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Zhe Zeng Obituary
Zhe Zeng was safe. The first plane struck the north tower as he was leaving the Brooklyn Bridge subway stop, and he could have stayed in his Barclay Street office, blocks away from the carnage, at the Bank of New York where he was project manager for American depositary receipts.
But Mr. Zeng, 29, who was known as Zack, was also a certified emergency medical technician, and after stopping by his office for some supplies, he plunged into the maelstrom of dust and ash. A news video broadcast later that day showed him working, still in his business suit, over a prostrate form. But he has not been seen since.
"It didn't surprise anybody who knew him," said Peggy Farrell, his supervisor. "He was a completely selfless person - he was just someone who would automatically volunteer his assistance. To me it was a truly heroic display."
51 Entries
Ronnie Evans
October 6, 2024
I read about Zhe today for the first time and am so moved by his heroism in the face of such a tragedy. Thank you Zhe.
Never forget.
Margaret Barsam
April 26, 2020
I wrote a letter to the Zheng Family and sent a check to their address in Brooklyn after I read and was inspired by Zacks story back in 2001. The letter was returned to me stamped return to sender no known address. At the time, I was a training physician living in NYC. Today I happened to be cleaning out my attic and came across the letter that was returned to me so many years ago. I had tucked it away in the hopes of finding the correct address. Id like to send the letter to Zacks family. If someone might see this entry and reach out his family and/or let me know where to mail it, please advise. He is a hero and his spirit lives on through all of our modern day heros.
Robert Brody
September 16, 2019
The 18 years that have passed have gone by so quickly it seems like yesterday. It feels like yesterday. We still miss you dearly and hold you as one of the many great heroes of
Sept. 11, 2001.
Bob and Patti Brody
Peggy Childers
September 10, 2019
To the family and friends of Zhe Zeng:
Please know that Zack will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not allow those we lost on 9/11 be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you.
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August 6, 2019
Your 9/11 story impresses me, Zack.
Im genuinely sorry for your loss that sad morning.
Keep resting with the many brave people who pulled off heroic acts against evil like the 343 firemen of New York, Mark Bingham, Todd Beamer of United 93, and Betty Ong too
Robert Brody
September 11, 2018
Sept. 11,2018. Zack, as the years pass by, your heroism is appreciated more. We miss you dearly and will never forget you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bob and Patti Brody
Caroline Bombar-Kaplan
April 3, 2017
Zhe Zack Zeng
I went to the 9/11 memorial today. I decided to pick one person's name and look up his story. I randomly took a photo of Zhe Zeng's name. I didn't have to search long before up popped his obit. I was so sad to see how young Zack was when he died. How heartbreaking. But knowing he was kind, selfless and rushed to the aid of strangers makes him an extraordinary person. He would say he wasn't a hero. But heros ARE those who have in mind rescuing others, and then train for that eventuality. What he displayed is exactly what the terrorists expected to destroy. But they didn't because Zack's heart and heroism will live on forever. My deepest sympathy for his loss to all his loved ones, friends and colleagues. From Caroline Bombar-Kaplan, Kirkland, near Seattle, Washington
Bob Brody
September 15, 2016
15 years have passed and we still miss you dearly. I talk about your bravery and courage often to our friends. You will not be forgotten.
Hailun W.
September 14, 2016
I feel so sad about this. Although I did not know who are you, I know you are a really nice person, I am pray for you. Amen.
Tom Parello
September 11, 2015
Zach I remember you! I will never forget you. I cherish the memory of our friendship and celebrate your heroism and dedication to your calling.
tom parello
September 13, 2014
miss you zack. rip
Robert Brody
September 12, 2014
Zack,
You are not forgotten or are your heroic last actions and those of other first responders. Thank you for your friendship
keanthony surratt
September 11, 2014
hello im keanthony in class learning about your history
c l
September 11, 2012
In remembrance....
Robert Brody
September 12, 2011
Dear Family and friends of Zack,
Yesterday at the University of Rochester, we attended a Memorial Service for all the victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks. Your (Zack's)life saving actions on that day were high lighted in several speeches, noting your bravery and concern for others.
You will always be in our thoughts and hearts. Your friends at Brighton Volunteer Ambulance.
