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Marc Zeplin Obituary
Successful as an equities trader, he formed close relationships with his clients but he was foremost a family man. Marc was very caring and devoted to his wife, Debra; sons, Ryan (3 years old) and Ethan (10 months old), parents, sister, and in-laws. He adored his children and treasured the time he spent with them. Marc was very proud of the new home he and his wife built in Westchester and enjoyed the change from urban to suburban living.
Raised in Long Island, Marc attended Oceanside High School and the University of Michigan where he also continued to earn a master’s degree in the acclaimed business school. Marc’s first career calling was sports casting. He loved sports of all kinds and enjoyed broadcasting games in Michigan during his college years. However, when he returned to New York, he found immediate employment in the financial world and soon started trading at Cantor Fitzgerald, where he became a partner.
Marc was truly a “master of the word.” He knew how and what to say in order to put you at ease, make you laugh, or help you resolve a problem. Marc loved people. He had many friends and demonstrated a zest for living life to the fullest. He was tops in every way. He even worked at the top. The right position for so many years, unfortunately, was wrong on only one day – September 11, 2001.
Tribute submitted by Len Zeplin.
He Shoots! He Scores!
When Marc Zeplin was 4, his father took him to his first Rangers game. There, he found his calling.
Throughout his childhood, his mother would come upon him in the living room, playing an entire hockey game by himself while calling the play-by-play. He would hit the puck and run to the other side of the room to protect the goal. Meanwhile, he would announce his moves at the top of his lungs. Afterward, at the dinner table, he would recap the game in his imitation of Howard Cosell's grating baritone.
When he went to the University of Michigan, he broadcast the games on the school radio station. His dream, said Leona Zeplin, his mother, was to be a professional sportscaster. But he was enough of a realist to know how slim his chances were.
Instead, he became a trader at Cantor Fitzgerald, entertaining clients with his sports chatter. And he looked forward to sharing years of Rangers games and sports talk with his two sons. With Ryan, the eldest, turning 3, Mr. Zeplin had already made plans to take him to his first Rangers game.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Nicholas Trofimoff
September 11, 2020
NEVER FORGOTTEN
from a complete stranger, scratch that, A fellow American...19 years later.
Sending my Love and continued condolences all the way from Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Peggy Childers
September 10, 2019
To the family and friends of Marc Scott Zeplin:
Please know that Marc will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not allow those we lost on 9/11 be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you.
charlie frisina
September 11, 2018
Hey Marc. Stopped by and touched your name a few month ago over at WTC. I'm still not ready for the museum yet... The Islanders haven't got any better in the last 17 years! Thinking about you today. Peace.
Faith Levinson Lewis
September 11, 2018
My heat and prayers go out to the Zeppelin family. Lenny, every year I say a prayer for you.god bless you always. ❤
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December 14, 2016
Leona. Always look for u on 3rd Ave the same way we met about four yrs ago. Hope u and Lenny are well
Steve Shapiro. 9173743199
liz eversfield
December 13, 2016
God Bless You xxxx
Faith Levinson Lewis
September 11, 2014
Another year and always in my thoughts and prayers. Len, you are constantly in my prayers, my heart goes out to you!
Faith Levinson Lewis
September 13, 2013
Every year at this time my thoughts and prayers are with Lenny and his family.
You are always in my heart.
Maxine Hammer-Brown
September 13, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are always with the Zeplin family....
Steve Shapiro
September 12, 2013
Leona. Linda and I were at the memorial and found Marc. We talk about u and lenny a lot. Hope you're all ok. Steve [email protected]
Maxine Brown
September 13, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Zeplin family.
Andy Mandelkern
September 11, 2011
My idol was his father Leonard Zeplin. if he raised his son with the same expectations that he had for his students, then Marc must have been an exceptional person. God bless the Zeplin family and now. Marc announces the wonder of the angles in heaven.
Jay Meisner
September 12, 2010
I heard from an old friend that the senior Zeplin had also passed away and indicated this in my October 11, 2009 entry. I am now informed that this is incorrect and I am delighted. Hope this sets the record straight.
