New York, New York
Upward, Ever Upward
Gary Shamay was a young man on his way up. After graduating at 16 from Sheepshead Bay High School in Brooklyn, he plunged into the corporate workplace at an age when most of his peers were far from making career decisions.
By Sept. 11, he was 23, and had already made his mark as a computer specialist, working for Allstate Insurance, Deutsche Bank, CIBC Oppenheimer and, since August 2000, Cantor Fitzgerald. He was single and living with his parents in Mill Basin, but his work assignments had taken him to Cantor's offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and other cities.
"We were very proud of him," said Mr. Shamay's mother, Zoya Shamay, who said his career goals centered on his computer skills. While working long hours in the office, sometimes starting as early as 5:30 a.m., he was completing college course work at night toward a bachelor's degree in computer engineering.
Mr. Shamay was born in Uzbekistan, and immigrated to Brooklyn when he was 2 years old with Mrs. Shamay and her husband, Benjamin. He had two younger brothers, ages 16 and 8, for whom "he always had advice," his mother said.
It's been so long now but sometimes flash backs of our early days hit me. At night, I had a dream with Gary in it. I had seen our families having dinner together. I would wish that would be real but it was not sadly...I Still have this empty hole in my heart even today many years later. This is what kind a person Gary was, to leave such a impact on me. One of kind he was! Till we meet again my friend!
Mark Weinstein
April 03, 2022 | Southampton, PA | Friend
Well Gary, you had lots of life left to live.
The opportunity to have continued your promising computer career, maybe find a soulmate, and potentially have kids. But I bet you are still a smart guy in the heavens.
A.L.
July 06, 2019
I echo the words of both Nissim and Aaron. Gary was a dear friend in high school. We spent many days and weekends together and we're roommates in camp in the summer of 1992, about which I have some of the best memories of my life. Gary was truly one of the good ones. My heart sank when I heard his name read at the ten year memorial service as I had not heard until then of his being there. I will always remember Gary and count him among my true friends. I will miss him dearly and remember fondly.
Avi Norensberg
September 12, 2011 | Brooklyn, NY
10 years to the day... yet the anguish still encircles the globe.
It seems not one person can escape having been associated to a fallen victim of 9/11.
Only today it comes to my attention of Gary. Ha was a classmate of mine almost 20 years ago in freshman year highschool. Our brief friendship through our adolescent years still triggers fond memories of my youth. He was a good friend, kind and true natured. I'm stricken with grief all over again at hearing he was among...
Nissim Shimunov
September 11, 2011 | Brooklyn, NY
Gary was my friend and classmate he was a genuinely sweet soul who will always live on in my heart
My condolences to his family may you never know sorrow again
Aaron Shakarchi
September 11, 2011 | Brooklyn, NY
Gary was an old friend and classmate of mine. How can I get in touch with him mother? I'd like to write her an email.
Avi Norensberg
September 11, 2011 | Brooklyn, NY
Gary, it's was a great pleasure knowing you as a friend and colleague at CIBC. You always have the energy to succeed. You will be miss but we will never forget.
A Friend
September 11, 2011 | New York, NY
Gary it's been 10 years, I miss you so much. You were one of my first friends when I moved to this country. I have so many sweet childhood memories of you and me, biking, role skating, racing with our cars, chilling with our circle of friends. Each one of those moments were precious. Every time I drive on BQE I shot off my music and silly or not, try to speak to you and tell you how much I miss you and love you. You were my brother and I will never forget you till the day I die.
Mark Weinstein
September 10, 2011 | Philadelphia, PA
Today is exactly 8 years since you went away. We still miss you and we always will! The memory of you will never die in our hearts and thoughts!
R.I.P.
Vitaly Orlov
September 11, 2009 | Brooklyn, NY
