good watching him work his way up. He had a bright future ahead of him."
Nov. 24 was to be a particularly big day — his wedding day, the moment Mr. Racaniello, who was forever a best man or an usher in friends' weddings, planned to walk down the aisle with Lisa Greco, an old friend from the neighborhood. For his father, it is impossible not to wonder what might have been for the kid who grew up in Douglaston, Queens, but fancied himself a beach boy.
"My wife and I had finally got our Christopher to the point where we could see the things we taught him and the things he worked for coming to fruition," Frank Racaniello said. "Sometimes I second-guess myself. I think maybe it was my fault. He wouldn't have been there if he hadn't been trying to follow family tradition."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ben Coe
March 1, 2025
On 9/11, 2011, I picked up a name card during a 10th anniversary of 9/11 event at my university. The card read “Christopher Racaniello.” I have no connection with him or his family beside this card I picked up that day.
As I have reached my own milestones in life, I have thought about the ones he did it get to have. He never got to his big day to get married that year. I want to express gratitude to his family and friends for sharing about him, because the impact of his story reached someone like me across the nation. He seemed to have been a wonderful person and a light in this world.
I have thought about Christopher and his family these past 13 years each time I think about 9/11, and I pray for his family. His name is one that I will never forget, always remember.
Lori Heymann
August 21, 2024
Almost 22 years have passed, but the memory of Chris stays strong. What stood out about Chris, even in middle school, was his reasonableness and kindness. He was also intelligent, a lot of fun, you laughed hard in his company, and he really was good-looking. A lot of good people were lost on Sept. 11th, and it's a tragedy that needs to be remembered. Decades later, it's easy to say Chris is one of the best people I ever met, and, I want to leave that somewhere. A part of him has stayed with all who knew him, or it seems that way.
S.J. Friscia III
March 14, 2021
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
Charles McGovern
November 2, 2020
Always think of this young man especially on the anniversary of that terrible day for New York. Have known his father Frank and mother Sandra for over 35 years. Today though is especially sad as I learn his father Frank has passed away, a dear and loyal friend. May he rest in peace united with young Christopher who was always in his thoughts. I ndil gcuimhne a dhaoine uasail.
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Peter Snowdon
February 4, 2017
Hello.
I didn't know Christopher but I was at the 9/11 Memorial yesterday and noticed his name. I am called Peter and I have two sons called Anthony and Christopher aged 30 and 28.
I can't pay my respects individually to all those who died but I hope you don't mid if I do this through Christopher. Clearly he was a fine man.
The Memorial and Museum are fitting tributes to all those who died.
RIP
Peter, Sunderland, England.
September 11, 2015
It was on the 1st anniversary of 9/11 when my family and I were reflecting and speaking about the tragedy. It was then that my mother told us that one of our cousins from our Father's side was killed in the horrific events that transpired that day. Christopher was that cousin of which she spoke of. Unfortunately our family never got to meet him as my father had passed several years earlier and we lost contact with his distant side. As a distant family member, even though we never met, I say a prayer and light a candle for Christopher and his family every anniversary.
May 12, 2014
I use to associate with Chris in Montauk when we were young. We always had the best of times and I remember how Chris was a stand up guy. I spent 4 days at the site during the recovery efforts and I'm visiting the Memorial this weekend, 5/14. As such, Chris came to mind. He's in my thoughts.
pamela menera
July 4, 2013
To Christopher's Parents, As a parishioner at St. Anastasia's, I see Christopher's name on the stained glass window depicting the Resurrection each time I receive Holy Communion. I am so deeply moved by the significance of this tribute and I wanted to thank you for the profound effect it has on me each time I receive the Body of Christ. (One of my daughters went to school with Chris which is how I recognized his name shortly after becoming a member of St Anastasia two years ago.)As a parent I cannot imagine a more beautiful and meaningful way to memorialize a child.For me personally, seeing his name there, helps me to reflect on the true hope that has been offered to us through the Resurrection. God Bless You
Meg Davidson
September 11, 2012
I was given a prayer card for Christopher on the one year anniversary of 9/11 at St. Pat's Catholic Church in Chicago. I think of him often, but always on this day.
Anna
September 11, 2012
Gone but not forgotten.
Jane Arakelyan
September 11, 2012
To the parents of Christopher,
Each year, 9/11 surfaces countless emotions and brings to reality the tragic memories of a day that will never be forgotten. I never got a chance to meet your son, but learned of him through the scholarship program at NCC. I think about him each year at this time and feel a special connection to his family. I was just 13 years old on that day but it is a day that will live with me forever. It changed me forever. As time passes and my life changes, this day, somehow grounds me - the horror, the feelings, the chaos, it is something indescribable and I cannot begin to imagine how Chris' family feels. All I can do is tell you that although he is not physically here, his legacy carries through and is remembered, even by those that never met him...
