Christian DeSimone
When Christian L. De Simone’s father died of a heart attack 18 months ago, he was there for his mother, Christel. He left his position as linebacker for the Rams football team at the University of Rhode Island so he could have more time to commute to and from his home in Ringwood, N.J. After graduation, Mr. DeSimone, 23, moved back home and found a job as a forensic accountant at Marsh & McLennan on the 100th floor at 1 World Trade Center.
'He didn’t have to take on the responsibility of the house, but he wanted to do it,' Mrs. DeSimone said. 'He was always like that. Just the other day, a 20-year-old neighbor came to the door to tell me that my son was his hero because he carried himself so wonderfully and he was so smart.'
Mr. DeSimone was to have turned 24 on Oct. 18.
Copyright (c) 2001 by The New York Times Co. Reprinted by permission.
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Tributes
My daughter Kira was a good friend of Chris. They graduated from Lakeland together. Then they attended the same college; both graduating from URI in May of 2000. I loved watching Chris play football at Lakeland. He was a great running back as I recall. A fond memory for my wife Mary and I was having lunch with the DeSimones one year during a URI parents weekend. What wonderful people. Time goes by yet memories never fade. God bless all of you.
Ray Edler, Friend
I haven't forgotten your kind heart.
GO PACK GO!
Kristen Anderson, Friend
Remembering you and our friend Jean today. We never met but I knew your father from Campos & Stratis. I hope your family has been able to heal to some degree from these tragedies. RIP young man. Mark Leisen
Mark Leisen, Colleague
Chris graduated with my daughter Courtney and son-in-law Mike from HS. He also lived a few blocks from me and was in my CCD class. He was a wonderful young man who was his Mom's rock when his Dad died. I will always remember the little boy who once told me that his house was just like mine-'only nicer!' Chris- you are missed.
Doreen Ferrare, Friend
Chris was one of the best friends I ever had! I am honored to have known him. Never forgotten. I know he is in a better place, fitting for a person like Chris.
Jennifer Reinhardt, Friend
Christian was a devoted son, a considerate, respectful ambitious young man. He was someone very special and wise for his young years.
Trish Frisbie, Friend
Although I didn't know you, I knew your father, Lou. It's just hard to believe it has been 9 years. Just wanted to say I remember you, through your deceased Dad. Hi Lou.
Mark Leisen, Friend
It's pouring rain today in Texas as Hurricane Ike bears down upon us. Nevertheless, I found a way to put the flag out and keep it protected. I will always honour Christian's memory by flying our flag on this day. His loved ones and friends are in my prayers.
K. Stephens, Friend
I didn't know Christian but my family and I think of him often and especially on this tragic anniversary. We bought the flag with his name on it from our city's tribute 2 years ago and never again will this date occur without us remembering to think of Christian and pray for his loved ones. Thank you for giving us the opportunity via this website to put a face with his name and to know a bit about Christian.
K. Stephens, Friend
Chris attended both high school and college with my daughter Kira. I remember Chris as a hard playing running back at Lakeland High School, and as a determined competitor at URI. It's often the little things one remembers that didn't seem so significant at the time. In particular, I remember our family having lunch with with the DeSimones at a URI Family Weekend; just a nice lunch and talk with really nice people and Ringwood neighbors, never dreaming how I would one day look back on that small event, always now thinking how precious all times spent together really are. I also remember one Ringwoood snow day when the kids were still in high school when they and some friends went skiing for the day at Sterling Forest. Chris was such a friendly person and I also remember thinking how lucky Kira was to have such nice friends to go to school with. Christal, Mary and I live in Rhode Island now, but want you to know that we think warmly about you a great deal.
Ray Edler, Friend