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Stephen Cherry Obituary
When Stephen Cherry called his wife from work the morning of Sept. 11, he did not sound at all worried. It was 8:40, the planes were still miles away, and Mr. Cherry, an equity stockbroker at Cantor Fitzgerald, was calling to thank his wife, Maryellen, again for making his favorite dinner the night before, orange roast chicken, and to tell her how much he loved her.
That's how life had been ever since Maryellen Pitt married Stephen Cherry. The Cherrys, who lived in Stamford, Conn., had just finished building their dream house in Westchester County. Mr. Cherry, 41, had left most of the designing to his wife. "The only thing he wanted was to have a big great room, with the kitchen and the family room and the fireplace all in one place," she said. "He always wanted to be with me while I was cooking and with the kids when they were watching TV."
Mr. Cherry was a serious singer in his spare time — "soft-rock country blues," his wife called the style — who led his own band and played in local clubs. Last summer he took his warm, rich voice down to Nashville and made a CD. It was never publicly released, but, "Every morning when we get in the car, my 6-year-old asks to hear Daddy's CD," Ms. Cherry said, "and Mommy's up in the front seat with tears in her eyes. But he doesn't see that."
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Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Cherry
alana hayden
October 25, 2022
I am trying to reach a family member I have some of Stevens memorabilia from his Dad who was married to my cousin. Please contact me
Adrienne Rourke
February 28, 2022
A friend and a coworker I will never forget his kindness and his wonderful voice.
Cindy Roe
September 4, 2021
Remembering Stephen on the 20th anniversary of 9/11....
Michelle breen
January 7, 2021
Thinking of you today . Wondering how you´re doing
Del Del Newberry
October 7, 2020
I read one of these obits every day and pray for the family of the loved one I read about. We will never forget that day. I pray for God to grant a special measure of blessings on Stephen's family today. I especially liked reading about Daddy's CD. Much love from Texas
Cantor CT
September 10, 2018
A good man that I will always remember.
Michael Mastrogiannis
September 13, 2017
Rest in peace my friend; great to have known you! Humble ; caring person; Glad to have conducted business with you ; I was a customer but also a friend in the trading business ; It was a pleasure to have golfed with you as I did not play well at all but you made me feel comfortable; reflecting the kind of person you were ! Always feeling the pain of losing such a fine human being you were. God rest his soul; lol!
Ninette & Mark Halpin
September 12, 2016
Remembering you Stephen on this very solemn anniversary night.
I never met you, but my family and i attended your memorial service all those years ago. Hearing about you that day, i was so moved and heartbroken that i kept your photograph (which each of us had been given that day) and I just want you and your children to know, that for fifteen years your beautiful photo has sat proudly on my writing desk. For fifteen years, i see you, think of you, remember you, and honor your memory. On special days like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and today, i say your name into the wind along with "Steve Genovese" and "George Cain" who we also lost that day.......... I hope it brings you comfort to know you remain with us in spirit, and will never be forgotten..... May God hold you gently in the palm of his hand. Rest in Peace..........
Marybeth Darcy
September 11, 2015
Thinking of you all again today, and always.
September 11, 2015
FG
God bless your family, he sounded like a great man !
Robin Coploff-Steffan
July 16, 2014
I just stumbled across this. I only heard about the tradegy that Stephen was lost in the attacks. Stephen and I knew each other as far back as 1979, 1980. May you rest in peace, and my prayers with your family.
Marybeth Darcy
September 9, 2012
Dear Cherry Family,
I still think of Steve with fond memories and always smile at the mere thought of him. Kind word for everyone, always full of energy and wonderful advice. I remember the week he transferred from Stamford Cantor to WTC, we were on the phone, me still in Stamford thrilled with my view of the Long Island Sound, and he saying, "Well, you need to come up here, I am truly on top of the world." He was on top of the world with his wonderful wife and four beautiful boys. Still thinking of you all and being grateful to have met Stephen when I was young and in need of some sage advice.
Best,
Marybeth Darcy
Jay Siers
September 11, 2011
You made my memories of Lake Mary Ranch Camp some of the best. You were one of a kind and I was lucky to have been able to call you a friend.
