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Juan Nieves Obituary
For nearly 30 years, Juan Nieves, 56, of the Bronx, worked in the kitchen of the Russian Tea Room, making salads and appetizers. But when the restaurant was renovated he lost his job. He had four children. His wife, Irma, had postpartum depression and could not work. He was about 50 at the time, had no pension and had not finished high school.
But in 1994, he found a job making salads at Windows on the World for $7 an hour. When he died he was up to $12 an hour.
Every weekend he took his children to the beach or the park or the pool. He drove a mint-condition 1967 Mustang, which was new when he bought it.
He liked to be with his children so much that Carmen De La Cruz, his older sister, had to give him hints that they were teenagers now and wanted to be with their buddies.
If he was not with his children he was with his brother and sister. Two days before his death they went to South Street Seaport, where he pointed to the top of the north tower. "That's where I work," he told them.
59 Entries
Susan Ackerman
September 11, 2019
Thinking about your Dad today, David and know that I love You
S J. Friscia III
July 9, 2015
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
Lisa Ellison
September 30, 2011
Your family and friends are in my heart and prayers.
michelle nieves
September 12, 2011
Every year that comes and goes...is another year I miss you daddy. You would of been the best grandfather and even though julian never knew you, he will know of you. I will hold you in my heart forever and will always make sure mommy is taken care of in you memory
How you can show support
September 11, 2011
Johnny, I had the pleasure of working with you at the Russian Tea Room for three years. You were always a funny, kind and polite guy, and I still have the sculpture that you made for all of us around Christmas time one year. I remember you singing "I was Born by the River" all the time. You were one of a cast of characters that I will always remember from the RTR. You were the first one I thought of when I saw the WTC had been struck. I pray for your family, and am glad to have known you.
Brian Goode
Susan Ackerman
September 11, 2011
Imet David and he is a wonderful, caring individual. You would be very proud of him. I work with him and I look forward to seeing his magnificent smile. I consider it an honor to know him.
Susan Ackerman
Orlando, FL
Luis Ramos
September 12, 2008
My Uncle will always be missed and in my heart..He was a big part of my Life....Lover Always....My Family is always in My Heart...We will always be together...
vicky( henrys wife) sepulveda
September 11, 2008
my condolence to you and your fam god bless you always
keep your head up always and forever
September 11, 2008
Another year has gone and your memory will never be forgotten!!!
Monica
anthony and melitza roman
September 11, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Michelle Louise
September 11, 2008
You are loved and missed. I never had the opportunity to meet you but your legacy lives on with your sweet and wonderful children and family. I am glad to have been a part of them so far. much love!
Aida Martinez
September 11, 2008
Hi Uncle Pete. I cant say its been awhile since i have talked to you. I think I have talked to you more this last few months than I have ever talked to you in my life.And for that I am sorry. I know that u r watching over ur family and guiding us the right way. Please protect my brother while u both go through this journey and wait for us for when it is our turn to meet with again we will b a family once again. I love u Uncle Pete.
Your Niece,
Aida Martinez
me and my dad
David nieves
September 12, 2007
Daddy I miss you and love you very much, I think of all you every day all the time. I know you are watching over me because I am still here. I pray for you every day. I love you.
Your son, David Nieves
continue to remember him! god bless!
juan gonzalez
September 11, 2007
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Casey McConnell
September 11, 2007
God bless the ones who lost thier lives in 9/11, watch over us as we will never forget you.
September 11, 2007
To the J. Nieves family,
Although I did not get to meet Juan,I heard many wonderful things about him. I have had the pleasure to share moments with your family and know how much he is missed. His love and dedication to family will always be remembered and appreciated by his loved ones. May God bless all of you with enduring comfort, strength and courage throughout these days. Cookie
Michelle Nieves
September 11, 2007
RIP daddy, I love you and miss you always.
steve agelo
September 11, 2007
to all thos that lost their lives, was becuase god loved them and wanted them in his heaven...rip
Luis Ramos
September 11, 2007
Hello, Uncle Pete....I miss you so much....You are my Uncle, and My God Father....You helped me become the man I am today.....You are very missed and loved......You are always in my heart and I know you are watching over me.....You helped raise me and I never had a chance to say it before, Thank you for everything you have done for me....
Love you Uncle Pete.....
Darrick Jackson
September 11, 2007
RIP PETE
Carmen A. De La Cruz
September 11, 2007
Hi Pito:
Today 9/11/07 just wanted to let you know how much i miss you. I think of you every day and also Sonia. You were a wonderful brother, father, husband, son and friend. May God bless you always and rest in peace. Annie
missin youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu
BARABARA LOPEZ
September 11, 2007
WE WIll ALWAYS LUV YOU YOU ARE GONA BUT NEVA 4 GOTTEN I MISS YOU I REMEMEBA THA LAST TIME I SAW BAC IN THA 90`S U WERE CLEANING YOUR CARRRR YOUR MUSTANGGGG LOL THA BEST CAR IN THA BLOCKKKKK
P.S LUV YA
I HOPE THIZ GETS YOUUUU
NATHALY
Monica
September 11, 2007
David & Family,
Gone but not forgotten.
