New York, New York
Minor Fame, Major Fun
The Saiya brothers have a place among the countless lesser-known Brooklyn legends. Frank, Art, Mike and Eddie were known as the Fame Brothers of Dayhill Road, based on the first letters of their names.
The Saiyas were tough boys. They went to Catholic school and they liked their beer. They served in Vietnam. But they were not so tough that they could not say they loved each other. Mike Saiya died a few years ago of liver cancer. Eddie Saiya, 49, was a communications engineer who worked on the 110th floor of 2 World Trade Center.
"He called me that morning from the roof, calm as could be, and told me to turn on the TV," Frank Saiya said. "The first building had been hit. He thought it was an accident."
Edward Saiya had two children, Katherine, 16, and Shawn, 11. Their mother, who has Alzheimer's disease, sometime asks how Eddie is doing, Frank Saiya said. They tell her just fine.
Frank, 60, is the eldest Fame brother. He now lives in Topeka, Kan., and has 20 pounds of the trade center rubble in his home. "Maybe part of Eddie is in there," he said. He's got that and the memory of Eddie Saiya in 1969 chasing down two thieves wvho had stolen his car. "He wasn't wearing anything but his skivvies."
I just learned of you today when your name was announced at the 9/11 memorial. I wish I had known you, I am so sorry for all of your family and friends that you are gone. I am
Saying a prayer for you now.
Mary Jane Moutsanas
September 11, 2025 | Palo Alto, CA
To all of Ed's family and friends and coworkers, I still think of Ed, and am so sorry for your loss. Ed was such a good and thoughtful person to work with -- I often spoke with him on the phone, from the Genuity office in the Boston area, as we planned adjustments to the interconnects at the Genuity POP at the World Trade Center, and in fact was on the phone with Ken the morning of 9/11, when he told me there was an emergency and he had to leave, and planned to go to the roof. How I still...
Susan Coombs
September 11, 2024 | Coworker
Ed, Still think of you throughout the year. Everyone from 9/11 is still close to my heart and always will be. God Bless to you and your family.
Jenifer Burbank
September 11, 2024 | Mountain Home, ID | Coworker
Rest in peace, sir. I never met you, but I was given your name from a 9/11 victims' memorial prayer site. I submitted my name and agreed to pray for the family of whoever the computer "matched me up" with. The computer matched me with you. I've been praying for your family since 9/11/2002.
I pray that you are at peace, and that God continues to comfort your family.
Elaine Briggs
April 08, 2024 | Kelseyville, CA
Thinking of you today Ed! 21 years and I’ll never forget you. Prayers today for you and your family .
John Brookbank
September 11, 2022 | Leesburg, VA | Neighbor
I still remember how happy you were in my office in Columbia, MD (Genuity) when you shared that you would be going back to NY to be with your family. I always loved hearing you talk about your children. I know they miss you. Knowing you were on top of the South Tower was hard to watch (although I did) but one of our co-workers said you were calm. For that I am grateful. 21 years later... I will never forget you, and Anthony and Kenny; you are missed.
Brenda Williams-Rosalez
September 11, 2022 | Work
20 Years and not forgotten.. we need to get back together so you can show me the tough and gruff side because I never saw it that I remember. Always a pleasure to test circuits with you on the phone and the times you came down to atlanta to help out. Blessings to your family
Matt Miller
September 14, 2021 | Asheville, NC | Coworker
Ed, still think of you often. God Bless you and your family. Heart still broken, will never forget.
Jenifer Burbank
September 11, 2021 | Mountain Home, ID | Coworker
20 years can’t believe it. Your memory lives on. Your children and families are being remembered today and everyday. Your legacy lives on in your children and grands. Gone but never forgotten
Kathie Carrigan
September 11, 2021 | Germantown, MD | Friend