Darien, Connecticut
Big Laugh, Big Personality
On the 6:36 a.m. out of Darien, Conn., protocol dictates that commuters talk in murmurs, something that Stephen LaMantia could never get the hang of. His bellowing laugh and his tales of his latest practical jokes and feats in golf, tennis and paddle ball would reverberate through the train car he took to work as a bond broker at Cantor Fitzgerald.
"Steve could not be quiet," said Jim Hughes, his brother-in-law. Mr. LaMantia, 38, was an energetic, hard-charging financial warrior during the week, but weekends were reserved for his wife, Kim, and two young children. He was one of the few men whom the mothers on the cul-de-sac trusted to watch over the children as they gamboled from yard to yard.
Mr. LaMantia had been president of his fraternity in college, and was the self-proclaimed captain of the cul-de-sac. When newcomers moved in, he would tell them the most important, if unofficial, rule: "It's unacceptable to mow your own lawn - you'll have to hire someone to do it," he would say, "because otherwise, my wife will make me mow ours."
I lived around the block from the LaMantia family. My younger brother Packy was his friend. Our mothers were friends. I babysat for Steven and his brother and sister. I always think of him on this day.
Carol Killeen Johnson
September 11, 2024 | Flemington, NJ | Neighbor
Just stumbled upon these testaments to Steve . I met Steve in jr high school. It was if he knew you your whole life . He was that kind of person that made you feel comfortable. His laugh was infectious. We played East Meadow football together. Still remember the huddles and laughter. We both worked at sizzler steak house . Last time I saw him was at a party a couple of months before 9/11. We talked about getting together because he was working at the trade towers and I at City Hall w/ NYPD. ...
Ken Walsh
September 22, 2022 | Friend
Happy 58th Birthday my brother in arms...miss you every day but the memories and the laughs bring you right back...no matter how crazy this world gets "When I'm feelin' lonely and beat
I drift back in time and I find my feet
Down on mainstreet " Salem that is....Love Always ...I feel your presence JET and i know you're out there.
adams adams
July 14, 2021 | Garden City, NY | Brother
R.I.P. it'll always be Stevie
Lisa LaFranca
September 11, 2019 | Fort Mill, SC | Family
Susan & Family..thinking of you..I hope that the bracelet I sent to Kevin is still as precious, as the day I sent it.
Barbara Eberly
September 11, 2014 | Chandler, AZ
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
S J. Friscia III
April 26, 2014 | Staten Island, NY
Not sure who will see this. I rode my motorcycle to Washington DC 9-11-14. I was given the name of a victim to wear on my lapel. I got Steve. I carried it with pride. Wanted you to know he was on the back of that bike. 2 million bikers to DC will never forget!
David Rummel
September 14, 2013 | Tamaqua, PA
Just happened across this book in thinking about the residents of Darien who perished on 9-11 where I grew up. I wish I could have had the honor of growing up with Stephen as my best friend.
July 27, 2013
Uncle Steve,
I was only one when this happened but I have always learned about this terrible tragedy. First at home, then at school. In the five states that I have lived in very few people I new were connected to the attacks like I was. I was always the one crying for you during the moment of silence. I never remembered knowing you but, living three houses down from you while I was one, I have heard many stories about seeing you every single day. I have come across this page doing a school...
Stewart Hughes
February 17, 2013 | Morristown, NJ