Tom Parello
September 12, 2011
Zack, I also knew you from "our " ambulance corps and your actions, not in the least suprising to me, will be remebered and not forgotten.
Jerrier Atassi
September 11, 2011
Dear Family of Zack,
I didn't know Zack personally but I am a colleague at Bank of New York. His memory, heroism, work ethic, family and VALOR, will forever be in my families heart. With our Love and Condolences.
Robert Brody
April 6, 2011
Zack Zeng was a young man at our ambulance corps. He was one of my trainees who quickly became an excellent medic. His smile would lighten up a room and bring comfort and reassurance to his patients. He was a delight to work with.Very focused, yet saw the big picture, a trait that is rare and a fabulous asset. We miss you and will never forget your courageous acts.
Jacynth W.
September 18, 2010
Zack,
9 years after that horrific day, I found out that one of my three childhood friends perished while I stared at my TV in horror.
Though we lost touch some 24 years ago; you were always remembered as part of my childhood and early teens...
You will always be remembered as the smartest kid in our class with that black rim glasses and those sparkly eyes... I wish we would have kept in touch...
Kim Chang
October 6, 2009
Rest in peace, Zack.
C Lin
September 11, 2009
Zack, you are always in my mind as a generous brother. You are deeply missed. Your courage and determination will inspire us forever.
Gao
September 12, 2007
It has been six years now. Your happy face pops up in my mind all the time. I truly miss you.
P Tabbernor
April 25, 2007
In remembrance....
Bob Brody
January 2, 2006
Zack was indeed a hero and role model for all of us.I think of his smile and how we worked together at Brighton Volunteer Ambulance every time there is mention of Sept. 11. His smile would put our patients at ease and his caring for others was genuine and pure.At first I was mad that Zack went towards the towers after the planes struck. This was against the rules of survival for EMS workers. We are to make sure the scene is safe first. He exposed himself to danger in order to save others. We miss you dearly Zack. We are proud of you. Thank you for the precious time we shared together.
C Lee
October 29, 2003
I met Zack for the first time around 2 1/2 weeks before 9/11. We were introduced by a friend of ours at a wedding in Seattle. Coincidentally, Zack and I had the same redeye flight that Sunday nite back to NYC.
Zack was one cool dude. We chatted at the wedding and we chatted at the airport. It turns out, we had alot in common.
In our conversation, Zack told me about his undergraduate experience at the University of Rochester and his experience as a volunteer EMT. He spoke with both passion and pride as a certified EMT. Even though he works for a bank now, he spoke at length about how much he likes helping people in general.
The world will miss Zack. He was a strong and a selfless person. Best wishes. I miss you pal.
Richard Ji
September 11, 2003
Zack,
Your heroic act has changed my life in so many ways. I wish I've got to known you better back in the UR days. I will always remeber you in a special place in my heart.
RIP my friend.
Richard Ji '95
S Wong
September 11, 2003
It's 2 years later.
And I hope Mr. Zeng's mother can see how the Chinese American community still remember the selfless act made by him on that fateful day. He is a hero in our eyes even if others have forgotten.
Mike Li
October 9, 2002
As a Chinese American from the mainland China, I am so proud of Mr. Zhe Zeng's heroism. You will live forever in all the people's heart!
Natasha
October 8, 2002
To a courageous person and a wonderful being. May you legacy live forever on.
Rest In Peace, Zack..
pom chiu
September 13, 2002
To Zack: You are the best! We will never forget you, we are very proud of you! I know you are safe and peace with God!
Gordon Hall
September 12, 2002
i wish i hung out with you more back in UR. whenever i think of 9/11, your image pop into my mind. i remember your face, your voice, your laughs...and the 4 door integra you had back in school. i am proud to say that i knew Zack Zeng!
Zheng Lu
September 11, 2002
May God bless Zack.
You let me know that it doesn't matter how long we live, it only matters how we lived.
