New York, New York
Work and Family
Matthew Diaz was a man with a conflict on his hands.
A carpenter specializing in laying floor tile and carpets, he had a friendly wager that he could put in more hours than his foreman during 2001. But his desire to get an early start on each workday was impeded by his late-night routine: he liked to stay up until midnight or later, playing video games with his two sons.
"He couldn't stop talking about his kids," said William Gonzalez, Mr. Diaz's friend and foreman at New York City District Council of Carpenters Local 2287. On Sept. 11, Mr. Diaz, 33, was laying tile in the elevators of the Cantor Fitzgerald offices.
Long before, he and his sons, Michael 7, and Christopher, 4, had a lot to deal with. His wife, Karen Diaz, received a diagnosis of late-stage breast cancer a year earlier. Mr. Diaz had been caring for her, and preparing their sons for carrying on without one of their parents, but not without him.
The older son still goes to the front door some days, hoping his father will come home — to build more Star Wars figurines, skateboard or ride bikes with him, go to his soccer practice, listen to the stereo. "He was just a family man," said Florence Kneff, his mother-in-law. "He worked, and he came home."
Not a day goes by that you are,not thought about or loved.22 years and it feels like yesterday love hugs and kisses to you,Karen and Michael
Florence Kneff
September 15, 2023 | Staten Island, NY | Family
I’m sorry I haven’t written here in awhile. Always thinking of you Matt. You are missed and never forgotten. Say hi to Karen and Mikey I didn’t know about him until recently. I still cannot believe it.
Joseph Marrone
September 14, 2023 | Massapequa, NY | Friend
Always missing and thinking about you Matthew. Even though we weren't related by blood, I always considered you my brother. Living with us until you met Karen and started your new journey. At least you are both together again, I just can't believe it is 20 years already. xoxoxo
Vicki Fiedel
September 11, 2021 | Davenport, FL | Family
Twenty years my dear son in law and the pain of losing you still hurts.We will never forget you. Loving and missing you very much.Rest in the sweetest heaven and kisses and hugs to Karen and Michael
Florence Kneff
September 08, 2021 | Staten Island, NY | Family
Remembering Matthew on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
Cindy Roe
September 07, 2021 | Galesburg, MI
RIP my friend
September 11, 2019
Forever in our hearts and always in our thoughts. You are missed and loved very much.HUGS AND KISSES TO KAREN AND MICHAEL
Florence Kneff
September 10, 2019 | Family
On a recent family visit to NYC we went by the 9/11 memorial to pay our respects and to show our children the magnitude of what happened that our words can't convey properly. We were struck to see your name on the wall (my name is also Matthew Diaz.) I've read and learned more about you and your family on this page and others... I am beyond sorry for your passing and what it has meant to those who love you most. I'm glad we found your name. I wish our paths could have crossed in some other...
Matt Diaz
April 05, 2019 | Minneapolis, MN | Acquaintance
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. You were a Great Mechanic and the summer of 2001, we were together on the weekends @ Dewey Ballantine corridors. I will always have that Memory of the time we spent together.
Thomas Fahy
November 09, 2018 | New York, NY | Coworker