New York, New York
Living the American Dream
By developing a passion for his craft and never losing sight of his desire to help his family, Abdoulaye Koné worked his way from a clay hut in Ivory Coast to the lofty heights of the World Trade Center, where he was a pastry chef at Windows on the World. "When he first came to this country he was working at a little five-and-dime store," said his wife, Celestine Koné. "He wanted to be successful and probably open up his own business."
Mr. Koné went to culinary school in France to learn pastry making. "He was a very, very sophisticated and educated guy," Mrs. Koné said, listing the languages he learned after the Mandingo and French that he spoke in Africa: English, Spanish, German, a little Italian.
His pastry creations were made to be eaten, but he preserved a photographic record of them in a big binder that Mrs. Koné has saved.
He sent money home to Ivory Coast, and was fond of saying that he worked for his son, Lacina, 8, and daughter, Mama, 5. On his rare days off, Mr. Koné, who lived in the Bronx, spent time taking the children out, sometimes to museums and once to the Statue of Liberty, but more often than not, he took them to see his friends, chefs at other restaurants.
Mes condoléances à toute la famille Koné.j’ai visité l mémorial du 9/11,est j ai pu voir le Abdoulaye,ca ma rendu encore plus triste.j’ai pensé à sa famille après quelques recherches sur goggle, j’ai compris qu’elle extraordinaire personne Abdoulaye était.rest in peace
Amadou M Diol
September 02, 2025 | Cincinnati, OH | Significant_other
I came across Abdoulaye's memoriam on Facebook and wanted to pay my respect to him and his family. We will never forget. God bless.
February 02, 2024
I have had Abdoulaye's memorial bracelet since 2001. I have been wearing it all week in remembrance. He was a pastry chef for my friend, executive chef Michael Lomonaco, at Windows on the World. When I showed the bracelet to Michael he said 'Pamela, you would have loved him. He had the most beautiful smile.' God Bless Abdoulaye's family.
Pamela Nevarez-Fisher
September 11, 2021 | AUSTIN, TX
In Memory
With Honor& Respect.
S J. Friscia III
April 20, 2014 | Staten Island, NY
Karen Lynch
April 25, 2013 | Scotland
Je suis désolé d'apprendre de la mort de M. Kone.
Je suis un journalist a la Voix de l'Amerique a Washington. Pour cette triste anniversaire, nous sommes en train de préparer un emission de télevision en francais pour souvenir tout le monde qui était frappé cette journée terrible. Si la famille de M. Kone voudrait prendre part à notre émission de TV le 08 Septembre 2011, vous pouvez m'appeller +1-202-203-4913 ou [email protected]. Cette emission sera diffusé en 8 pays en Afrique...
Gary Butterworth
September 06, 2011 | Washington, DC
We think of you often my friend and of your children that you were so proud of!!!
Gerard Molloy
September 04, 2011 | Seaford, NY
On this remembrance day for such a tragedy, know that we love you and our prayers are with you and your family.
Devon Thomas
September 11, 2010
JUST WANT TOO.THANK EVERYONE THE SIGN MY HUSAND BOOK GOD BLESS YOU,ALL,AND TOO ALL THOSE FAMILY MEMBER'S IN WINDOW OF THE WORLD RESTURANT WE LOVE YOU ALL.FROM KONE FAMILY
September 11, 2010