September 11, 2010
My thoughts are with the Zeplin family on this day and every day throughout the
year. On the occasion of the High Holy Days my family said Kaddish for Marc. G-d bless you all.
Jon Liebesman
April 6, 2010
I went to Oceanside Park and saw Marc's memorial plaque by a tree near the entrance. I didn't know he was gone, but I consider him a comfident.It was a tragedy knowing he left this life with a quote from Abraham Lincoln.
Jay Meisner
October 11, 2009
Mr. Lenny Zeplin was my fifth grade teacher at PS 225 in Brighton Beach on the day his first son was born. He was a strong, motivational teacher who was the de facto principal and who was given the best fifth grade class each year. I recall the day his son was born - he drove around the school twice, honking his horn - his joy was conveyed to the class.
I am sad to hear that little boy had such a short life. From the entries below, I understand that Lenny Zeplin himself has passed away. I offer my condolences to his family.
Joslin Zeplin-Paradise
September 16, 2009
Marc,
It feels like yesterday that you left us. I miss you more than words can say. You were the best brother and I am so grateful for all of the great times that we had growing up. I have a family of my own and I only wish that you could meet my daughters.
I think about you all the time.
Doug Abraham
February 12, 2009
Happy Birthday!!!
Chris Scharaldi
February 11, 2009
I was just looking up people from my childhood and I saw Mr Zeplin had passed away. He was my principal at PS 199 and he was a very kind man he really loved all the children He and Mr teddy were 2 very influential people in my life. god bless him and hi family
Doug Abraham
February 12, 2008
Happy Birthday!!!
Martin Alsofrom
December 26, 2007
I was a late comer to the neighborhood and never got a chance to play basketball for Lenny. But everyttime I saw Mr Zeplin with my friends I admired him. I saw the shine in their eyes and I guess it might have been at that point that I wanted to be just like him. And I was for 32, yrs teaching and coaching sports in NYC.I guess sometimes we never know some people that we touch. I always wanted to tell that to Lenny but have never gotten the chance. When I saw the news of this tragic loss I could imagine the pain a coach feels when his best player goes down.
Rita Velic
September 14, 2007
Lenny Leona and Family,our thoughts and prayers were with you all day on 9-11. We loved Marc. Will never forget him
The Velics
marcia mintz
September 11, 2007
mr. zeplin, ,,you were an excellent principal at p.s.199 and we think of you and your family on this day and always,,,love, marcia and jason mintz
Faith Levinson Lewis
September 11, 2007
Once again I heard the bells toll and thought of you, Lenny, and your family. My heart is with you
all.
Faith Levinson
Lauren
September 11, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sheila Myles
September 6, 2007
Dear Leona and Lenny,
....thoughts about 9/11 and the tragic loss of Marc are never far from the surface...I hope and pray you have both found some peace.
Always in my heart and mind.
Roberta (Bertie) Perlman-Hensen
September 5, 2007
I learned of Marc's tragic death only two weeks ago; I knew him as a young child. I was in Mr. Zeplin's fifth grade class--he was truly a phenomenal teacher & person. He later hired me to be a camp counselor at the Tamiment Resort in the Poconos. When I worked there, we held a talent show--Marc(y), who was probably about 3 years old at the time, stole the show when he so confidently recited, "I never saw a purple cow-I never hope to see one, But I can tell you anyhow, I rather see than be one!" He was so adorable that I still remember the performance 35 years later... God bless you Lenny & family...
P Tabbernor
April 25, 2007
In remembrance....
Rita Velic
January 20, 2007
Leona, Lenny, Marc and Joslyn Many holidays celebrated at the Velic's house. We love and Miss you Marc.
Nancy
September 29, 2006
Marc,
I will think of you when I attend opening night at MSG next week, and will not take a minute of the night for granted. Reading your profile has been an inspiration to me and I will hold you and your loved ones in my thoughts and prayers.
FAITH LEWIS
September 12, 2006
Dear Lenny,
I knew you as a teenager and moved
away before I could see you raise
a family. I wish I had known them.
I remember your cheerful smile and
good humor as if it were yesterday.
I have a photo of you, Jerry S., and Gary S. on Thatford and Hegeman!
