Charles A. Zion

Family, Company and Golf
Charles A. Zion loved his job as executive vice president at Cantor Fitzgerald, and he loved golf. "It was hard to get him out of there," said his wife of 20 years, Carole. "When he started to play golf, I thought that was a good thing for him, because it gave him another focus." Mrs. Zion took up golf as well, as did their son, Zachary, 19.

Father and son bonded over both work and golf. "I was looking forward to having him mentor me. He really loved teaching people the market," said Zachary. "That really kills me. That I'm not going to be able to sit there next to him on the desk and see what he did so well."

Mr. Zion, 54, was the son of a rabbi, and spent his early childhood in Davenport, Iowa. At the age of 12 or 13, his family moved to New York City — a big transition for him. Later, he preferred to stay close to home. "Whenever you tried to get him to go somewhere, he would say, 'I know a great place — it's close to a golf course, there's a garage, and it's air-conditioned,' " recalled Zachary. "And I would get excited, and I would say 'Where?' and he'd say, 'Right here!' "

Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on September 10, 2002.


ZION-Charles A., 54, Senior Vice President of Cantor Fitzgerald, died September 11, 2001 in the World Trade Center disaster. Beloved husband of Carole, adoring father of Zachary, devoted son of Rabbi Martin and Jane Zion, cherished brother of Barbara Weiss, dear uncle of Rachel and John, Michael, Martha and Jamie, brother-in-love to Bonnie, Christie, Barbara and Will. Respected, esteemed, admired by all family, friends and colleagues for his consummate joy in life, vision in work and dedication to family. A Memorial Service will be held at the Greenwich Reformed Synagogue, 257 Stanwich Road, on Sunday, October 14th at 3PM. Contributions in Charles' memory may be made to the Cantor Fitzgerald Foundation, or Temple Israel of the City of New York.