Ringwood, New Jersey
Funny and Smart
Family and friends are learning a lot about Vincent Boland, who is missing from Marsh & McLennan at 1 World Trade Center.
"His friends are telling me that he was funny," said his mother, Joyce, a teacher and a nurse. "I didn't know that. At home, he was quiet. If you wanted to know something you had to ask him, you had to draw it out. He wasn't funny with his brother and sister."
On the other hand, his friend Kyle Mooney did not know that Mr. Boland was a member of Mensa, an organization for the highly intelligent. "I had no idea about that," Mr. Mooney said. "I'm not surprised because he was brilliant and could talk about anything in depth, even esoteric subjects. But Mensa was not something he talked about."
Among friends, Mr. Boland was known for his offbeat sense of humor; he was quick with a joke or cynical quip. Three years ago, after a friend was mugged on the subway, Mr. Boland decided that buses were safer. For six months, Mr. Mooney said, whenever anyone asked Mr. Boland how he was doing, he would say, "There are no worries on the bus."
Vincent, I never met you but your story has been a part of all of our lives now for 20 years, and will be forever. To us you are no stranger. God bless you.
John Yarbrough
September 11, 2021 | New York, NY
I was friends with Vinny while we worked at Ernst & Young together. He was a caring, smart, warm and funny guy. I think about him every year on this day and wish he was still with us. Although we weren't very close friends, he was thoughtful enough to bring me back a souvenir mug from a trip he had taken to London sometime around 1999. I still have that mug and am glad he gave me something to remember him by. My thoughts go out to Vinny's family. Much love, Yvette
Yvette Alvarez-Buylla
September 10, 2021 | Naples, FL | Coworker
Vinny was smart and witty and we all enjoyed working with him. I'll mention the purple umbrella to make those at Deutsche Bank smile ;). I will never forget and I think of you often. Lisa Keating-Gradilone
Lisa Gradilone
September 10, 2021 | Briarcliff Manor, NY
I remember you every year and I get very sad to know another year has passed as we did not reconnect when you returned to NY. We were co-workers at EY and we became friends. Life events drifted us apart and I wish that was not the case. On this 20th anniversary, I hope your family has found some peace. I will never forget you my friend. Until we meet again...
Paola Lefcovich Comer
September 10, 2021 | New York, NY | Coworker
I knew your father. He mentored my then, boyfriend, and helped make him the fine man he became.
It seems you walked in his shoes. Your Dad really listened.
He knew I had fallen in love with the goats at the state fair. Unbelievably, he gave me a goat skin rug for Christmas in 1972, when I gave him some cheap aftershave lotion.
I am so sorry for your family, to lose you, such a wonderful son.
I mourn for you more than once a year.
Darcy Kemp
September 09, 2021 | Friend
Remembering Vincent on the 20th anniversary of 9/11....
Cindy Roe
September 02, 2021 | Galesburg, MI
I had the honor and privilege to grade Vincent's Master Degree project while he was attending Stanford. He was so full of life and enthusiasm to start his career. Every year at this time I think about him and so wish he hadn't been stuck in the tower. I will never forget your son, he so much reminded me of myself when I was his age and how much passion he had for learning. He was both incredibly intelligent with a very kind heart. Rest in peace Vincent.
Milo Dodds
September 12, 2020 | Friend
I didn't know you. We may have been related (but I don't know the Boland side of my family sadly). But I too am a Boland. And you're in my thoughts every September 11th. God bless you.
Susan
September 11, 2020
Vinny worked on my team at Deutsche Bank and I think about him often. He was smart, witty and I really enjoyed working with him. I remember when he told me he was quitting to go to grad school which was bitter sweet. He was very excited about his new Ford Focus as he headed out. We met up once when he returned and had dinner in the city. Prayers are with you all and with Vinny.
Lisa Keating - Gradilone
September 11, 2020 | Briarcliff Manor, NY | Friend
