Justin McCarthy

Competitive and Caring

Justin J. McCarthy and his friend Bill Marmo never won the shark-fishing tournament that they entered every summer, but it didn't matter. Mr. McCarthy just liked being on Mr. Marmo's boat off Freeport on Long Island, where he grew up, drinking a few Heinekens and hanging out.

That is not to say that Mr. McCarthy was not competitive. A trader at Cantor Fitzgerald, he was ambitious and determined to advance in his career. He was known for his quick comebacks and sharp sense of humor. But Mr. McCarthy had a creative, dreamy side, too. In his spare time he carved sculptures out of wood and came up with ideas for inventions.

Mr. McCarthy, who died in the World Trade Center attack one week before his 30th birthday, had reunited with his high school girlfriend, Megan Cromer, last year. Ms. Cromer had a 9-month-old son from a previous relationship and was overcome by the kindness Mr. McCarthy showed him.

"You could never find a man that comes into your life to be so good to your own child," Ms. Cromer said.