Jay Siers
Vasilis
September 11, 2011
Rest in peace...I've never had the chance to know you but you was cousin of one person I know and love.And I know that you was a good person,Good bless you.
Cora Chiru
September 11, 2011
Every year I wait to hear your name called. I remember babysitting Brett while your wife was pregnant with your fourth child and you were going to see the perfect storm. I remember thinking that night of how loving you and your wife were and I how I wish to have a family like yours someday...
September 9, 2011
I MADE A MEMORIAL STAR IN MY FOURTH GRADE CLASS IN SOUTHINGTON CT IN MEMORY OF YOU -KIRALYN AGE 9
Jennifer Cherry
September 8, 2011
My big brother, you are missed. It's been ten years now, and the pain of losing you still feels so fresh. There's a hole in my heart that will never heal. I love you so much Stephen, and I know that, one day, I'll see you again.
Jeanie Strong
January 14, 2011
I just stumbled upon this page & was filled w/ happiness & sorrow. I only knew Steve & his family for a short while, but will forever remember them. Steve was an amazing father to his boys & a loving husband. I think of the family often & hope they all doing well.
Rachel Wolf
April 18, 2009
Just came across this tribute and wanted to send you a huge cyber hug. May your heart always be smiling with good memories...
Doug Abraham
September 25, 2007
Happy Birthday!!!
Adrienne
April 21, 2007
We will never forget...
Pat Whitaker
April 7, 2007
I can feel what you, Don and Francine must be going thru. I lost a son also. Time softens it, but never, never takes away the pain. My loss was thru a drunk driving accident. Too young for both
Kristine
October 24, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
beth dougherty
September 11, 2006
beth dougherty
i miss him so much my heart breaks knowing that he is gone
P Tabbernor
September 9, 2006
In remembrance....
Scott Bell
May 2, 2006
God Bless You, Rest in Peace
Mick
February 3, 2006
Miss you pal
Betty Lou Childs, Randono, Earll
January 27, 2005
Sharon Ritchie...my very good friend from college at CWC.
I just became aware of your son's
passing and wanted to send you and
your family my love and prayers. I
too had a son that died when he was
31 and I know the loss, but I also
know the blessings we receive as
mothers from them each day. In my
yearbook from CWC you wrote, " we'll come visit each other with our brewd through the years". We lost touch years ago, but once again we share, as we did so many times in our dorm rooms.
You touched so many lives with your faith Shari, may my words once again connect with yours as we remember the life we gave our
son's.
With prayers and blessings to you
and your family.
Your friend,
Betty Lou Childs, Randono, Earll
Lisa Peterson-Barrett
September 11, 2003
Steve was the best man to Mark Spillane in our wedding on May 1, 1993. What a wonderful person! So full of life and love. His voice was a gift from above.
My love and prayers are sent to all of his family and friends. Especially to his Mom, Dad, Mary Ellen, his children and Sean.
Much love,Lisa
Rick Featherston
September 12, 2002
My father and Steve's father, Don, used to play golf together in Wichita Falls, Texas way back in the '50s when I was just a kid. I remember Steve's dad and his new wife to be, Miss America, Sharon Kay Richie, coming over to our house for dinner one evening. All I knew at the time was that Don was a famous singer (probably a good golfer too!) Now I know where Steve got his talent! Sure wish I could have had the priviledge to hear Steve sing with his band. My dad Charles Featherston would surely be able to close his eyes today while listening to Steve's music and say ... "that's got to be Don Cherry"!
I feel like since our fathers were good friends, so should we! Sorry I never got the chance to meet this great man! God bless your family!
John Brasher
September 11, 2002
I went to high school with Steve Cherry in Connecticut. Coming from Louisiana, I felt completely out of place, out of sorts and frankly a lot homesick. My first class was Latin and the first guy I saw was Steve Cherry. He was the one everyone was talking to and the girls all loved him. I think he sensed my own out of sorts situation and he really took me under his wing, showed me around and basically told me how to get though school. He was the epitome of "cool" but so many "cool" people didn't have the depth that Steve did. Not only was he "cool" but his personal foundation of truly loving people and loving life set him apart. He was comfortable with himself and his place in the world, and that gave comfort to me. Though I hadn't seen him since his graduation from Kent School 24 years ago, I thought about his impact on my life a lot. He was an important person to many and we will miss you Steve. God Bless You, your wife and your boys.
