Douglas Gardner Obituary

As another anniversary approaches, I realize, as a nation, we still haven’t learned much, we still are vulnerable, we fear what could still be another act of terrorism and we still miss all who have paid the ultimate price. I have followed young Mr Gardner’s story as written by his widow Jennifer and I’m still so taken aback. Their young children without a beautiful father, such robbery and unfairness always. RIP DG

Remembering Douglas on the 20th anniversary of 9/11....

You are not forgotten.

Dougie: every year that passes, I say "wow, I can't believe that ___ years have passed, and each time I increment the counter. I usually leave my thoughts on Gurian's page, but this year, number 18, will be on yours. I looked last past comments, and I saw one from Dewey - two weeks ago i went out to Seaview and who did I see on the dock behind Wes' market stacking boxes...? Dewey. Even thou he's 55, his idea of a good time on F.I. was to spend a few hours working at Wes' as if he was still that young teenager back in the late 70's running deliveries for the market. We caught up on a lot of the good old times - they're old for sure but man they were good. I will always remember you as one of my best friends, though I realized that i could probably count the number of times I saw you away from F.I. It's still nearly impossible for me to believe the senselessness of how your and Gurian's lives were cut short. I miss you both so very much. You guys were irreplaceable friends in an irreplaceable time and place. Love, always... Willy Woa

In lasting memory.

Dearest, dearest DG -

I hold no monopoly on grief for that tragic day, for 9/11 has transformed all our lives. But for me, losing you and Gurian has been like seeing my whole childhood die. And you and Gurian know exactly what I mean. Our years on Fire Island and all we experienced together was so beautiful and so unique, that only others who lived it can begin to grasp what a perfect world it was. I can't forget the home you grew up in on H street, and all the sports we played (I loved getting you mad enough to slam your tennis racquet against the Seaview court fence!). And the summers of building airplane models, bike chases, strat-o-matic baseball, riding waves and touch football on the beach. Not a Super Bowl goes by without my warm memories of hanging at your loft on 16th St and making chili for the crowds of your friends - every one of whom loved you so much. Somehow, I thought those good times would never end, and now it feels like a different life - one that was full of camaraderie and hope for what the future might bring. You were truly a great man, Doug. Even if you weren't 6'4" we would have always looked up to you. I am so sorry that we have all been cheated out of more time with such an amazing soul. I hope you and Gurian save me a spot on the roster when I eventually join you guys again. My love, always...

We will never forget. God have mercy on all these souls.

June11 2012

I took a photo at the memorial pools in march 2012 and your name appears. I always wanted to put a face to the name and finally I have done this
Reading about you and all you did make it more important that we never forget what happened that day. All the names at the memorial pools will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace Douglas

I too just read Jennifer's book and it now weighs heavy on my heart. You do feel as though you know him and his family upon reading the book. God bless Douglas and his family. What an inspiration.

I am reading Jennifer's book and I feel like I know Doug. What a wonderful man he was. Praying for God's peace over his family.

Hi Doug,
Yesterday I started a novel about the aftermath of 9/11, and this morning I woke up realizing that I had dreamed about meeting you in the street. You were walking a rather large dog, a Newfoundland perhaps. I never knew you well, although there was something about you that always felt familiar. You helped me into a taxi after a friend's wedding. Always had nice manners...
A lovely soul taken too young and senselessly.
May you rest in peace,
Jane Glucksman

Hi Doug,

Although I never had the pleasure of meeting you, what you did during your precious time here continues to be an inspiration to us all. Just 3 weeks ago someone mentioned you and his face lit up when he said your name. You are loved and admired by many! In the 39 short years that you graced this Earth with your presence, you lived every single day to the fullest and never took a moment for granted. I know now that there is a need to do more to make the most out of every day, every friendship, every opportunity, every blessing! You are sorely missed but perhaps in God's eyes you lived one of the most promising, fulfilling and dedicated lives that many have yet to ascertain. Will we ever? If each one of us could that would be the greatest gift of all. Doug, thanks for being one of the greatest examples of mankind that God has ever given us. Mr. Gardner, Happy Birthday and may you and Doug smile forever in the Kingdom Of God! 9/11/2008

Happy Birthday!!!

