Craig Michael Blass was 27 years old, a graduate of James Madison University and a Stock Trader with Cantor Fitzgerald on September 11, 2001.
From the NY Times Memorial to Craig: By all accounts, Craig Blass was living the high life, and he loved it. Bachelor parties in Las Vegas, summer weekends in the Hamptons, the social scene in the city. But there was one other thing he really liked to do that always seemed to surprise people. "He loved to go shopping with me," said Mr. Blass's mother, Barbara Blass. "My friends would say, `He still shops with you?' And I'd say, `Oh, yes.' "
He splurged on himself, his mother and others because "he was living the good life, making good money and spending it because he made it," Mrs. Blass said. Mr. Blass, 27, worked as an institutional stock trader for Cantor Fitzgerald. He grew up in Greenlawn, on Long Island, and cheered for the New Jersey Devils hockey team. If he was not out at an athletic event or socializing, he could probably be found on his mother's couch, flipping through the sports channels with his younger brother and their father. He also loved to gamble.
"That was one of his joys," Mrs. Blass said. "But I guess if you work on Wall Street you have that in you, you gamble all the time."
Here are a few words from the many friends Craig left behind :
Craig, I still can't believe it's been four years since that horrible morning. I think about you often & I pray for your family, that they are getting on with their lives without you. And as a special tribute, although I'm a Red Wings fan, I give the Devils a little shout-out just for you.
You truly affected my life at JMU, especially your last two years since I practically lived in the house, and you continue to affect my life today.
Love always,
Melanie Hooyenga (Chicago, IL )
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Craig--I will always remember you. You pushed me to do things I never thought I could. Through good times and bad, I always knew I could count on you. That is something I will cherish forever. Rest in peace. You will be in our hearts always.
Craig Schwab (Phoenix, AZ )
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Craig will forever be in my heart and mind as one of the most caring, giving, and loving people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. A friend, a source of comfort and a "little bit of home" in a big college.... Craig, your memory lives forever - we love you and we will never forget. On this most heartwrenching of anniversaries, my love and prayers go to your family - and all of us who have lost a friend. God Bless.
Lynn Sullivan-Cox (Charlotte, NC )
***************************** Those who knew Craig, loved Craig. He made all of us better people and filled our lives with great times. He has left us with nothing but great memories.
Mark Guariglia (New York, NY )
***************************** Craig, you lived more in your time here on earth than most people live in a full lifetime. I'll never forget your determination to be the best that you could be in everything you did. You inspired us all. Now you inspire us more.
