Manalapan, New Jersey
A Morning Chat With Fish
Louis F. Aversano Jr. liked to take care of everybody and everything. Especially his fish. At his home in Manalapan, N.J., Mr. Aversano, 58, kept a suburban-sized aquarium with five fish that he doted on.
"Those were his babies," said Lisa Aversano, Mr. Aversano's youngest daughter. "He would sneak in to see them early in the morning, and he would talk to them as if they were people. He would say, 'Hi fishies, good morning. Your sister is here to visit. Be nice to her. You guys look so nice today.' "
He couldn't help it, she said. After all, he exuded the same sunny disposition when helping to raise his four children or organizing neighborhood block parties.
There is a lot of father in daughter, Ms. Aversano said proudly. People call her "Little Lou" because they were best friends; they were former colleagues at Aon, where he was director of operations support; and they looked remarkably alike (except for the receding hairline and the mustache). And these days, she and her boyfriend find themselves the new parents of five fish. They spend time talking to them, just as her father did.
Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on December 16, 2001.
Louis F. Aversano, Jr., of Manalapan, New Jersey, director of operations support and risk services for Aon Corp.
He will always be remembered as such an extraordinary human being. Words cannot express what a loving and caring man he was. He will be so deeply missed but will always be in our hearts. It is very difficult to go on with life without him but his family loves him so much and we are so honored to have such wonderful memories with him.
Right before 9/11 anniversary his bracelet with his name on it was the first thing I saw when I opened up my jewelry chest. I remember corresponding with one of his daughters years ago after receiving it. Rest in eternal heavenly peace ❤
Carol OConnor
September 13, 2023 | Old Bridge, NJ
In loving memory of a wonderful man. You will always be missed, Lou. Your Rosie sent me an old picture of you yesterday and it is exactly how I remember you. May your precious soul continue to rest at peace.
Debbie
September 12, 2023 | NJ | Coworker
In memory of a wonderful person. Our Aon Colleagues will place a rose at your name at the fountain.
Kathy
September 11, 2023 | New York, NY | Coworker
Along a fence between the towers and the southern tip of Manhattan near Battery Park - Nov 7, 2001
I came from Toledo, Ohio on Nov 7, 2001 to mourn the loss of so many. These two notes, side by side, held down with a stone, really got to me.
Nate
October 08, 2022 | Toledo, OH
Our thoughts are of you and your family on this 21st anniversary. Time passes, but we will always remember your tremendous personality and ability to keeping everyone smiling and laughing.
Kathy - Aon
September 12, 2022 | NY, NY | Coworker
Hey Lou, even though I have now retired from aon, this day brings me back to our working days and all the talks we had. Great man with a great legacy
Suzanne Poole - Vatland
September 11, 2022 | Kingman, AZ | Coworker
On this 20th anniversary of 9/11, time has passed but we have not forgotten our good friend and colleague. Best wishes to the Aversano family. Lou is in our thoughts. Regards,
Kathy
September 14, 2021 | Coworker
God Bless Lou and his family. Remember his sacrifice and that of our fellow Americans who were lost in defending and honoring their memory.
Although I never met Lou in person, I had the pleasure of doing business with Lou over the phone from time to time over the years. A true gentleman and always a pleasure to work with.
God Bless his soul. Rest In Peace.
Martin Bowen
September 11, 2021 | Hull, MA | Coworker
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always, Lou.
Debbie Strumolo
September 10, 2021 | NJ | Coworker