Park Ridge, New Jersey
His Motto: 'Let's Do It!'
On that last Sunday, Joseph Keller, bona fide grown-up -- father, husband, homeowner in Park Ridge, N.J., and department head at the Marriott World Trade Center Hotel -- had what would be a final fling with his daredevil teenage self. He and two buddies from high school got together and dusted off their old bicycle freestyling stunts. Mr. Keller, 31, who had competed in the extreme sport, still had the chops to pull off a funky chicken. (Don't ask.)
"If you were looking for someone to egg you on," said his friend Prentice Chang, "Joe was like: 'Let's do it!' A lot of people followed his direction."
Some lucky ones did on Sept. 11. When his wife, Rose, called, urging him to flee, he told her he was helping with the evacuation. Later, when he phoned his boss, he sounded cool, but concerned about the two injured firefighters with whom he was trapped. "Joe was always reassuring, the one who made things O.K.," Mrs. Keller said. "You'd think you couldn't do something, but he made you believe you could. He made me think things were possible."
I communicate with angels and they have been consistently telling me they are all coming back and they are all alive and well in another dimension AND they don´t know what happened. It´s called Judgment Day for them and Bliss for us. I am talking about anyone one who has ever crossed over to Heaven, not just on 9/11, including pets. They all come back!!!
Nina T.
June 24, 2024 | Other
It has been All these years but I think of Joe. He was just a wonderful person.
I hope Rose and his 2 children, which were babies when this happened are doing ok. I hope it is a little comforting to know how many people loved Joe. We will never forget.
Nancy
Nancy Castillo
September 11, 2023 | Maywood, NJ | Coworker
RIP you may be gone but not forgotten.
Roy O' Sullivan
December 02, 2022 | Neighbor
I hadn't ever met Joe, but I had the honor of reading all the positive things and stories that people have written about him. I'm incredibly saddened that he has passed, but am delighted that he had touched so many people during his time on Earth with us. He surely is looking down on each of us and smiling today.
May he live on through his friends and family. God bless you
A stranger
September 12, 2022 | MN
20 Years later I can still recall that dreadful day we heard my cousin was killed...I watched one of the aircraft fly south along the river wondering why it was so low...
Paul Hintz
November 08, 2021
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
carol edwards
September 20, 2020 | Acquaintance
19 years have passed and i still remember that horrible news of losing you. You were one of the best guys I ever new. We had such wonderful times working at the Glenpointe. You and Rose were the perfect couple, and on your wedding day so beautiful together. Your children have grown but I know you are watching over them. I know you are my angel. RIP my friend till we meet again.
Pat Collins
September 12, 2020 | Teaneck
Nineteen years ago yesterday...Joe was 19 when I met him at Park Ridge Marriott. Joe was a truly generous and good man who was willing always to lend a hand at any task. My condolences go out to Rose and all of Joe's family. He is still missed and will be always.
Timothy Alger
September 12, 2020 | New Milford, NJ | Coworker
Joseph is always a hand on Manager. I knew when we worked together at Park Ridge Marriott. He was a Bellman at that time. And I was a Host in the Restaurant. And became a Manager eventually. So Joe saw moved up in the company. And then I left the company. And then we met again and Joe was Food Beverage Manager at the Glennpoint Marriott . And he hired me back. I will never forget Joe. He will always be remembered.
Charlie QUIMBO ( Marriott co-work)
Charlie Quimbo
September 11, 2020 | Coworker