Venice Lacy
February 24, 2012
My Twin Sister and went to P.S. 94 and JHS 67. We met Chris in 67. Not sure how we became close as we were a grade ahead. However, we could always count on Chris for a laugh. Sadly, I lost my twin sister Toni in May 2011. She has so many memories and we didn't get to discuss them on the 10th anniversary. I just wanted to sent some love and to let you know that we spoke about you and never forgot you. I hope you and her are chatting in heaven.
Debbie Rothenberg-Jurasic
September 11, 2011
I knew Chris since the 7th grade. We had so many fun times together. His catch-phrase..."Bang Zoom Straight to the Moon!" he taught me how to ride a skate board, we cut school together, wore our Benetton shirts the same days, learned how to smoke cigarettes together, I remember when you drove your black truck, we shared almost the same birthday. I'm Aug 26. I remember visiting you in Montauk at the water sports, I remember how you loved Lisa. So many wonderful memories. I was heartbroken when I heard you worked for Cantor Fitzgerald and was a victim of this horrible crime.
You are missed very much. Never Forgotten!!
Julie Ryan
September 11, 2011
Chris,
I am so sorry we lost touch so many years ago. I wil always remember your smiling face, your energy, all the kindness in your heart and soul.
All through the years my Mom kept all the class pictures from PS 94 & 67. I remember my Dad calling me that day 10 years ago, I was in FL, I was at wk & I was trying to get a hold of my Dad & Sister back in NY to make sure everybody was ok...The call finally went thru after I do not know how many tries and they had no idea what happened. My sister was sleeping so I told my Dad to turn on the news & wake up my sister. I was not able to get a hold of them till the next day & that is when my father told me what happened to you. My heart sank so heavy in my chest.
Years later, after my father passed & me & my sister was going thru everything I found all those class pictures. I still have them to this day & I want you to know that I never forgot you and every time I look at all those pictures...I smile every time I see yours. You made this world a better place and you continue to add an extra smile to my life everytime I think of you and see your pictures of so many years ago. I hope your parents are well & I hope they read this too..I never forgot your son and I never will.
Love you Chris...
Sincerely & Yours Truly,
Julie Ryan
Daughter of the late Milderd & Robert Ryan
Robert Racaniello
September 10, 2011
Chris,
No matter what we try to do the pain will never go away. Time goes on and we go about our business but nothing has ever changed. We became very close in a very short period of time, and I appreciate how you helped prop us up through a very trying time.
I think of you daily and will never forget. On this 10th anniversary the scar is deeper than ever. I look around and there are reminders all over. Pleas watch over us and keep us safe. Say hello to dad for me.
Love you "CUZ"
Rob
Sue Racaniello
September 10, 2011
Chris,
I think of you often with genuine love in my heart. We only got to know each other that past year, but it was a year filled with quality memories and you made an impact with my whole family. Everyone loved you instantly. Those thoughts and memories will always make me smile, but I have to say that today I am not. I'm overwhelmed with sadness at this tragedy. The band-aid has been ripped off on this 10 year anniversary and am going through every emotion as I did then, mourning for Uncle Frank & Aunt Sandra, Frank, and that list goes on, because no matter if you knew someone a lifetime or just a brief encounter, you touched them in a way that stays with them forever. I do miss you and the times we were supposed to have together as friends and a family.
Love you,
Sue Racaniello
Jake Racaniello
July 7, 2010
I hope that i get the opportunity in my life to make you proud if i have not already. I miss you. Thank you for everything you've taught me.
Jackie Racaniello
April 21, 2010
Chris,
I know we didn't know each other very well, but I talk about you all the time and think of you always. I miss you and love you! Your always in my thoughts.
Michael DeBenedittis
September 10, 2009
My Buddy Chris . All the fun times we had in High School and in Bayside. I will never Forget. You Are with my cousin and my other friend in Heaven (2) great Port Auth. Cops . god bless you.
Kathy Racaniello
April 1, 2009
Chris,
Joe and I think of you often and talk about you. We miss you so much. Joe & I keep you and your family in our prayer always. Say hi to Dad for us, I know your together keep an eye on all of us. God Bless You!!
Jake Racaniello
February 13, 2008
Thank you for everything you taught me you are always in my memories
Kristine
March 5, 2007
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.
Patrick and Sean Patrick Racaniello
February 21, 2007
Our sympathy to the Racaniello family.
P Tabbernor
February 6, 2007
In memory....
Rosemary Kalimnios
November 15, 2006
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
September 11, 2004
Song to the Moon
Silver moon upon the deep dark sky,
Through the vast night pierce your rays.
This sleeping world you wander by,
Smiling on men's homes and ways.
Oh moon ere past you glide, tell me,
Tell me, oh where does my loved one bide?
Tell him, oh tell him, my silver moon,
Mine are the arms that shall hold him,
That between waking and sleeping he may
Think of the love that enfolds him,
Light his path far away, light his path,
Tell him, oh tell him who does for him stay!
Human soul, should it dream of me, Let my memory wakened be.
Moon, moon, oh do not wane, do not wane,
Moon, oh moon, do not wane....
Steven Greco #2
September 11, 2003
God Bless you and your family. I am Lisa Greco's cousin and I would like to tell you a little story about your son. My Uncle John was having a Block Party on 4th of July ,2001 in Valley Stream,N.Y.
