New York, New York
Thoughts of Home
It is possible that on occasion, when not taking in the breathtaking view or rubbing elbows with the rich and powerful, a few diners at the Windows on the World restaurant atop the World Trade Center noticed the quiet man who cleared away their dishes.
But they could not have known of the difficult road that had brought David Rodriguez-Vargas from his humble hometown, Tenares, in the Dominican Republic, to what he considered the top of the world. "He was not afraid of problems," his wife, Saturnina Gomez Rodriguez, said. "He had a spirit that was very strong and mostly positive."
Mr. Rodriguez-Vargas, 44, came to New York in 1996 to be reunited with his older sister, Clara, who lived in Washington Heights in Manhattan. He settled there, too. A friend who worked at the Windows restaurant suggested he ask for a job, and he did.
A busboy's salary is modest, even at the top of the world, and there was not much money for Mr. Rodriguez-Vargas to play with. But it does not cost much to fish the lakes and streams around New York. And a good day with the rod, Mrs. Rodriguez said, usually meant a good, fresh dinner.
Dominoes, dancing, talking about the things men talk about —these were the things that filled out Mr. Rodriguez-Vargas's days. What he dreamed of in the quietest moments of his nights, his wife said, was visiting his mother and the rest of his family back in Tenares.
You will never be forgotten.....Your light will shine forever.. You always seemed so quiet and peaceful...you will always be in our hearts.
Matilde Adames
October 21, 2013 | Monroe, NC
David was a good man, a man of honor and humility.
Nelson Reynoso
September 28, 2013 | Bergenfield, NJ
Tio nunca te olvidare.
I will never forget you, may you rest in peace.
Maria Rosario
September 11, 2013 | Bogota, NJ
As I cross-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.
kristine
April 23, 2007 | Tecumseh, MI
In memory....
P Tabbernor
February 20, 2007 | Victoria, BC
I just wanted David's family to know that I just received a memory bracelet in honor of him. It was given to me by my friend Jackie Cannizzaro at an annual memorial dinner in honor of her husband, Brian Cannizzaro, a firefighter who was lost in the attacks of September 11. (A memory bracelet was given to all who attended and I happened to receive one with his name on it.) I just wanted to say that I wear it with pride and in great honor of his life.
I have attended breakfast meetings...
Regina Molaro
August 13, 2003 | Staten Island, NY
As a gift from Calvary Church of Albuquerque, I received a "Mercy Band" with David's name on it. Perhaps as a message from our Lord, it turns out I lost my brother who's name is the same as the first part of David's name, "David B" and he too was 44 years old. I now wear this band to remind me to pray for both the family of David B. Rodriguez-Vargas and mine.
Brian Bickett
September 26, 2002 | Albuquerque, NM
I did not know you or anyone else who passed away that horrible day of September 11, 2001. I am really sorry that so many wonderful people where killed. I pray for the family and friends of this man who much find a way to go one without him. May he rest in peace forever more.
Angie Campbell
May 14, 2002 | Denton, TX
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS YOUNG MAN...DAVID B.RIDRIGUEZ-VARGAS AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..STAY CLOSE..PRAY..AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK FOREVER..MAY JESUS AND HIS SAINTS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN..AMEN
April 10, 2002