Doug,
Happy Birthday in Heaven. May God hold you in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

I just found out that I had a connection to you Doug, as I am an old friend of Jennifer. From Jen's comments, and the comments here, I can see that you were a remarkable man, and I wish to express my esteem and honor your memory.

Douglas, I just turned 39 in August 2007. I just want you to know I don't know you personally but I didn't forget. I will never forget. Peace, and Love always

As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.

In memory....

Doug,
Happy Birthday in Heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

I was driving to work today, and listening to the radiostation that I always do when Senator John McCain came on and talked about Douglas Gardner and how Douglass was a man that McCain wished he could've known better. After that they played Doug's answering machine message....I just wanted to put a face with that voice.

I was terribly sad to hear that Doug was a victim of the September 11 attacks. Doug and I were in the same grammar school class at PS6. I remember Doug as one of those kids who everyone liked, who was not in a clique, who was accepting of others. It is heartening to read that he retained those qualities, and that he continued to make the world of those around him a kinder and gentler place. My condolences to his family.

Having initially met Doug at the naming of his child at Sinai Temple in Springfield, MA. we were struck by his warmth, sincerity and charisma. Our thoughts are with the the Gardner and Radding families during these difficult times.

Today is September 11th...one year later. Not a week goes by where I don't think about Jennifer, Julia and Michael. The loss that they have suffered is truly incomprehensible. I only hope that the Gardner and Radding families find peace and happiness in the wonderful memories they share of Doug.

I never met Doug but I heard many beautiful stories about him. His father-in-law, Ed, told me he couldn't have picked a better husband for his daughter, father for his grandchildren and further described him as "the son I never had, a true friend". I only knew Doug and Jennifer through the pictures Ed shared with me. They were pictures of wonderful happy family moments and they left an imprint on my heart and mind.



I can tell from reading all the beautiful remarks written about Doug that he WAS a very special man and my only consulation is knowing there is an angel with a great big smile and heart looking down on his family and keeping them safe.



Today, almost one year since the tragedy of 9/11, I just want the Garnder and Radding families to know that I have not forgotten what my freedom means to me and the sacrifice they unwittingly paid so that I may continue to be free.



I pray that God's love will bless each and everyone of your lives as you struggle through the days and weeks ahead. I continue to keep you in my thoughts, my heart and my prayers.

A great guy. Remember him for his laugh, his pat on the back, his competitiveness, and his care for his family and friends.

So, so, sad...

It's been so saddening to have learned last Fall that Doug was working in the Twin Towers when Sept. 11th struck. I attended P.S. 6 with Doug through Grade 6, and it is not surprising that he took the numerous puff basketball sessions we shared at his home (weekdays after school) to another level in his personal and professional life.

As a fellow native New Yorker and someone who ended up in the same industry as Doug, I regret that we lost contact after grade school before our paths could cross again. With two kids of my own now, my heart goes out to Jennifer, Michael, Julia, and Doug's sister Danielle. I'm sure I speak for many in our class from those years who will always remember Doug's warm and humble demeanor.

As kids, I played ball with Doug at Fire Island...boy was he tough around the basket to guard. On the court, he was a competitor, off the court, a terrific guy. I always remember a warm greeting every time we passed in town or in the market. I am deeply saddened.

CHARLOTTE AND JOE

I FOUND OUT ABOUT DOUGLAS FROM FRED LEVINSON. I WAS LEFT SPEECHLESS.WE WIRED DOUG APARTMENT ON 16 STREET MANY YEARS AGO.DOUG WAS A SINCERE MAN.MY DEEPEST AND SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY AND YOURS.



LEO DI PILATO (VINTAGE ELECTRIC)

I have been without words to describe my sorrow at the loss of Doug Gardner for months now. Doug was my "boss" at P&J from '87-'93, where together we managed a condo at 16th Street and Fifth Avenue. Doug's office window looked out onto one of the balconies, and occasionally, before the building was fully occupied, we'd have our morning meeting across the short space between the two.



