New York, New York
A Knack for Numbers
Paul J. Battaglia's mother, Elaine Leinung, likes to say that her son was "born at age 40."
Even as a preschooler, Mr. Battaglia, who was actually 22, had a knack for numbers. How else to explain a 4-year-old tallying the correct amount of change due even before the cashier at the grocery could? It happened a lot, Ms. Leinung said, and by age 10, he was balancing checkbooks.
"I would have such difficulty with it and complain," Ms. Leinung said. "It all started with his Commodore 64 computer when he was 9. He found his niche: numbers."
By his senior year at Regis High School in Manhattan, Mr. Battaglia had earned an internship with Marsh & McLennan. After he graduated from the State University of New York at Binghamton, his internship turned into a position as a risk consultant. He was so proud of his job on the 100th floor of Tower 1 that he posted pictures of his office and his view of the Brooklyn Bridge (his home borough) on his Web site, Battaglia.org. One snapshot was mostly gray. "Cloudy day!" he wrote underneath.
I was the principal's secretary at Regis. Paul was a wonderful young man who had a marvelous demeanor. My deepest sympathy on your loss. He will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
Elizabeth Peitler
September 12, 2025 | Woodhaven, NY | Acquaintance
Paul, last year I heard your voice on that phonecall you made that horrific day . I don't know how you kept your cool under such unimaginable horror. You have left an everlasting impression on my heart. A true inspiration to us all. I hope you are resting in peace.
Patricia Sullivan
September 12, 2025
Thinking of Paul today and hoping for comfort and peace for his loved ones.
Paula Brewer
September 11, 2025 | Gordon, GA | Acquaintance
Thinking of Paul again on his birthday...I was looking at the pictures from his website on Wayback Machine that he shared of his WTC office and the view from the 100th floor. You can tell he was proud to be working there...it´s so sad. Paul, hope you are having fun and enjoying your special day where you are. Your story has stayed with me and you sound like you were a great son, brother, boyfriend, and friend. Thank you for your contributions while you were here and rest in peace. My thoughts...
Cara
January 02, 2025
Paul
I just listened to you're brave call on that horrific day. You kept it together and even said " bye" before hanging up. I cried after hearing you. You have made an impression on me that will be ever lasting. My heart breaks for you and all those who lived through such terror before being taken. You are a hero and I will always keep you in my prayers now. May your beautiful soul rest in peace.
Pat Sullivan
Patricia Sullivan
September 27, 2024 | Westminster, MD
Hey paul, I was watching 9/11: one day in america i've watched probably a million times and I always cry when I hear your phone call. I'm so sorry for what you had to endure on that tragic morning. My daughter just turned 11 and her birthday is 9/11 and every year she makes a wish for peace and love to all the families and friends that lost someone that day.
Lauren Ferreira
September 14, 2024 | Columbia, SC
Hey there Paul, today I thought about you and your story. I can’t believe 23 years ago today you left the world. My heart is heavy for you, your family, and everyone else affected by this tragedy. You are an inspiration and I wish you knew how many lives you touched, including mine. Have fun in heaven brother. I will never forget!
Cody Seals
September 11, 2024 | AL
2024 - Won't ever forget you Paul. God Bless you and your family.
Chris
September 10, 2024
I'm just watching Regis & Kelly live, from that awful day, in 2001. I've been a long time friend now to your step Mom and Dad. I brought Cathy to the museum when it first opened, and at this time, I'm still in tears watching even a videotape of that day. I grew up in NYC, and will never forget. God, Paul.. how did you keep it together? I'll always love your family. Elizabeth I'm so, so sorry Paul, for your loss.
Elizabeth Rohde
August 17, 2024 | Friend