May God bless you and your...

I see your smile everyday
Paul Murphy
July 29, 2025
Hoboken, New Jersey
Romantic Touches
Brian Novotny first glimpsed Theresa Thomas as he and some Cantor Fitzgerald clients were leaving the Monkey Bar on the East Side of Manhattan. He shook their hands, said goodnight and made a beeline back inside.
Ms. Thomas, visiting from Los Angeles for the weekend, had been in New York less than an hour when she noticed a tall, soft-eyed young man smiling at her. Soon they were deep in conversation. "The chemistry was very strong — no question," she said. "When you have that chemistry, it's unavoidable."
Two years ago, after numerous cross-country visits, she moved to New York, and fell more in love with Mr. Novotny, 33, than ever. One day she remarked of the weather, "It's getting hot," and returned home the next day to find a new air-conditioner humming in her apartment. Feeling out of sorts while vacationing, she comforted herself with a long bath -- and emerged to a room filled with candles and soft jazz.
But then, this was a man who surprised his parents by painting the entire exterior of their house while they were away for the weekend.
A week before Sept. 11, Theresa Thomas and Brian Novotny were engaged. For a few days, the future seemed to unfold joyously before them.
I see your smile everyday
Paul Murphy
July 29, 2025
This particular Anniversary of September 11th, I was thinking that there was no social media in 2001. The best way people got news was on television and through emailing each other. The afternoon of 9/11/01, Brian was one of the first people who's name was sent as missing between my friends and who we knew was working there.... hoping of course that it not be true and that he was safe. There is no easier Anniversary. There will never be. And those who knew Brian, will always remember his...
Cindy Phillips
September 15, 2021 | West Nyack, NY | Classmate
20 years have passed but every year past, present and future, Brian's memory will remain with all of us. Although I didn’t know him or John as well as many others, Acorn Terrace was deprived of two significant members of society and all the surrounding neighborhoods (Deerfield Drive, Plains Drive, Laurel Road, etc) will mourn the loss of these two young men forever.
May the good lord shine a bright light on Brian and John's soul and always provide solace and empathy to the Novotny...
MIke McCrudden
September 11, 2021 | Louisville, CO | Neighbor
19 years later and you'll always be part of the history that makes growing up in Rockland awesome... and this is the 40th year anniversary since we all met at St. Augustine's! I'll never forget 'keep away' ball in the school parking lot or watching Guinea/Mic ball between the boys or the basketball games! Thinking of you and Johnny Cake and your Dad in Heaven together. Always missed!
Cindy Phillips
September 29, 2020 | West Nyack, NY | Friend
As I sit on my couch 19 years later I am still flooded with the same raw emotion from that day in 2001. This never gets any easier. Time has not healed this wound. I have continued to hold your memory in my heart and mind. Our life paths never crossed but you have been one of the most influential people in my life. While it might seem odd to feel such a connection to a complete stranger I think of it as a gift I have been given. At many points where my life has been incredibly heavy or when I...
Julie Kay Bipes-Stanley
September 11, 2020
I am just an American who still grieves for you, your family & all of America. Trust God for justice...
Lisa Dr Freitas
April 13, 2019 | San Diego, CA
Thinking of you today just like always. I have not forgotten and refuse to let the ugly way you left this world be the end of your story. Brian, you continue to motivate me as a fellow American to do good things to honor the life you didn't get to finish the way it could have been. Bless you and bless those whom you loved that are missing you today and everyday.
Julie Kay Bipes-Stanley
September 11, 2016 | White Bear Lake, MN
God Bless to you and entire Novotny Family!
Gus Vielot
February 28, 2016 | Winter Park, FL
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
S J. Friscia III
August 06, 2015 | Staten Island, NY