Barbara (Field) McConnell
September 6, 2002
My memories of Stephen go way back. His Mother and Grandparents played a very important part in my childhood. I visited Jeanne many times over the years when I was in Grand Island, and she would share her wonderful relationship with the boys. I was only blessed with meeting the kids a couple of times when they were really little and SUCH CUTIES, but Jeanne kept us up to date with what wonderful men they grew into. Our hearts and prayers are with the whole family as you come to the anniversary of your great loss.
L Waples
September 2, 2002
Would be nice to somehow share the CD in his memory. Perhaps there is a way you can make it available online or even offer it for donations to a fund in his honor.
Elizabeth Fuller
August 15, 2002
Maryellen you and the children are in my thoughts and prayers every day. I love you.
Elizabeth
Joanne Albelo
May 19, 2002
Maryellen:
Some weeks ago Stephen Cherry's name was given to me at our Fitness Club so that I can send a prayer or energy to remember his life. I wrote the Twenty-Third Psalm and put it in an envelope with Stephen's name where it sits on my mantlepiece. Today I looked at his picture and read something about his life and family. God Bless you and your family.
Diane Sanfilippo-Feeny
April 19, 2002
Maryellen,
Just the other day I was asking my sister Barb if she had heard anything about you for the upcoming WHS reunion. She just e-mailed me the news. I remember when you and he just got married several years ago...and he was taking you to the Hyatt for a weekend in NYC. You were so happy and were just bubbling with joy over your special relationship with him. I'm so very, very sorry to learn of your loss.
David Wood
April 2, 2002
I knew Steve in grade school. Actually he was two grades behind me. We became pals in a Saturday play group run by the fifth grade teacher. One thing I remember is that he had an aquarium with the biggest fish I had ever seen. Steve was a good guy and fun to hang out with. We lost track of each other long ago as I have with most of my Browning friends, but I was saddened to hear of his passing. To Sean, who I also remember, I can't even imagine what it is like to lose a brother, and I pray I'll never find out, you and your family have my most heartfelt and sincere sympathy.
Tracy (Sickul) Curtis
March 20, 2002
I have only recently found out about Maryellen and the childrens great loss. My heart goes out to you all. you have my heartfelt sympathy.
Tracy
RENATA TROIANI
March 11, 2002
today, 6 months after 9/11, i interviewed stephen's dad, don for the second time. again,without understanding he had,he made me wish i had known his son. again, he said to me " i have met thousands of people in my lifetime. i have never met one more special than stephen." i believe him..... god bless.
Lotte Mastrobuono
March 11, 2002
The horror of September 11th will be something my mind will never let me forget, ever. Knowing that Steve Cherry is gone just upsets me so. My husband and I met on a snowy, cold night, February 2, 1995 at the Crane Club when The Steve Cherry Band played there. The music was loud and good. It was a great night--most of the traders from Wertheim were there too--everyone danced and had a great time. Thanks Steve. I'll never forget you. My heart goes out to your wife and children. A great life cut short......there is no reason.
Patrick Downes
January 30, 2002
I just found out yesterday that Stephen was lost in the attacks on the World Trade Center. I was having lunch with two old friends from high school who told me the news. My heart practically stopped in my chest. All I could manage to say was, "oh my God."
I knew Stephen in Junior High and High School. I first meet him when we we're shooting basketballs in the gym one day. He was very friendly and open and I liked him instantly. I thought he was a really cool kid, as we use to say back then. One of his trademarks was that he always wore a string of beads around his neck. Back then I thought that was daring and stylish.
I got to know him better through the short time that it took to get through high school and I'd have to say that he was a fine young man, in fact one of the finest I had met. Talented, smart, and funny, he was a person who had it all going for him. I'm glad to hear that his life was a successful one. Albeit, too short.
I'm so sorry for your loss Ms. Cherry. You and your son will be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you.