He is watching over you.
We will never forget!!
A Martinez
September 11, 2007
R.I.P Uncle Pete i know you are always with us now and forever.
Jackie Quevedo
September 11, 2007
It was an honor to have known you. You were a good husband and dad. I remember you as always having a smile on your face and always having something to talk about. Your memory will live forever. R.I.P. Pete.
September 11, 2007
The Nieves family... sorry the lost... rest in peace pa.. bryan
David Anchundia
September 10, 2007
To the Nieves family. May he rest in peace and on this day lets all remember what he meant to his family and friends and all the wonderful memories that you shared.
Aida Martinez
September 10, 2007
To Uncle Pete,
Somedays I catch myself thinking of all the times I was apart from you guys. It hurts that now I am close with my family but I didnt have the time to get to know you better as my uncle. It was good the years that I did have I have wonderful memories of you.I know your watching over us and keeping us safe. Your memory will always live with us.Your our Guardian Angel.R.I.P Uncle Pete.
Your Niece,
Aida
Angie Agelo
July 20, 2007
may he rest in peace ..i dont know Juan but i know his son David and from what David told me he was a good man and a good father ...my heart and prayers go out to his family. God Bless
This is me and my dog, you would of loved him ! He helped me through your loss!
Michi nieves
July 20, 2007
Daddy, no matter how much time passes, I will always suffer the pain you felt through that horrible day in my mind and and through my tears. Time cannot heal this wound and it is 6 years later. If God grants me a man that is 1/2 of what you were to mommy then I would be blessed. I keep you in my heart and prayers and every day I think of you. I miss you each day that passes ! but I try to do what I can to keep mommy ok. I love you always and my heart hurts and aches in pain each time i sit back and think of you..........
jaimee Nieves
April 6, 2007
Hi I'm Jaimee and my son's name is Juan Nieves I bieleve that we were brought together with you some how and for some reason i know this sounds wierd imagine how I feel as Im writting this.I'm sorry for your loss .My son will be visiting this site again .GOD BLESS
Manuel Ramirez
March 10, 2007
To the Nieves family, I'm sorry for your loss, I also know what it is to loose a father. What we can do to keep him alive is to make him proud by always practicing his teachings and forwarding them to your kids as parents.
Tesha Jackson
March 9, 2007
RIP Juan, Eventhough we never had an opportunity to meet personally, I now know your wife and kids. They are great people. They are definitely keeping your legacy alive. You would be proud of them.
Much LOVE!!
Darrick Jackson
March 2, 2007
RIP PETE, It was a pleasue to have known you. your kids grew up to be beautiful people & i love them like family.
Felix Rosario
March 2, 2007
To Juan Nieves Family I m sorry for your loss and only wish you the best in the future
Melonie Vazquez
March 1, 2007
To, My Uncle Pete
We had the best times as kids when Uncle Pete would take us out to the beach or playland. He was always happy and full of life. He loved his family. I am sure that he is watching us from heaven right now. You will be truly missed.
Your Niece,
Melonie
Valini S
March 1, 2007
In memory of Juan Nieves.....a wonderful father, husband and friend. Its still not real to me. I can still remember that time when i was sitting on someones car and you told me to jump down. I never looked at it as scolding but more as care. You're missed dearly.
P Tabbernor
January 16, 2007
In memory....
Yohansi Puello
November 27, 2006
I knew Juan Nieves through his daughter and good friend, Michelle. I admired Juan Nieves for being a great father and husband. He worked vigorously to support his family and ensured that they remain united. It is apparent through his family video collection that he loved his children and never wanted to miss a moment. God Bless!
Christopher Vazquez
November 27, 2006
To a great man and uncle
I remember growing up with my cousins all jumping into the mustang and going out to playland, all stuffed in the car while uncle Pete bumped the oldies. When Christmas came around we could always count on him to be Santa. At every party their he was with the camera. These are just some of the memories that i have of him i could go on for pages and pages. He was a great man, father and uncle; he will always be in my thoughts and heart. Uncle Pete you will always be missed
David Nieves
November 26, 2006
Daddy, I miss you so much. Everyday I think of you and I catch myself cyring in the dark whenever I think of you. Since you have passed so much in my life has changed. Tears come to my eyes while just writing this message. I was the last person to see you and talk to you before you left to heaven. I know you are watching over me and whenever it is my time to go the only wish I have is to spend my afterlife by your side. I Love you and I miss you so much daddy. I miss you so much.
