New York, New York
The Sadness of 36
Sandy Ayala stayed close to his mother and three siblings. So close, in fact, that after he married, he insisted that he and his wife live with the family in the apartment where he was raised on East 113th Street, in East Harlem.
After he and his wife, Leyda Ayala, separated, he often took his daughter Samantha to the gym where he worked part-time as a personal trainer, and during the summer he would take her and her new half siblings to Coney Island and Orchard Beach.
On Sept. 11, he was working overtime as a banquet arranger at Windows on the World ‹ after his usual all-night shift ‹ to save money for a gift for Samantha's 12th birthday.
But that dedication was mixed with anxiety. "He was always afraid he would die young and never live to see his daughter grow up," Mrs. Ayala said. "He used to say he wouldn't live past 36." There was no real reason for it, since he had been weight- training all his life and was in superb physical condition, she added.
He died a month after his 36th birthday.
Sending love and light to the family of Mr. Sandy Ayala , whom I’ve learned about from his daughter. What a wonderful woman she has grown to be in her fathers honor. His grandsons are beautiful reflections of his loyalty to family and hard work as a man and a father. May he continue to watch over the family and be a reminder of dedication, hard-work, and commitment to family.
M Clay
September 11, 2025 | KY
Sam he was one of a kind a lovely respect brother in law a great dad husband he Cary his heart on his leave he was there if you needed help. Thanks to him I got my kids with me.I will always be grateful for that,him and my sister Lucy his wife at the time took my kids in treating them like his own On one of my worst moments of my life he was there.You must be gone but you will never be forgotten always in my prayers in your heart.your angel in heaven love always sandy R.I.P
Aida Porto
July 16, 2025 | New York, NY | Family
You will forever be deeply missed tio ❤
A C
September 10, 2024 | New York, NY
Remembering Samuel on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
Cindy Roe
August 31, 2021 | Galesburg, MI
We send our deep heartfelt sympathy to your family. May God continue to give you the help and comfort needed everyday. Sandy will always be fondly remembered.
The Lucas Family
October 24, 2018 | Acquaintance
I want to pay my condolences to Mr Ayala. My God bless you and your family.
Mario Ayala
September 11, 2016 | SAN ANTONIO, TX
You're not forgotten..
Maria Williams
September 11, 2016 | Tampa, FL
I am sorry for your loss, It is difficult to lose a love one. Satisfying answers to life's big questions. Please read Proverb 2:15
November 04, 2015
My 7th grade son chose your loved one to honor this year. Students had to choose a hero from 9/11 and my son chose to present a short power point about Sandy's life. He chose Sandy because his last name is Ayala, the same last name as my children's father. Just wanted you to know that, hoping you find some comfort in knowing that Sandy is not forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. If you would like a copy of the power point, please feel free to contact me. America...
Stacey Moore
September 19, 2015 | Statesboro, GA