Family Tribute:Tribute from Christopher Maggitti
47 years, 5 months, 11 days. Who knew that one man could have such an impact on so many lives in such a short amount of time. Ever since I can remember, I noticed that my father was a man that demanded respect. Not because he was rich or conceited or powerful; but because he was respectful. Jesus said the whole of the law was to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I believe that my father was a perfect example of that commandment.
My father was an honest businessman. Anyone who ever worked with him not only knew that he was honest, but he was an honorable man as well. All my father had to do was give his word; and his word was good. It's hard to find people like that nowadays.
He was a loving father who cared immensely for my sister and I. Any random Saturday he would take her out on a date. They'd go downtown and visit the aquarium or just walk around Little Italy. Being older and being the boy, we did everything together. There were many times when we would go out on the deck and smoke a cigar, listen to music and just discuss whatever was on our minds. Sometimes we would sit around the television and watch golf and prepare something on the grill. I guess I took advantage of those times because they happened so often. Yet, at the same time I cherished every moment. I wouldn't trade that in for all the riches in the world.
Once in a while we would plan a night out. One of our favorite things to do was to drive down to the city and eat in as many places as possible. Appetizers in Greek town, (dolmathes, spanikopita), most likely a main course in Little Italy or downtown. We would always nip about from place to place. Other times we would go to Fells Point and sit down eat shrimp, mussels, and maybe a burger. We always ended up going to the Warf Rat, John Stevens, or Duda's and Bertha's. Often times, I'd think to myself, 'Don't I look odd coming to Fells Point on a Friday with my old man.' But deep down I knew that I was having the time of my life. We would talk about life, my schooling, his job. Sometimes we would just joke and laugh about old times for hours on end. Those precious moments are more valuable to me than anything this world can offer. I am so lucky to have shared those experiences with him.
With my friends it was the same thing. Whenever he was your coach or just knew you as being my friend, he went out of his way to make everyone feel welcome. They'd always ask, ' How's Joe doing?' Seeing how much they loved him makes me realize it was a true honor to call him 'dad'.
Most importantly he was a loving husband. He made my mother so happy. I could see it in the way he looked at her. Our house was peaceful. No screaming and yelling or throwing things. Not only did he love my mother, he respected her! He valued her as a mother and as a nurse. He was always looking out for her best interest; even if it meant putting more weight on his shoulders. They were to be married 25 years on December 4th. As a gift to each other, they were going to revisit their honeymoon spot, Paradise Island in Nassau. Mom, I stand here and say to you with the utmost confidence that Daddy is truly in Paradise! That is the beauty of our Christian faith. It's the only reason I can stand in front of you and speak. We leave this world, but we go to a much better one. We can be confident that one day we will all be together again, FOREVER! We may say 'good-bye' now, but soon and very soon, we will once again say, 'hello.'
Joseph V. Maggitti, age 47 of Abingdon, Maryland was a victim of the tragedy in New York City on September 11, 2001. Born in Baltimore, he was the son of Amelia Mary Pietrogiacomo Maggitti of Baltimore, and the late Andrew Henry Maggitti. He was a Vice President of Marsh, USA. He graduated from University of Baltimore in 1976 with a B.S. in Business. His senior year the Bee Booters won the NCAA Division II Championship in soccer. He was a member of the New Covenant Presbyterian Church, Abingdon. He coached boy's little league baseball and soccer for Emmorton Recreation Council, soccer for Harford Kicks, and girl's softball for Emmorton Recreation Council.
In addition to his mother, Mr. Maggitti is survived by his wife with whom he would have celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on December 4, 2001, Pamela A. Kortesis Maggitti; one son, Christopher J. Maggitti of Abingdon; one daughter, Lauren A. Maggitti of Abingdon; one brother, Andrew S. Maggitti of Berlin, Maryland; and one sister, Mary Ann Derr of Saugus, California.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Joseph V. Maggitti Scholarship Fun, c/o Sun Trust Bank, 2912 Emmorton Road, Abingdon, MD 21009.
Joe was my colleague, but he was also my friend. This may seem like an unremarkable statement, but in today’s world of hurly-burly, Wall Street-based, quarter-to-quarter driven business, one doesn’t have to be your friend because he’s your colleague. Except with Joe; he lived his business life by the edict that “even if we disagree, we don’t have to be disagreeable.” Joe was, in fact, the most agreeable professional I’ve ever had the privilege to work with. Don’t take that to mean he wasn’t tough; he was. But he was careful not only to be heard, but also to listen well. To understand first, in the words of Stephen Covey, before seeking to be understood. He was at the same time smart about his business yet vulnerable to the intelligence of others. Those of us left to carry on have much to emulate.
Lots will be said about Joe’s devotion to his family; his love of sport – both as a coach and a competitor. In fact, I think I still owe him a $2 Nassau bet from our last round together. And, of course, his great love of cooking. Indeed, Heaven’s restaurant has a 4-star rating today.
But, other than having his family at his side, Joe died doing what he loved best -- solving client problems and adding value to their enterprises while surrounded by his colleagues and friends. If Joe has a message for us today, it is embodied in John F. Kennedy’s remembrance of Theodore Roosevelt:
“The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best, if he wins, knows the thrills of high achievement, and, if he fails, at least fails daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”
Joe would say to us today, in fact, he is saying to us, get back in the arena; fight the good fight; dare greatly. Vince Lombardi said, “The great battles are won in the hearts of men; it is not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get up.”
Joe is saying to each of us at Marsh and in business, “Get up, my friend; go one; make me proud.”
I heard a New York City firefighter eulogize a fallen colleague at the end of last week. He summed up quite accurately what those of us at Marsh feel about Joe and his legacy. “It could have been anyone of us. But God asked for our best, so that’s what we sent.”
Joseph V. Maggitti: Tickets to Paradise Island
Joseph V. Maggitti met his future wife, Pam, in high school, and he took her to the senior prom. Tuesday would be their 25th wedding anniversary, and Mr. Maggitti had already bought the tickets for their return to Paradise Island, where they had honeymooned. 'But Joe went to Paradise ahead of me,' said Mrs. Maggitti. 'My husband was a Christian; I am a Christian and so are my children. That is the great hope that we have and one day I will be there with him.'
Mr. Maggitti, 47, who lived in Abingdon, Md., worked for Marsh & McLennan, and was in the Trade Center for a morning meeting on Sept. 11. When Mrs. Maggitti turned on the television that day, she said, all she could think of was something he told her after another meeting there: 'I can see the planes flying beneath me.'
Mr. Maggitti was born in Baltimore and was always a jock. He was a midfielder on the University of Baltimore soccer team that won the Division II N.C.A.A. championship in 1975. Lately, he had shifted his athletic passion to golf.
He cooked stuffed peppers for his daughter, Lauren, 14, on Sundays. He would go to the Fells Point area of Baltimore with his son, Christopher, 22, where they would drink local beer and eat oysters. 'He was a best pal to me,' Christopher Maggitti said.