My heart is with you all. I do
feel your pain every time I here
the words "World Trade Center"
God Bless you and keep you all safe. I only wish I could have
done more!
Love,
Faith Levinson Lewis
charlie frisina
September 11, 2006
Hey Marc, Dropped by again to say hello. 5 years already. Still think about you when 9/11 rolls around.
Peace
Diane D'Ambra
August 24, 2006
About 2 years ago my daughter went to a tribute in providence,rhode island.It was at a waterfire celebration where a carnation with the names of the victims from the sept. 11 attack each were attached to the carnation with a message to perform an act of kindness. We have kept this piece of paper with mark's name on it, to never forget the people we lost. Today we decided to see who mark was so we googled his name. We have a face now to the name and now know a little bit about him and and am very saddened to think his children lost their daddy and his wife lost her husband.Like the thousands of other lives that were lost.I'm so sorry Mark that we had to meet this way, maybe someday i'll get to meet you face to face....Diane and Danielle
Natalie Moore
April 14, 2006
my name is natalie moore and marc zeplins father is my principal in yeshivah of flatbush.i really feel bad about every thing and i prey for the family everyday.
Sheila Myles
September 11, 2005
A beautiful life was cut short. My thoughts are with his family always and for eternity.
GAIL WEINTRAUB-KESSLER
September 11, 2004
TO MARC'S FAMILY, THE THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS OF MANY OF YOUR P.S.225 1963 TEAM ARE WITH YOU AND YOURS ALWAYS.IF MARC WAS ANYTHING LIKE HIS DAD, HE MUST HAVE BEEN A VERY SPECIAL PERSON.
Charles Frisina
September 11, 2003
I think of Marc often. When I remember 9/11, I immediately think of my friend Marc. Today marks the second year since we lost Marc, and I was drawn to this site. Marc and I knew each other since 6th grade. Although we lost touch after school ended I will never forget our childhood memories, which I cherish . No matter if it was playing hockey for hours at Oceanside Park roller rink, tackle football at Boardman junior highschool, or lunch-time gymclass intermurals playing Plia-ball, Marc was always out there giving 100%. I think back now on how many times we probably hugged after scoring a goal. I wish I would have hugged him a little harder. He was a part of one of the best times of my life and when I think back I will never forget Marc.
May God Bless you and your Family
Sincerely,
Charles Frisina
randi gellman - lalima
February 15, 2003
i didn't know marc, but his dad was my principal at ps 199. i just want to send my condolences to the family and friends. Mr. zeplin always talk very highly of his family. i know he will be missed very much. god bless us all
sincerely
randi gellman-lalima
Jeremy Siegel
February 1, 2003
My brother Joel and I attended Sandyville Day Camp with Marc in the Pocono Mountains of PA. Marc's dad, Lenny, was the camp director and lived there along with Leona & Joslin. Although we hadn't talked with Marc in more than 25 years, pleasant memories of him have remained with us even to this day.
Lenny, thanks for spending your time making sure we had great childhood memories - Jeremiah P.
Jason Diamond
September 14, 2002
I have not spoken to Mark in 15 years. Zeplin (that's what we called him)and I grew up together with all the kids in neighborhood and we all played together as kids. I have only fond memories of Zeplin Zep's house was always a warm place to visit and his parents were always kind. My deepest condolences go out to his family.
roberta fuchs
September 11, 2002
i never met marc, but his father is my children's principal.
may all of the zeplin family's friends support, and hashem's help grant the family continued comfort.
Sue Stoppel
September 11, 2002
I wear a bracelet with Marc Zeplin's name on it and I pray for his family dailey. Was glad to find out through Mercy Band's website about Marc and his life and family. I will continue to pray for you all.
