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Derrick Washington
Derrick Washington
Obituary
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Derrick Washington Obituary
It was an unlikely romance. She lived way out on Long Island; he lived in Brooklyn. They went to different high schools and probably would never have otherwise met. But one magical day 15 years ago — a day neither of them would ever forget — each went on a class trip to Hofstra University to see a production of "Romeo and Juliet."
"I don't think I was paying attention to the play," said Keisha Washington, who fell in love with Derrick C. Washington that Monday: March 10, 1986, a day they continued to celebrate every year. They eventually married and had three children: Christopher, 13, Devin, 8, and Malik, 3.
A devoted husband, father and son, Mr. Washington, 33, enjoyed shopping for groceries and mowing the lawn with his sons. On a typical weekday, he would drive from his home in Calverton on Long Island, park at his mother's house in Brooklyn, and then continue by subway to his technician's job for Verizon on the 110th floor of 2 World Trade Center. Normally, he did not arrive at his office until 9 a.m. But on Sept. 10, Mr. Washington decided to sleep at his mother's house so he could help her install window blinds. The next morning he got to work early.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Deborah Noel
September 11, 2021
Remembering and honoring a fellow V-Teamer. Tuesday, 9/11/01 will forever be etched in my mind and you will never be forgotten. Praying continued blessings over your family, wife, boys and others you left that day as you cover them from Heaven until you meet again.
Sharon Dupont
September 9, 2021
20 Years has gone by. Your children grew to be adults. However we see you as the young man you were. The young man that is an angel watching and guiding his family from heaven. We at Verizon have not forgotten you Derick Washington, Leonard White, and Donna Bowen . You are always in our hearts as we remember we keep all your spirits alive. Sharon Dupont, Retired Verizon 911 dept.
Beth Singer Menis
September 6, 2021
I don’t recall if I’d ever met you, but I had your son Christopher in my fourth grade class, a few years before the terrible attacks on 9/11. I remember him well as a kind, happy, and smart boy. I’ve often wondered how he turned out after losing you in such a tragic way. I think about him, your other two babies and your wife often. I don’t think I had learned about you being in one of the towers until the memorial was built on Riley Avenue. I pass that memorial every day and appreciate the reminder that no one can forget that awful day. I pray that your family was able to keep it together and forge ahead without you. A tall order I am sure. Nothing but love and prayers for them. May your memory be a blessing.
Melissa Gay
July 23, 2021
Thinking about him and Leonard White and Donna Bowen toady as the 20th anniversary of 9/11 approaches.
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John Cunningham
March 26, 2020
I was a Co worker of Derrick's in Texas. I didn't know Derrick except as a name on a headcount report operating Verizon's long distance switch atop the world trade center. But I can tell you that he was the first fellow I thought of when those planes hit. I had prayed that maybe he had been late to work.i made it a point to find his name on the memorial when I came to visit. Hope to run into you again down the road Derrick. God bless you. John
Diane
February 28, 2019
Dear family and friends of Derrick Washington, Derricks prescence has certainly been missed. May your family draw comfort knowing that you are resting peacefully. Looking forward to the day when you are reunited together.
September 12, 2016
Remembered - and praying Kiesha and your children are well. May God bless your family with peace and comfort, knowing you are at peace
Deb
September 9, 2016
Derrick, I joined Verizon recently and today I saw your photo and learned of your passing at WTC on 9/11. Your friends at Verizon will never forget you. May god keep you and your family in his care.
Kevin
June 1, 2016
I worked with Derrick at the WTC on the "Dex-400." He was a great guy, always quick with a smile and a laugh. I remember him talking a lot about his wife and kids. He loved his family and loved life. Miss ya, D-Train!
September 12, 2015
Derrick, Still remembering you. God Bless and thinking of you guiding the rest of your fellow Verizon employees down here. Sharon Dupont, retired Verizon 911 dept.
DEBORAH SPANKS
September 11, 2015
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Evelyn Valle
September 11, 2015
Keisha Washington, i would like to send my condolences to you and your beloved family. I do not know anything about your family nor about Derrick Washington but today on 9/11 i happened to stumble upon this page. I just want to let you know we all still let your husbands name live. He will never be forgotten. He was a someone who God told me to make him be remembered forever. My teacher wanted to create a tower of names for they can always be remembered. God bless you and your family. It was an honor doing him, it was more than a project, it meant a lot to me and hope it means the same. God bless.
