9/11 We Remember: Milton G. Bustillo

Milton G. Bustillo had a dream. The 37-year-old computer support specialist made his living as an employee of Cantor Fitzgerald, but he envisioned the day when he could open his own café and pastry shop. He and his new family had found an ideal home in Toms River, New Jersey, and were preparing to relocate in order to make his dream become a reality. On September 11, 2001, that dream perished with Milton when the World Trade Center in New York City was destroyed.

Born in Barraquilla, Columbia, to parents who were struggling financially, Milton learned about big dreams from his family. His mother, hoping to alleviate their economic hardship, migrated to the United States and worked as a cleaning woman. For several years the family saved money she sent back to them in hopes of being reunited. When the goal was finally met, Milton, his father, and his three siblings joined his mother in the U.S.A. The family settled in Palisades Park, New Jersey.

Milton was a teen when his family moved to New Jersey, but he quickly adjusted to American culture. He was calm and empathetic, a man who loved to play the guitar, bake in the kitchen, and who made friends with ease. His began his career at the World Trade Center with Cantor Fitzgerald in 1992 and it was there, in 1997, that he met Laura Spordone, his future wife. Their paths crossed during the company Christmas party held at Windows on the World, a restaurant located a few floors above the Cantor Fitzgerald offices, and soon they were inseparable.

With his beloved Laura, Milton began building a family, which included Dana, Laura’s 7-year-old daughter, and Alessandra, the couple’s 8-month-old daughter. Laura and Milton wanted to marry before the baby’s baptism, so they took their vows on August 17, 2001. It seemed that life was opening up before them, that all their dreams were coming true. They had each other; they had their wonderful daughters; they had the vision of a new home and a new business.

Less than a month later, on September 11th, Laura, Dana, and Alessandra lost their devoted family man. Milton G. Bustillo was killed at work when a passenger jet, hijacked by radical Islamic terrorists, slammed into One World Trade Center at 8:46 am.

Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine,
et lux perpetua luceat eis.

9/11 We Remember: Patrice Paz

Patrice Paz was intelligent and capable, the kind of  person who could solve work-place problems. And she was dedicated, throwing her heart into her career. But her heart found a different focus when, in 1994, she took a solo trip to Italy. During her visit Patrice met Rolando Paz , who was also touring the country. Romance blossomed and they were married just a few months after their encounter in Italy.

Although Patrice remained a dedicated member of the Aon Corporation, she was devoted wife as well. She and Rolando made their relationship a top priority. She would call him, without fail, at his office every day. Every evening he would pick her up at 2 World Trade Center where she worked.

On the morning of September 11, 2011, Patrice entered 2 World Trade Center as usual, taking the elevator up to the top floors of the skyscraper where her office was located. At 9:03 am, around the time when she would normally call her husband,  radical Islamic terrorists slammed a highjacked commercial airliner into the tower. Less than an hour later 2 World Trade Center collapsed. Rolando would never again be able retrieve his lovely wife at the end of the day. Patrice did not escape.

Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine,
et lux perpetua luceat eis.