Love David.
Michelle Nieves
November 26, 2006
Daddy, I cry every time I am alone and think about you. I miss you each and every day that passes. You were a true man, father, and husband. Mommy is lost without you. I know I am not perfect but I hope that I make you proud. Loving you and missing you , Michi!
Kristine
November 17, 2006
As I 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.
Aida Martinez
August 26, 2004
To the best Uncle;
It hurts me to think that i never got to say I love you with all my heart.But I know that we all love you and we will always think of you and remember the good times.To my cousins I love you and I will always be here for you.You are the best family any person could have.
Lisa Morales Ortiz
September 11, 2003
I never got to meet Juan but i did know his sister Carmen and son John. I met both at Our Lady of Mercy. I've known Carmen for a very long time. When you were around that family you felt like family. Love you Carmen!! My prayers go out to all of you. May God bless you and keep you safe.
REST IN PEACE JUAN....
Jesus Nieves
September 12, 2002
I was born in New York City in 1960, spent my youth learning how to survive the streets. Its hard to say a lot about how one feels at this time YOU ARE NOT ALONE...
I work for the Washington State Patrol supervising installation of of emergency response equipment.
At the time was 0629 PST when the new flash through the entire bulding complex. We stop our work and watch the tragedy unfold.
That moment I felt a pain that runs cold without relief.
I lost my brother in 1969 through his own hand, but I go on...
YOU HAVE A FRIEND AND A BROTHER TO LOOK OUT FOR YOU IF NEED BE.
QUE DIOS TE BENDIGA...
Sergio Leite
September 12, 2002
To the Family of Juan (Johnny) Nieves:
I too, had the fortune of working with Johnny for over 6 year at the Russian Tea Room, and then had the chance of welcoming him at the Windows on the world when The Russian tea Room closed down for renovations. I have only good memories about Johnny, of how dedicated worker he was. Solidarity, was a quality that I discovered in him when I received
a message from my family in south america letting me know that my dear father had past away; Johnny took the initiative of making a money collection amongst all workers at the Tea room and handed me an envelope with the money I need to buy me a ticket to go to my country and assist the funeral. Johnny; you still live in my heart! May you have found the peace and rest in the arms of God, and may God bless your family!!!!!
Sergio Leite
Former Back of the House Manager of Russian Tea Room. 1994
Lisa Alvarez
September 11, 2002
To the family of Juan Nieves,
The most important thing I have to say is God Bless You Juan and your family now and forever. I met Juan years back when I attended school with his son John. My name is Lisa Borja-Alvarez. I have to say it truly was a blessing to know him. He was the nicest & kindest person to know in this world. I just wanted to let his family know that there is someone else who cares for Juan, his family & friends even though you may not remember who i am.
Tears have dryed but my heart still weeps that your gone. Heaven has received an ANGEL! Rest In Peace! You'll never be forgotten.
Sonya Nieves
August 7, 2002
I'm sorry to meet this way, I'm Sonya Nieves, I was married to Felix Nieves Jr. (Papo). I visited Gizelle Nieves, in Florida only to learn that Juan Nieves was Papo's cousin. My heart goes to his family, although we've never met, I feel your loss. God Bless You All! Sonya Nieves.
Gizelle Nieves
August 5, 2002
My cousin was the best Golden Gloves camp. We were so proud of him always. He came to live with us for awhile, he was more than a cousin, he was my brother too. We will always love you and never forget you. You cannot take out part of a heart. you are part of ours. I love you Pito. I will never forget how you would sing to me and I would fall asleep.
Your little cousin always,
Gizelle
Angie Campbell
May 7, 2002
May God Bless you and the family and friends that you left behind on 9/11/01. Rest in peace forever more.
kenneth bermudez
April 20, 2002
Dear GOD let jaun rest in peace he was a really good man he took me places with him but he was always nice to me his daugter christine was always by my side god bless you JUAN NIEVES JR
SCOTT MOROSKY
March 29, 2002
I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO WORK WITH THIS MAN AND HE HELPED ME DO MY JOB EVERYDAY......
YOU ARE SINCERELY MISSED !!!
CHEF SCOTT
[Former Banquet Chef of Windows-
1998]
March 15, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL MAN...JUAN NIEVES AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..MAY JESUS AND ST.JOHN GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Marcy alvarado
March 11, 2002
It's a shame you didn't live,
because you had so much to give.
It was time for you to go, the hurt they caused your family they will never know.Its time for you now to rest, know that you lived you life to the very best.
Amy King
December 31, 2001
juan
god bless you. Windows on the World was a magical place. I pray for your family.
Teresa Jahn
December 17, 2001
We are very sorry for your loss of Juan. 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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