Nadine Augustin
September 11, 2002
To the friends and family of Mr. Zeng:
I wish to thank you for helping create such a good man. He had the courage and strength to do what most could not do. I did not know Mr. Zeng but his sacrife and bravery is an inspiration to me to do all that I can for my fellow brothers and sister in humanity. I wish peace and happiness to you the friends and family of Mr. ZHE ZACK ZENG
Joseph Di Censo
September 11, 2002
God Bless Zack. Your heroism and devotion will serve as a constant reminder to all.
rebecca griggs
September 11, 2002
May God Bless Zack and the many others that helped so many people that horrific day. I worked with Zack at Brighton Volunteer Ambulance in Rochester, NY and they have dedicated their new ambulance to him to honor him as a hero for the sacrifices he made. God Bless him and his family.
September 11, 2002
GOD BLESS YOU!! WE ALL MISSED YOU!!
FRIENDS FROM SEWARD PARK H.S.
J Tao
September 11, 2002
God bless you.
Sam Wang
September 9, 2002
even though it's been a year, the loss of my friend and college roommate seems both all too recent, and as though a distant memory. he was a fiercely loyal friend, and wouldnt hesitate to offer you the shirt off his back, sometimes before you realized you were in need of it.
my junior and senior years would not have been the same without zack, and the crazy late night trips to the supermarket.
to those who knew him, may they never forget; and those who never met him, know that he touched many lives in his brief time here.
i will miss my friend zack dearly.
sam.
Kit Evans
September 1, 2002
I chose Zhe (Zack) Zeng's name out of a bowl of tiny green cards, all bearing names of those who perished. I have committed to doing an act of hope and action in his name as part of remembering and honoring the suffering, loss and courage of 9.11. I have kept the card with his name on it on my kitchen table, with flowers and a candle. I couldn't bring myself to come to this site before today, Sept. 1. I feel stunned as I read about who he is. I feel blessed to have chosen his name....
It's hard to breathe and tears roll down my face as I write this.
I can't imagine what single thing I can possibly do that would honor his name -he brought so much honor to us all as human beings! I feel I need to find something that is ongoing.... I think his name will be with me all of my life.
I send prayers from deep in my heart for comfort and of gratitude to his family. Know that you will be profoundly in my thoughts now and on the 11th. A world of love to you.
Kit
Henry Yeung
July 20, 2002
In this age of false idol worship, we are blessed to have had such a true super hero such as Zack. Go with God. Rest in peace.
May 28, 2002
MAY THE YOUNG HEROIC SOUL OF ZHE ZACK ZENG AND THE SOULS OF ALL THE FAITHFULLY DEPARTED THROUGH THE MERCY OF GOD REST IN PEACE AMEN.
Thomas Hinterman
April 7, 2002
Heros are people who quietly go where a good person would.
Zack is a hero in my book.
From the Bank of New York
March 14, 2002
God Bless you, rest in peace
Samantha Blair
March 12, 2002
Thank you for helping... thank you for being the person you were. America was blessed by you.
Andrew Scal
January 10, 2002
A small number of people did this evil. Zack Zeng was a part of a far greater number of people who rose up and gave their lives that the evil would be less remembered than the heroism it brought out in our neighbors, friends, and family.
I went to see ground zero the other day, and I'm amazed - such enormous destruction...yet people like Zack ran into it to help others. I hope I have such courage if I am ever tested like that.
Karen Loughlin
January 10, 2002
Zack,
Your are in the hearts of all Americans, especially those of us lucky enough to have known you!
Thank you for the contributions and sacrifices you made both while here on earth and where you are now!
God Bless your family, and continue to give them strength to endure!
Your friends miss you!
Barry Petchesky
January 3, 2002
For those of us who wished to help that day but had not the courage, I wish to thank Mr. Zeng for his sacrifice.
Ann Cornett
December 29, 2001
Again and again we read about the many heroes of 9/11. Zack is a very special hero because he lost his life helping others. A choice he made. Zeng family you are in our hearts and minds.
IRENE STAPINSKI
December 5, 2001
GOD BLESS ZHE ZACK ZENG..MAY HE REST
IN PEACE.GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND
FRIENDS.GOD BLESS AMERICA AND MAY WE
NEVER FORGET 9/11/01
Teresa Jahn
December 2, 2001
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
Bhav d
November 8, 2001
This world exists because of men like Zhe Zeng.
********GOD Bless**********
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