New York, New York
'Keep the Family Together'
His workmates often called him Jambalaya because his Albanian last name was so hard to pronounce. Mon Gjonbalaj (pronounced JAHN-buh- lie) liked the Cajun nickname even though he was always proud of his Albanian roots.
He was a janitor at the World Trade Center and he loved the camaraderie, often showing up an hour before work started to chat with friends.
"He was supposed to retire last year," said his son Sal. "He was going to turn 66 on Oct. 31, but he wanted to continue working. He was so attached to that building. He didn't want to let go. It was his second home."
Mr. Gjonbalaj stuck close to his family in New York and in Europe. He lived with his three sons in a three-family house in the Bronx, while his daughter worked as a translator for NATO forces in Kosovo. Last year, he went to Kosovo to help his brother rebuild a house destroyed in the war there.
After the twin towers were attacked, Sal said, his father called home and said, "I'm trapped. I don't think I'm going to see you guys again. Keep the family together. Be strong."
I met the son and grandson of Mon today at the museum. I promise to put a flag in his name at the memorial next week, take a picture and post it on my Facebook page along with his story. May the warm memories bring you comfort
Karen Levine
August 23, 2016
To my fellow ABM employee Hero, we the "ABM family" will always remember our co-workers and understand how you loved your buildings. Take pride. God Bless.
Karen C Morgan
September 12, 2011 | Tampa, FL
Is very emotional reading the profile of your hardworking and lovely dad. Be strong as he told you both to be and inshaallah ALLAH (SWT)will be with you all the times. May his soul rest in peace. Allahuma Amiiin
September 12, 2011
Ne shpresojmë familjen tuaj është e fortë nëpër këtë kohë të vështirë. Ne shpresojmë që Perëndia i jep familjes tuaj forcën për të jetuar me ju në zemrat e tyre. Zoti ju lasht shndosh.
Nga Familja Demhasaj
Demhasaj
September 11, 2011 | Staten Island, NY
Thinking of all of you today.
Familja e Rrok Noshit Camaj
September 11, 2011
I was given a card at my church today to pray for this man. I have enjoyed reading his breif bio and we prayed for his family tonight at the dinner table. God bless you.
September 11, 2011
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you especially on this day.
the Kukaj/hasangjekaj Family
September 11, 2011 | Bronx, NY
Dear Gjonbalaj Family,
I am so sorry about your dad. I remember him and how nice he was. Life is just not fair. May he rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Liria Rugovac
September 10, 2011
Dear Gjonbalaj Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.. 10 years and it will always feel like yesterday.
The Dedvukaj Family
September 10, 2011
