Ridgewood, New Jersey
Getting What He Aimed For
Steven Paterson was so sure he was going to succeed as a bond trader that he skipped college out of Raritan High School in New Jersey and headed straight for Wall Street. In April, that journey landed him a job on the bond trading desk with Cantor Fitzgerald, on the 105th floor of 1 World Trade Center. He was 40.
"He was such a straight-ahead guy, he always got what he aimed for," said his wife, Lisa, from their home in Ridgewood, N.J. "The first time he saw me he said, 'I want to marry you,'" she said. "I always thought, 'If anyone was going to get out of there, he was.'"
But for all Mr. Paterson's focus on career, the family agreed that the moment he walked in the door each night at 6 was the best time of the day. He would help cook dinner and give the twins, Lucy and Wyatt, their baths while his wife relaxed for a change. "He got laid off for five months last year and he really had a great time," Ms. Paterson said. "I think he secretly would have loved to be a stay-at-home dad."
Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on December 14, 2001.
PATERSON-Steven B., 40, in the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, on the World Trade Center. Resident of Ridgewood, N.J., and devoted son of the late George and Kathryn Paterson of Hazlet, N.J. Cherished beyond measure by his family: his adored wife, Lisa, and four-year-old twins, Lucy and Wyatt; siblings George, Joseph, and Lois Paterson Gallo; parents-in-law, Vilma and Demetrios Caraley; sisters-in-law, Linda and Laura; brother-in-law, Frank Gallo; and six nephews and nieces. Also deeply loved by many others-aunts, uncles, cousins, and scores of very close friends for his buoyant, openhearted spirit as endearing as it will be everlasting. Memorial Mass of Resurrection on Saturday, October 6, 10:45AM, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church (1 Passaic St, Ridgewood, NJ, 201-447-2043) followed by a reception for family and friends in The Parish House. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to The Steven B. Paterson Memorial Fund (for Wyatt and Lucy), Hudson City Savings Bank, 261 Godwin Ave, Wyckoff, NJ 07481-2094, Attn: Mr. Richard Belina.
I have always wanted to express my feelings of that morning. Stevens Brother Joseph was on my boat on lake Tahoe for a fishing trip when he got the call about his brother. I still shed more than one tear every year on September 11 2001. So sorry for your family and the family's of the other lives lost that day.
Robert Oestreich
September 12, 2023 | Crystal Bay, NV
Steve, you didnt die in vain that terrible morning in Lower Manhattan. My heart goes out to you and your loved ones..
August 04, 2019
In Memory with
Honor & Respect.
S.J. Friscia III
May 13, 2017 | Staten Island, NY
It's been 15 years Stevie but in all that time you've never been forgotten. I hope you can hear Joe and I when we say hello on our frequent runs through Valleau, or when I run past your old house. Or when we retell one of the many funny stories of fun times together....they come up at the oddest times but always make us laugh. The most recent was when you managed to be in 2 table shots at our reception and why on earth you held a potato up in front of your eye?
Just wanted to let...
Lisa Ponti
September 15, 2016 | Ridgewood, NJ
Hoje que se completam 15 anos.... Um sentimento indiscritível quando se vista o memorial
Sara Fernandes
September 11, 2016 | Portugal, Madeira
We visited the 911 memorial today, June 14th, 2016. We walked and saw Steven Bennett Paterson's name and googled him. We wanted to know more about him. We said a prayer for his family! His wife and twins. We don't know him or his family, but wanted to say a prayer!
Christina Boddy
June 14, 2016 | Land O Lakes, FL
My Dear Friend,
Just a note to say you are missed. I think about you and your family often. Remember, in high school, the bus trips to Vernon Valley? You thought you could teach me to ski? You took me to the top of the mountain in hopes that I would figure it out. So many laughs. 1980 something, we had such a fun dinner in manhattan. You in your suit and tie, big man on wall street? I had a great time. Your smile, laugh and love for life; you are truly missed. God bless your...
September 11, 2011
You are missed today and so proud to have known you! Love you and your wonderful family!
Sue Sofka
September 11, 2011
Steve was the epitome of cool. He was a senior, I was a freshman. I don't even remember how we met- my mom knew his mom from church or nursery school- My mom always said what a beautiful voice she had. I know Steve and I really connected through music. I have so many great memories of hanging out with him- watching Bowie on SNL, singing TVC15, in a dress. Wearing out the first B-52's record or Look Sharp, Joe Jackson. I remember watching football together- I remember going to the Town...
Pam Barr Rogers
September 11, 2011 | W Long Branch, NJ