Generous. Humorous. Wise and humane. Self-effacing without being self-deprecating. Possessing confidence, yet free of egotism. He was a great man, disguised as one of us.



I remember how much attention he'd shower on my firstborn, Andrew, when he'd toddle along with me to the office. He'd swoop him up in his arms, call him "Andy", show him around the file cabinets, and the views from the windows. He gave Andrew his first basketball, when it was almost bigger than the boy was.

(We still have it, Doug, and at 14, Andrew still plays). It was clear then what a devoted father he would someday become.



I used to distribute communications from Doug to the residents of the building. Once, a typo in a tenant letter turned Doug into "Dog Gardner." While we fortunately were able to fix the error before it was sent out, but poor Doug had to endure our calling him "Dog" for the rest of the month - which he bore with characteristic good humor.



In recalling all that Doug accomplished over our years working together, almost every sentence began with, "Doug helped..." That, I think, is his essence, his greatness, and his legacy. Doug helped. He gave. He loved. He is missed.

Doug was a co-worker. His dedication to Cantor Fitz was apparent in all that he said, all that he did, and his interaction with the rest of us - employees in the Los Angeles office. Doug was / is a great man whose dedication to his family, to Cantor and to his friends should be admired and acknowledged always. He will be and is missed terribly- today and always. Thanks for the interaction, Doug. I hope that St. Peter, Jesus and God appreciate your compassion, friendship and love as much as we did. They definately gained an incredible angel in Heaven. We Love and Miss You.

Peg and Bert Chappell

I did not know Doug personally but I have known his father Joseph for over 25 years. This is my respect and sympathy to Doug's and Joseph's family. I share your sorrow.

Although I never had the pleasure or privilege to know Douglas, I have heard of his kind and friendly nature from his Aunt Mae and from his cousin Valerie. They both spoke of a boy growing up with an exuberance for life, who grew into a man with a love for his family and friends. I could tell that he was a favorite of theirs. My heart goes out to his parents, sister, wife, children, and all family and friends. Looking at his picture, I have no doubt that Douglas was a great person. Many people loved him.

I worked with Doug when he just started out in the Lehman Brothers' Health Care Group as an analyst. As the assistant to the head of the group, I saw so many young guys pass through, but Doug was truly one of the special ones. He was very sweet, sometimes shy, always polite and truly nice to everyone. My last remembrance of him was a couple of years after he left, he appeared out of the blue just to say hello to everyone. I can still see him in the doorway of my boss' office with that big grin on his face. I keep thinking now, "Doug was a really nice guy."

Through my involvement with Haverford College I heard of Doug and his efforts on behalf of the college. He was always spoken of with great admiration and affection. One could only conclude that he must have been, without fear of exaggeration, a truly extraordinary person. I offer my deapest sympathy to his family and friends.

DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS

BEAUTIFUL MAN DOUGLAS B.GARDNER AND

MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD

AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY

AND FRIENDS.GOD BLESS AMERICA AND

NEW YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01...AMEN

I only met Doug at the Maccabiah tryouts in the summer of 2000 for two days, but was immediately impressed with his hoops skills and friendly demeanor. He was one of the first guys we put on our team that was headed to Israel in the summer of 2001 to compete for the USA.

My heart and prayers go out to his family...

Deepest sympathy to the Gardner family. As a member of the Board of Directors for Student Athletes Inc. Doug did a great job every year in supporting it's year round activities. Many young people he never met were helped by his efforts to assist Student Athletes. Doug you will always be in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you and yours. With sincere appreciation. Rich K & "Doc" Nicelli

As a fellow graduate of Haverford College, my heart goes out to Doug's friends and family. I wish I could alleviate your sorrow.



With deepest sympathy,

In the early 1980's I met Doug while working on a 4400 sq. foot lease with his Dad at 104 Fifth Avenue. Although I was still learning "the business" I will never forget how nice he was in person and on the phone. Joe my sincerest and heartfelt condolensces for the family's loss.

