Cliffside Park, New Jersey
A Self-Taught Man
"Make this a sweet story," Ira Lassman said the other day, "about one little kernel of a human being whose life will be sorely missed."
He was talking about his son Nicholas, who worked for the eSpeed unit of Cantor Fitzgerald, and was 28 years old. Nicholas's life had been like a sailboat, catching the right breeze here and there, and always being led to a happy situation. He had been a golf pro at clubs in Florida and New York before teaching himself computer programming. That turned into a temporary job at Morgan Stanley, and then a full-time role at eSpeed. In between, he learned Russian and German, and the guitar, all on his own. He lived in an apartment in Cliffside Park, N.J., and loved his job, where his boss, Abul Chowdhury, was also his best friend.
"He was bright beyond his years," his father said. "He had a charming smile and a quick wit. People flocked to him." At a memorial held for him last month, the 400 mourners included a row of caddies from the Alpine Country Club, where his parents were members and where he had once worked as a caddy. "He never hung out with the members," Mr. Lassman remembered. "He always hung out with the caddies."
I was his mailman at 417 Palisade Avenue. I did not know him well, but he was always pleasant. I remember his heartbroken family coming to me on the route, asking where they could donate his clothes. R.I.P.
Steven Marsella
September 10, 2024 | Dumont, NJ | Acquaintance
DEAR SON,
TWENTY YEARS AGO YOU WERE TAKEN FROM US. THE PAIN THEN S STILL WITH US TODAY. THOUGHTS OF YOU FROM FRIENDS STILL CASCADE TO US EVERY SEPT. 11TH. THE PAIN OF YOUR LOSS NEVER DEMINISHES. BUT SOMEHOW MOM, ELLEN, AND I HAVE LEARNED TO HANDLE IT. YOU, MY SON, AND DEVOTED BROTHER, ARE, AND ALWAYS WILL BE IN OUR HEARTS....FOREVER!
GOD BLESS YOU AND REST IN PEACE, NICHOLAS. WE KNOW THAT YOU ARE ALWAYS WITH US... LOOKING AFTER US. THE TRUE GUARDIAN ANGEL!
YOUR LOVING...
Ira Lassman
September 11, 2021 | Palm Beach Gardens, FL | Father
We knew Nicholas only superficially as a young man, as the Lassman family were our neighbors for a years in Norwood. We understand the pain of losing a child too soon, and the challenge to remember the best moments, the light that shone through our children’s eyes, and the love will forever touch our hearts. We wish Laura, Ira & Ellen as much peace as possible on this solemn anniversary, and hope that you can always remember the special moments you shared, and the special qualities what...
Laura Burnham
September 10, 2021 | Mahwah, NJ | Neighbor
To the Lassman family.
This note-to-family is long-overdue. Each September I remember when my life-path crossed with Nick's. He came to work for the Leadbetter Golf Academies in Mid/late 90's. Part of his training with the company brought him to the Naples, Fl, academy, where he stayed with me for a short time.
We had a great time in my tiny little apartment. He was great company. We were professional golfers during the day, and professional "kick back and...
Scott Holden
September 09, 2021 | Bonita Springs, FL | Friend
Happy Birthday, Nicholas,
As usual, we had a Japanese dinner to celebrate your BD. Mom, Ellen, and I toasted you and your brief time with us. We miss you and Love you. You are never, ever out of our thoughts. You live on in our heart and soul. Your spirit will be with us forever. Rest in Peace Dear son, brother, and friend. And GOD Bless you forever! All our everlasting LOVE, Mom, Ellen, and me.
November 30, 2015
14th year that you have left us.
We had a beautiful Memorial at the club. Many friends and neighbors attended to honor
and remember you and all the other victims that were lost on that tragic day.
later, I went to the firehouse where there is a nice Memorial to all the victims. I spent some quiet time there. Also said "Hi" to Abul. At night, Mom, Ellen, and I had the usual Japanese dinner.
It doesn't get any easier. But we, and you know that you are always in our hearts.
We got...
September 13, 2015
Happy Birthday, Nick,
Mom, Ellen, and I spent most of the afternoon at Morikami Museum and Japanese Garden. It was a wonderful, peaceful, and tranquil place to remember and celebrate your life. You would have loved it there. And you were! Sadly, Life goes on without you. Of course we think of you daily and miss you terribly. You are, and always will be in our hearts.
Rest in Peace, Dear Son and brother. God Bless You.
Your Loving Family,
Mom, Dad, and Ellen
November 30, 2014
Thinking of you on the eve of your birthday.
Leslie Sugel Hirsch
November 29, 2014
Dear Ira,Laura, Ellen,,,Thinking of you. Love Helen Vagionis
September 13, 2014