God Bless Marc, His Family and America - Sue Stoppel
Paul Pavao
September 11, 2002
Hey my name ia paul pavao from wilmington Ma, and i am a sophmore at wilmington High School. Today is the one year aniversey. I am very sory for you guys and what your going throght I feel so bad. He seems like a really good person and he and everyone else did not deserve to die. I have a band with his name around my rist and i am thinking aboout him. I hope you guys pull throught and i will be praying for you GOD BLESS YOU, BYE
Adam White
September 11, 2002
I knew Marc because he was our salesman at Cantor Fitzgerald. I didn't know him well but he was a very good salesman - very hard working and willing to do just about anything for his clients. I hope it is comforting for his family to know that Marc's influence was felt as far away as St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. For me Marc will always be the face of the September 11th tragedy - he made it personal for me. I will continue to pray that God Bless Your Family richly as only He can and that He comfort you in your time of great loss and rememberance.
Sheila Myles
September 9, 2002
Leona and Lenny Zeplin and I were guests at a beautiful weekend wedding just two days before September 11, 2001. We spent that Sunday before catching up on on our lives, for we had not seen each other in years, talking about our children and grandchildren and how proud they were of Marc and his sister. I met Lenny and Leona many, many years ago. I knew Marc when he was a baby, but I never got the chance to know him as an adult for they moved away but always kept up with how they were through mutual friends. My heart goes out to his entire family. He must have been a beautiful person. I know they will keep him in their hearts and memory forever.
Sheila Myles
Darrell Lee
September 8, 2002
I have never met you Mark. I was at work the day the Terrorist Attacks occured. My Toastmasters club & executive meetings were both cancelled that same day. Many businesses closed early.
It does sound like you were a man of high self esteeem. You loved people and live life to the fullest. May God richly bless you and give you joy in heaven.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family through the months ahead of them.
Lauren Myles
September 8, 2002
I met Marc when I was very young although I can't say that I remember him. I grew up in Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn. I do however remember his father, Len. Len was an inspiration to me. He tutored me through 3 years HS math and helped me to succeed in life. Marc must have been a great person having a dad like Len! My deepest sympathies to the family of Marc Zeplin!!! My prayers are with you!
Connie Good
September 8, 2002
I met Marc over the phone several years ago. I wanted to sell him space in a journal that would honor Philip Johnson, the architect, at a dinner. He bought. He also seemed to be impressed with the way I handled myself on the phone and suggested getting more experience selling. He then said to call him and he would get me into a selling (securities) program. I was so taken that he bothered to give a perfect stranger time and advice. My heart broke when I learned of his tragic loss. I checked his business card that he had sent me. Perhaps I was wrong, I thought, but sadly no. My condolences to his family and friends. It was just one brief moment that I knew him. How lucky I was!
Robert King
August 9, 2002
I'm sitting here at home surfing the web and I come across this tribute 9-11 site. I personally did not know anyone who perished that day, but I think it's great that you people can speak freely about your good memories of those you knew who died. God Bless to all you.
Enid Goodman/Bush
August 5, 2002
I didn't know Mark Zeplin, however, I did know Len Zeplin. I was a student at P.S.225. Len is an incredible motivator. My deepest sympathies to your family.
Enid
Jay Lieberman
August 3, 2002
I did not know Marc. His father, Mr Len Zeplin, was my 5th grade teacher at PS 225. (1967-68). He was the finest teacher I ever had. He was a great motivater.
To the Zeplin family, I am so sorry for your loss.
Lisa Piontnica
June 13, 2002
I didn't quite know Marc but his father, Leonard, is my principal. He is a very special person to me and my other classmates.
Paul Mark
May 30, 2002
I will never forget watching Game 6 of the 1986 world series with Marc in a dorm room in michigan. Even though my red sox lost, the memories of watching the game with marc will be with me forever. He was a good, kind person. The world is poorer without him and we are all richer for knowing him
May 28, 2002
MAY THE YOUNG BEAUTIFUL SOUL OF MARC SCOTT ZEPLIN AND THE SOULS OF ALL THE FAITHFULLY DEPARTED THROUGH THE MERCY OF GOD REST IN PEACE..AMEN
Seth Morris
May 25, 2002
I first met Mark in early 1999 and enjoyed his great sense of humor. I called him Led as in Zeppelin and he was always a good guy regardless of how crazy the market.
I knew and visited many firms in WTC 1 & 2 but the first thing that popped in my mind that day was Mark Zeplin.