Joe Maguire
January 29, 2002
We worked together at Hutton and
Wertheim....we had a great time at
work and at play...a fine talent,
a super father, a great friend...
he will always be missed
John Apice
January 21, 2002
I want to express my appreciation for having known Steve Cherry for the short time I did. I met Steve about 2 years ago when he consulted me on producing and printing artwork for his cd. A simple consultation became a two hour conversation. It was impossible not to like Steve Cherry. I only met with Steve four times before I changed companies. But, I left him in the capable hands of my designer Carl Sheusi.Steve and Carl became good friends and talked often. Steve's enthusiasm for this project rubbed off on all of us. He kept us informed of its progress and when the cd was complete, he even made sure we received a copies. Carl and I attended Steve's service. He became that important to us, and he left us better for having known him. Thanks Steve.
Michel Murphy
January 17, 2002
I think of those who were taken from us on September llth every day. May your memories keep your husband near you always.
Gail Daly
January 15, 2002
I met Steve each morning at the Fitness Club.... Oh, how we laughed. Oh what wonderful stories he told of Mare and his boys. I am almost old enough to be Steve's Mom... and how he spoke of her. He paid me the ultimate compliment.. saying that I reminded him of his Mom.... quick to say... not in looks but in manner. I laughed so hard, knowing that his wonderful Mom was Miss America. I said "Don't rub it in, Steve." I loved him and think of him and his wonderful family each and every day. I will pray for them always. Love Gail Daly
J. Michael Smiles
January 13, 2002
Steve touched many people in different ways at different times. Having enjoyed junior high school together in Greenwich, I am reminded of his charisma, pension for music and dancing, and his friendship. My prayers are with his family.
January 7, 2002
That horrifying day will live in my mind forever. I was only blocks away when the most devastating act on the soil of America was committed...all I could think about was you Steve. I thought about all the many nights we all listened to your heart warming music downtown in the village. You have touched so many lives! I remember the very day that you and Maryellen met, you were both meant to be. You sadly left behind the most amazing family in the world ~ the boys will remember you forever! Mar is in my thoughts and prayers every day ~ she's strong, beautiful women who will live in your memory forever!
God Bless you Stephen ~ thank you for all your kindness in teaching me about the ways on Wall Street. You were the nicest person I ever met ~ your memory will live forever!
We all miss you and loved your dearly!!
Rest in Peace my Dear Friend!
Love all your Wertheim Schroder Friends!
We all love you very much MaryEllen!
Teresa Jahn
January 6, 2002
The picture you have shared with us shows the heart of Stephen as a peaceful, friendly, warm man. We are very sorry for your loss. May Stephen's music, his life and love live on in those who love him. May warm memories of times shared with Stephen lighten the sorrow in your hearts. May all of you feel the warmth of his love as it radiates into your hearts. Our hearts cry with you in you loss of Stephen.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
December 21, 2001
MAY GOD BLESS STEPHEN PATRICK CHERRY AND MAY HE REST IN PEACE.GOD
BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND HIS BEAUTIFUL HOME...GOD BLESS NEW
YORK AND AMERICA AND MAY WE NEVER
FORGET 9/11/01
leslie miller
October 18, 2001
Please know that our hearts are with you, and find comfort in happy memories. We are so very sorry.
Evelyn Winnegar
October 8, 2001
I am so sorry to hear that you have lost your beloved husband, father, son and brother in this most horrible event. You have been in my thoughts and prayers ever since I read of this in the Grand Island paper. I grew up in the nearby area of St. Paul, and admired you from afar, Sharon, when you were Miss Colorado and then Miss America. How could something this horrible happen to such a good family?
May you be comforted by knowing that so many people care about you and pray for all of you now as you go through these dark days of sorrow. Stephen's love will surround you always.
Dione Sackman
October 6, 2001
I am very sorry for your loss.
Barbara Bolin
September 23, 2001
My thoughts and prayers go out to you all.May God bless you all.Stephen may you rest in peace.
Hilary G. Kiken
September 19, 2001
Sean:
Our prayers and best wishes for you and your brother's family are with you! I think of you every day and my heart fills with the sadness I had when I lost my parents and family. Let me know what I can do for you and your family. I have found myself hitting the antique malls for a dose of back-then family comfort remembrances- it helps, somewhat. I thought of you when I spotted a complete samavor for $89.00 - it brought a smile to me for a moment. Want me to see if it is still there? I always bought a little something for myself when sorrow hit and it helped. With all my love, Hilary
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