September 15, 2014
Haven't forgotten you Derrick. 911 will always be remembered and we will always honor you. Sharon Dupont - Verizon
Al Garis
September 14, 2014
Derrick, I was given your name to wear on my vest during the 2 Million Bikers to DC motorcycle ride. It may have been just a little paper sticker but to me it means a lot more. It was an honor to ride for you. You are not forgotten.
Denise Jackson
September 11, 2014
Hi Chris,
We were neighbors in Brooklyn for years (Moffat Street)I remember speaking with your mother on that day, she said "we are not giving up on his safe return". My prayers are with your family.
Denise
Maya Jones
September 14, 2011
May GOD be with the Washington family
Sharon Dupont
September 11, 2011
Heh Derrick - 10th Anniversary and you haven't been forgotten. There have been functions all over the country to remember all of you. Keep looking down from Heaven and please try to guide the World to Peace. God Bless - Sharon Dupont, Retired Verizon Dept 911,MA
Dennis Costea Jr.
September 11, 2011
I was working for Verizon many hundreds of miles away from New York when the World Trade Center towers were attacked, but when I learned you were a victim I felt as though a family member had been lost. This is what it means to work for a company and to sincerely collaborate with thousands of people all across a country on single service or product.
Barbara Mackie
September 11, 2011
As you look down from the heavens above, know we will never forget. God Bless your family..
Sharon Dupont
May 6, 2011
So now your looking down from heaven and you know they got Bin Laden. The the Navy Seals got him for you. Just praying they get all terrorists. I am now retired from VZ (June 2010) Not able to put your photo out as I always did on 9-11 but still will at home. You will never be forgotten!
yolanda cooperf
April 29, 2010
Love u 'D'.. u were a good man with a good heart...
yolanda cooper
April 29, 2010
You know 'D' the last time i saw you was in VA. 1991. I've always thouhgt about you and to find out this is incomprehensible...trying to wrap my head around it and it's like I will wake up and you'll be back with your fam', at work going on with life..I can't imagine what your wife went thru, still going thru. My prayers are with her and your sons.
Raphael Washington
September 11, 2007
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
BT
September 11, 2007
Man 6 yrs. seems just like yesterday we were laughing and catching a game talking mad stuff about each others teams. You touched so many in such a short time it's crazy to me that your not here. Know that you will always be missed.
P Tabbernor
April 15, 2007
In memory....
Kiesha Washington
February 12, 2007
To my beloved husband I miss you so much. I wish you could have been around to assistant in the development of our children. They are growing older and I know you can see that. You will always be in my heart I miss you.
To all that wrote in this guess book by reading the beautiful comments made my heart feel good. Thank you.
Crissy H
September 13, 2006
Derrick dont be mad because your without your family just think about that your in a far better place and that one day your family going to be up there with you one day so God Bless You and remember your not forgotten.
Sharon Dupont
September 8, 2006
I went to the World Trade Center last year and left a rose for Derrick, Leonard, and Donna all fellow Verizon employees. This year I will leave a red rose for each of you at our Verizon 911 Center entrance. You will never be forgotten at Verizon. I pray that your family is making it through this and pray for peace to reign throughout the world.
Lesley Ellis
August 10, 2006
God bless you and keep you and your children. Know that your loss is not forgotten. I was just visiting the site and happened to read your husband's tribute and how you met. Sounds very farmiliar, young love. I feel your pain. Peace and Blessings
Sharon Dupont
September 12, 2005
On Friday, I had your photo out in rememberance of you and 2 other fellow employees.
You will always be in my prayers and remembered every year. And when the new employees at Verizon say "who's that" I will remind them.
BT
October 7, 2004
ALL I CAN SAY IS THAT I TRULY MISS YA MAN
BT
Sharon Dupont
September 9, 2004
Years passing and still not forgotten-Derrick Washington. Your photo along with Donna Bowen and Lenny White will be displayed in our front hall - Next to it a vase of Roses.
