New York, New York
He Was 'Totally Normal'
"For the seven years I've known him, we've basically done nothing but be at home together," Lisanne MacKenzie said of James P. O'Brien Jr. "There were two children in the house, babies when he moved in, and we live really modestly in a three-room apartment. We don't have a country house, he doesn't golf, he was totally normal: come home from work, hang out in the house, do nothing, watch TV, hang out with the kids on the weekend."
Their first child together, Aiden, was five weeks old on Sept. 11.
Mr. O'Brien, 33, started out in the mailroom of Cantor Fitzgerald when he was 22, but soon moved up to become a bond broker.
"He was very disciplined," she said. "He walks into the house at 6:10 on the dot, and was up every morning at the same time. He was very structured with his time."
And every evening, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., he would take the couple's Rhodesian ridgeback, Roadie, known as the Road Dog, for walks in Prospect Park, near their home in Park Slope, Brooklyn, where he grew up.
"The dog cried every single night, all night long, for two weeks after this happened," Ms. MacKenzie said. "The dog was very attached to him."
My sweet baby James your baby Aiden is now 6ft 1in tall and he looks quite a lot like you. Most of all he has your sense of humor, kind heart and a sense of calm in the storm. Just like you. He really is beautiful inside and out just like you. Hug Papa and Annie for us. Until we meet again. Maybe then the hole in my heart will finally be filled in.
Kathleen Henry
September 19, 2019 | Brooklyn, NY | Mother
Still miss my dear compassionate and kind friend. It's hard to believe it's been 18 years since we lost you. I can only hope that you and "Big Al" and our other dearly departed friends are together at peace and tranquility. You will never be forgotten.
Diane Gannon
September 10, 2019 | Brooklyn, NY | Friend
Gone too soon. My condolences to James' family and friends.
A.L.
July 31, 2019
Peace be with you.
Jill Letourneau
January 02, 2019 | Westerly, RI | Family
I just read this on Facebook
I am so sorry for your loss ,I hope your child and your family are doing ok ,i know from your loved ones picture he was special
I grew up in NJ and my youngest son was 5 months old on 9/11
I will never forget that day
Hildi Chinigo
January 01, 2019 | Charlotte, NC | Acquaintance
We send our continued deep thoughts of sympathy for your loss. There aren't any words that will ever remove the pain but may these words show that others still do care even though much time has passed. Daily may God give the strength needed to cope. Jim is still missed by many.
The Kindred Family
December 07, 2018
Thinking of you and your family. May God bless you all.
Cousin Jill
Jill Diehl
September 12, 2018 | Westerly, RI
Aiden & Mom
Kathleen Roman
September 11, 2018
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
S j. Friscia III
August 06, 2015 | Staten Island, NY