I think about Mark often and I will never forget.
Michael Schwartz
April 19, 2002
My sincerest condolences to the Zeplin family. I never met Marc, but his dad was my fifth grade teacher at PS225 in Brooklyn, NY back in 1970. His dad is a just a terrific guy who made a very strong, positive impact on me -- and I am certain that his son did so with all those around him as well.
Jennifer Maxwell
April 18, 2002
I met Marc and his family last year when I accompanied my boyfriend on a business trip to New York. Marc took us to his office to show us the amazing view of the city, little did I know that not a year later the towers would be gone. That night we stopped off to meet his family so we could go to dinner and I will never forget how happy he looked when he was with his children. May they know how much their father loved them.
El Paso, Texas Freddy, Marc, Julie, Michael, Brian, Donna and Rachel
Julie Sultan
March 13, 2002
I met Marc on a teen tour in 1983. I was drawn to him because he had so much spunk I guess you would call it. He fell into a tall garbage can on a street in Portland, Oregan....head first feet dangling in the air! I haven't spoken to him since after that summer but I'll always remember him. My heartfelt prayers to his parents, sister, wife and children.
Ivy Pressendo (Ainbinder)
March 11, 2002
I, too, grew up with Marc in Oceanside. We would walk home together from Boardman Elementary school. He was my first childhhod crush. I would giggle with my friends that, if I married him, I would go from the top of the alphabet to the bottom! I will always remember him fondly.
I was deeply saddened to hear about Marc's passing. I send my heartfelt condolences to his family, particularly to Debra, Ryan, and Ethan. My family's thoughts and prayers are with you.
LIZ - AMY -MICHEAL Gonzalez
January 29, 2002
The Gonzalez/Hernandez family would like to express their most heartfelt sympathies to the Marc Zeplin family. Mr.Lenny Zeplin was the principal of my childrens (AMY & MICHEAL) school P.S.199 in Brooklyn. I worked with lenny for many years. Please know that our family keeps your family in our thoughts and prayers. Liz, Amy & Micheal Gonzalez Jacksonville Florida
Darren Aronofsky
January 9, 2002
I thought a lot about Marc this new years because I remember as kids spending new years eve together in his house. His parents and my parents would go out and leave the children alone. As midnight approached he would show me how to cross wires on the cable box so we could get all the pay stations. He would talk about the Rangers. I still have the Rangers mirror he gave out at his Bar Mitzvah. And he would do Howard Cosell immitations -- perfect and hysterical. When midnight came we would all run around the house screaming on the top of our lungs out of our minds. Then, the parents would come home and force us to leave. It was always sad to say goodbye to Marcy Mapo. Sharing birthdays (his junior by exactly a year) and middle names always gave us a connection. I will always remember him on new years and our birthday. Vaya con dios.
Cindy Rosenshein
December 27, 2001
When I was little, my Dad and I would go ice skating on Sunday mornings at the ice rink in Long Beach. Marc used to go with another guy we grew up with, Michael Licker(sp?) and the two of them would torment me the way little boys are suppose to torment little girls. We'd all chase each other around the ice, stealing each others hats, coming up behind and scaring each other, stuff like that. I went down to Rockafeller Center the other day and watched the skaters...it made me think of Marc. I think I always think of him when I go skating. My deepest sympathies go out to his family.
Marcel Birnbaum
December 7, 2001
I lost my son Josh in the WTC diseaster. He too worked for Cantor Fitzgerald. Fate brought Marc's parents to my husband and I. We both lived in the same community right around the corner. Little did we know that we would meet through grief. I just spent the day with Leona, Marc's mom and we cried together. Take it from me, there is no pain like the pain from the loss of a child. I didn't know Marc as my son was 24 and single and Marc was older and had a wife and two children so their paths never crossed. My heart goes out to Marc's wife and children. We wish you strength in the coming months and years. Take good care of one another.
IRENE STAPINSKI
December 5, 2001
GOD BLESS MARC SCOTT ZEPLIN MAY HE
REST IN PEACE.GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY
AND FRIENDS.GOD BLESS AMERICA AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01
Teresa Jahn
December 2, 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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