My prayers still remain with your wife and 3 children. I know it must be hard for her raising 3 young children now 3 years older. But I believe in God and I believe that he has you looking over them and guiding them. God Bless your family and friends.
LASCHAN SHEPPARD
September 12, 2003
PSALM 31:24
BE OF GOOD COURAGE,
AND HE SHALL STRENGTHEN YOUR HEART, ALL YOU WHO HOPE IN THE LORD.
MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU ALWAYS.
~FROM A FELLOW WORKER AT VERIZON~
tina gwynne
September 11, 2003
hi i feel for you about your love one god bless you hang in there tina
BT
September 11, 2003
DW
GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN, I MISS YA
BT
Anita Allwood
September 11, 2003
Forever in our hearts and mind
Sharon Dupont
September 10, 2003
Two years tomorrow and not forgotten. Mr. Washington, and fellow employees of Verizon, Donna Bowen and Leonard White photo's will be placed in my lobby and I will put a vase of flowers in memory of them. I pray for each ones family and pray that world peace can come soon. Sharon Dupont/E911 Dept. Verizon, Andover MA
Deborah Martin
August 29, 2003
I had the pleasure of working with Derrick Washington [along with Steve McNamara, Angel Serrano, Frankie Serrano, Garcia Branch, Phil Fabian, Victor Denny and others please forgive me for not remembering your names] from 1996 -1997 in the WTC back when it was GTE Telecom.
Derrick was always pleasant despite obstacles in his life. At the time I was carrying my daughter and I have to say that it was the most pleasant work experience of my life and will never forget any of them and will be eternally thankful for that.
I want to send my condolences to the family of Derrick and hope that they are healing and someday able to move on although none of us will ever forget those lost in this truly tragic event.
The last time I saw Derrick was in April on 2001 when I bumped into him in front of the PATH train escalators. He was looking the same as ever and both of us were in a rush but made plans just to meet up and have lunch and shoot the breeze. Unfortunately both of us were too busy so that never happened.
I remember our talks about Africa and the larger world and our talks about the office ghost who spooked him one saturday when he went to work by himself. He swore he would never go back there alone on a saturday and believe me we all knew exactly what he was talking about!! Just ask Steve and Garcia if you ever get a chance to!
I have a lot of photos of the office on 110 and if anybody wants a copy please contact me by email and I'll be happy to send.
Again, my prayers are with the family of Derrick Washington.
sophia
December 21, 2002
I am a fellow employee of Verizon unfortunately never had the honor of meeting Derrik Washington because I work over on the West coast. I am so sorry & feel such sadness for the loss that his wife, children, family & friends have had to experience. My prayers & thoughts are with you all always. Every life lost on 9/11 was such a horrible tragedy, it was a very sad day in our history.
marshall washington, jr
October 8, 2002
No words can say how we all feel about your lost. We will pray and hope you all will get though the hard times
A fellow Verizon employee
September 27, 2002
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rebecca Rivas
September 10, 2002
As the one year anniversary of September 11th nears, I found the overwhelming need to share my experiences in hopes of creating light in such a dark place.
I feel very fortunate to have met Derrick. Even if it was only through long distance phone calls. For the past few years, I have worked for TSI and had the opportunity to speak with him multiple times in reference to technical problems. I always enjoyed our conversations. If I didn't ask how his kids were doing or inquire about his wife, he would readily volunteer the information. But not without first asking the same of my family.
In some way he reaffirmed my hope in mankind. He always spoke of his family with such reverence. I remember thinking, if only everyone were to love their families this much, what a world this would be. Little did I know that his life would do exactly that. Make everyone realize how much we truly love our families.
Kiesha, I realize that you do not need a stranger to tell you how much your husband loved you and your children, but maybe the idea that we all knew too might be of some comfort. Christopher, Devin, and Malik, follow in your fathers footsteps and show the world that the love of one man can change the hearts of many.
I still have Derricks picture on my desk. I refuse to let a day go by without saying a prayer for each of you. I only wish I could do more. May the Lord bless you and keep you.