What a huge beaming smile in the picture you share with us of Douglas. Such a smile can only be a reflection of a warm, happy, and caring heart. We are deeply sorry for your loss of Douglas. May Douglas's happy heart, his life and love live on in those who love him. May you always feel the warmth of his live radiate into your hearts. Our hearts cry with you in your loss of Douglas.

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

The world is a darker place without Douglas Gardner's smile. You are missed and loved.

My Heart sinks with every thought of September 11th. What a loss we have endured. I gain a smile when I remember my childhood memories in Fire island with Doug.....riding bikes and building forts on the beach......God Bless

Charlotte and Joe



I was so sad to read about Douglas. I used to babysit for him and Danielle when we lived in Riverdale.

When I saw his picture in the tributes I thought, he really looked

just like he did as a kid. Please

give my condolences to his wife and children.



Fredi

Doug was really one of the "good guys." Even now, two months later, I am still saddened to think that we've lost a lovely person. We went to college together and I look forward to seeing "your" gym, Doug. My sincerest sympathy to your family. You remain in my prayers.

I worked with Doug when the real estate industry was near bottom in the early 90's. Joe introduced me to Doug, who I thought was just the boss's kid: somebody I'd have to be polite to.



It took about five minutes to realize that this was more than the boss's kid. He was his father's confidant, advisor, partner and best friend.



It was a relationship that became obvious the more time I spent with the two of them. Serious business, with that special relationship right under the surface. It was the relationship I hoped to have with my son when he became a young adult.



Doug was his own man with the intelligence to run circles around most, and the modesty to refrain from doing so.



I hadn't spoken with Doug in a couple of years, but he is the type of person you never forget. I am sorry we will never have the opportunity to work together again.



My deepest and most sincere condolences to his family and friends.

It was with a heavy heart that I learned just recently of my own personal connection to the tragedy in NY. I had the privilege of working with Doug for a couple of months back in 1981 when he was just taking his first steps in the business world, cramped in a small office at Lincoln Savings Bank with Leo Perlow, another great New Yorker. Even at that early age he impressed me with his quiet strength and integrity, and his depth of compassion. My sincere condolences to the entire Gardner family.

My heart broke when I read of Doug, he was a truly freindly, genuinely great guy. New York has lost a fantastic kind-hearted guy. I met Doug a few years back upon newly moving to New York City. Knowing I didn't know a whole lot of people he invited me play on his basketball team (P&J Realty) and because of his generosity and freindliness I met a bunch of great people. Seeing Doug at Knick games, he always took time to catch up, that was the kind of sincere man that he was. I'll remember walking into an obscure gym somewhere in Manhattan and seeing Doug; there early bouncing around, talking sports and laughing and shooting his jumpshots, his playfulness so obvious and he was so happy to be playing basketball with freinds. One year when we did win a tournament, Doug was so excited about getting Jackets made up for us, his enthusiasm and pageantry for the sport and life, so evident.

I am so so sorry to Doug's family at this sad time, please know you and Doug will be in my prayers.

Fire Island grieves. Please accept our profound sorrow at your loss.

I worked with Doug at Cantor. He was a man of his word, a real "mensch". My deepest condolences to his family.

My heart goes out to Danielle and the rest of Doug's family. A true Fire Island son is lost.

Linda Radding taught both my girls, and we shared her joy in Jennifer's wedding and the birth of the wonderful grandchildren. Although we never knew Douglas firsthand, we were sickened to hear that he was among the missing, and share a small part of your great sorrow. Our family will continue to pray for your family: for God's comfort and strength above all, for the return of small joys in life, and for meeting the needs of your children. The love that surrounds you and is stronger than the evil you have faced.

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU ALL.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

DOUGLAS MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

I worked for Doug Gardner for three years ending in 1998. He was a great boss and a wonderful man. I learned a great deal about dignity under stress and even with all of his responsibilities you knew that his family always came first. I hope the family knows that he will be in the hearts and prayers of all the people that worked for him and with him. God Bless the Gardner Family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this most difficult time for Doug's family and for all Americans. We are so saddened by this news and this tragedy and know that your loss is enourmous.

With deepest sympathy, Matt & Linda Siler