I took my wife and two boys there . We said hello to Lisa and Chris, Both of them started to tell US about the exciting months ahead. My wife had asked me what Chris did of a living and what type of guy he was ? Honestly i told her that i knew Chris was some kind of stock trader but not really sure what kind of guy he was ....
About one hour later there was a Ice Cream Truck just outside the Block Party, but you can hear the bells ringing. Your son Chris took all the kids to the ice cream truck buying all the kids ANYTHING they wanted,and bought back ice cream for the whole family....
This is a Man that is about to get Married.properly watching every dollar to save for his wedding day.(as we all do )..
But you could see that he didn't even think Twice about it , just wanted make those kids happy.(not worrying about the cost ).
Well my wife turn to me and said
" NOW YOU KNOW WHAT KIND OF GUY HE IS !!" A GREAT GUY !!!!!!!!
I Saw that day what a Nice, Kind,Gentle, Great Guy Chris was..
He is Properly up there ,Sursounded by kids around him, Waving down the Ice Cream Truck
Diana Leddy
September 11, 2003
To Chris' family,
I never had the pleasure of meeting Chris, but I worked with his fiancee Lisa. He must have been a very special man as Lisa had a smile on her face every time she spoke of him. My God bless your family, Lisa and her family and all of the people of this great country.
We will never forget......
Lou Scorza
September 11, 2003
It is 12:09 AM, Sept.11, 2003. In a few short hours, the observances of the second anniversary of the attacks will begin. You will be remembered fondly this day, and every day, forever. Rest in Peace.
Angie & Tony Clement
September 10, 2003
You will never be forgotten...May you rest in peace...Blessings to you and to the family and friends that you left behind.
Lou Scorza
May 26, 2003
Monday May 26,2003. Memorial Day.
A day set aside to remember and honor our fallen heros, of which you are one. None is greater than you. From all the tributes written about Christopher on this and other sites, and knowing his family, I am certain his last moments were spent aiding and comforting others without regard for his own well being.
Rest in Eternal Peace Christopher for you have earned your placein heaven.
Susan Scorza
January 30, 2003
Christopher, I think of you every day, you are always in my prayers. We will never forget. Susan
Kristine Racaniello
October 22, 2002
Chris,
I know we didn't really get to know each other very well, but i miss you. I think about you all the time. I don't really have a choice because its everywhere you look, but i still do. I love you and miss you and hope to see you when i get to heaven.
Rob Doster
September 20, 2002
We were child-hood friends, growing up together. My deepest sympathy to your family. Chris, you will be missed.
Patricia Metta
September 10, 2002
Dear Chris - You are so dearly missed and I think about you every day. I will never forget the joy you brought to our family. God bless you and keep you.
Robert Racaniello
August 15, 2002
Chris,
As the anniversary draws closer I find myself thinking about you more and more. It's almost a year and I haven't FORGOTTEN, and I never will. See you on the flipside "CUZ". Say hello to my father for me.
Love Rob
Julie H
May 29, 2002
I was friends with Christopher in high school and am extremely saddened to hear that he is no longer with us.
My condolences go out to his friends and family.
Angie Campbell
May 10, 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.
Nancy Racaniello (maiden)
April 20, 2002
Peace to all who grieve for this terrible loss. But in all sorrow there is the light of hope seeking a new beginning. Let us remember and try to bring joy to others.
March 27, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL MAN...CHRISTOPHER PETER A.RACANIELLO AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FIANCEE..LOVING FAMILY ESPECIALLY HIS FATHER...AND MANY FRIENDS..STAY CLOSE ..PRAY..AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK ...MAY JESUS ..ST.CHRISTOPHER AND ST.PETER GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Erin Card
March 13, 2002
Dear Chris,
I only knew you for a very short time. I wish I had gotten the chance to hang out with you and Lisa some more in East Hampton. You probally don't even remeber me, but I will always remember you and the smile you brought to the beach. We all miss you on this end of the Island. Don't forget watch over us. Please watch over Jimmy Q. You know Jimmy......He's crazy.
Dennis Englerth
March 11, 2002
To Chris' family-
While we only knew each other through a friend's family, I remember him clearly despite the twelve years past. He was always wearing a smile, cracking a joke, or telling a story. He always helped to make the time that we shared with our friends memorable.
We'll all miss him.
Lou and Susan Scorza
February 26, 2002
Christopher,
We did not know you as well as we could have, but remember you fondly as a young child and as a teenager. Although it was not a joyous occasion that brought you back into our lives in December 2000, we are grateful that we had another chance to see you. You were a terrific, friendly young man, and your fiancee Lisa was a perfect match for you. In the short conversations we had, your mutual love for each other shone through.
Now you are gone, and everyone who knew and loved you, and a nation, mourn you. We pray for you, your family, Lisa, and all those lost that day. We promise you you will live forever in our hearts, and WE WILL NEVER FORGET1
Teresa Jahn
December 15, 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
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