Love and prayers,
Beckie Rivas
Darlene Rogers
September 8, 2002
I am so sorry to hear of your lost. I am a fellow New Yorker, who have been living in North Carolina for 13 years. I know that there are no words that can express how truly sorry that I am that you lost your husband, and your children lost their father, but know that in our time of need and despair that only God can give us relief and that He has promised us a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous. He does indeed comfort His people. You will be in my prayers continually. Sincerely...
jennifer wingo
September 7, 2002
i did not know anyone affected from the tradgeies of 9/11, but i feel for you and pray for you, the washington family....god bless you and ...though i am far away from new york, i am one with the human spirit...
J Johnson
September 6, 2002
Through several degrees of separation, a CNN employee created a unique memorial for the victims of 9/11. He attached individual names to douglas fir seedlings and shipped them across the country. I received Derrick Washington's name and will be planting this Christmas tree in Seattle on his behalf. May God bless you and your loved ones.
Leslie Schmitt
September 6, 2002
I did not know Derrick personally, but I was fortunate enough to worked with his brother Brandon at Worldcom and was so sad to hear of the loss his family was going through.
I think of your family alot and hope that you can believe that Derrick is watching over you to keep you strong.
May 22, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL MAN..DERRICK WASHINGTON AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS WIFE..CHILDREN..FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK..MAY JESUS AND HIS SAINTS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
BT
May 7, 2002
NO WORDS CAN EXPRESS HOW MUCH I WILL MISS OUR TALKS, AND YOUR SMILE. THE LOVE YOU HAD FOR YOUR FAMILY AND HOW MUCH YOU LOVED THEM WAS HEARD IN EVERY WORD YOU SPOKE..I MISS YOU VERY MUCH............LUV YA MAN,
BT
April 19, 2002
I didn't know Derek personally, but I do know his wife... In light of everything that has happened PRIOR to this tragedy, I know that Kesha feels the presence of The Lord in her life like never before and recognizes the blessings given from The Lord as a result of this tragedy. That is why it is important to live every day knowing that tomorrow is not promised to any of us.
Stephen McMillian
March 19, 2002
Just like another person wrote, I didn't know anyone among the missing at the WTC either, but I only wish there was something I could say or do to alleviate the pain, anger and sadness the victims families are going through.
I was very moved when I read Derrick's profile. It touched my heart. If we knew each other, I'm sure we would have been good friends.
To his family, always keep the faith. I wish you comfort and peace always. To my brother Derrick, may you rest in peace. You have touched many lives and will continue to forever.
carmen rivera
March 11, 2002
To my Verizon brother
Rest In Peace
Joycelyn Washington
March 11, 2002
To the Washington Family:
May God continue to bless and comfort you on this six month anniversary of your loss.
gwendolyn davis
March 11, 2002
God is not far from each one of us.
Acts 17:27
brandy giles
January 29, 2002
i didnt know anyone that was in or had family in the wtc/pentagon, but i still wish there was some way i could help everyone or anyone for that matter. or just to show how sad and upset that this happen. i cant even put together my thoughts well enough for this to make much sense or really express how i feel but i hope someone can understand.
Amy Whitaker
December 28, 2001
To the Washington Family:
My sister Harriet Harrison lives on the same block as Derrick's parents, and I was sorry to hear about your loss. When I saw the name ("Washington") that's when I remembered my sister's neighbors. The Romeo and Juliet story was beautiful. I wish to express my deepest sympathy, and may God bless your entire family.
Sincerely,
Amy Whitaker
Rhonda Medina
December 15, 2001
Dear Washington Family,
I read the tribute to your loved one with great sorrow. The story of your courtship touched me deeply. God bless and keep you during this difficult time. I hope your family and friends let Mr. Washington's children know that they had a daddy who did not chose to leave them.
Love,
Rhonda Medina
margaret Enderby
December 7, 2001
my husband also works for verizon. shortly after the tragedy of 9/11, a paper was sent around to all employees from a manager i presume. it told about his visit and tour of mr. washington's switchroom at the trade center. my heart ached after reading it. i would like to send the family a copy if they haven't received it yet. maybe it would be a small consolation to see on paper what someone thought of mr. washington and what he himself thought of his work and family. please feel free to email me and i will mail it to you. i am so very sorry for your loss.
Teresa Jahn
December 3, 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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