09/11/2001
Victor Wald does as he had every morning, leaves his 97th st. apartment to the 96th st. subway station. He rides the subway from there to The World Trade Center. He takes the express elevator all the way up to the 79th floor and the local to the 84th. floor. There he worked as a stock broker for Avalon Partners.
I like to imagine it was a day like any other he had that week. Nothing out of the unusual (although who knows on NYC subways.)
Victor was a good man. He was born an Orthodox Jew in 1952. He lived his life in Manhattan. Married a young woman named Rebecca. Together they parented two daughters Daniella and Alexandra. To most this is a normal American life.
Victor had a deep passion for his religion. He and his family were devout in their following of Judaism. He read and studied everything there was to know of the religion to the point his wife would often joke he knew more than the Rabbi. Victor once attempted to write a book on the subject and even finished a 200 page manuscript. He was an avid stamp collector, family man, and believer.
Victor lost his life somewhere between the 56th and 44th floors of the southern tower of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11th 2001. As he attempted to leave his office so high up in the building his descent was thwarted by breathing problems around the 56th - 59th floor. Victor suffered from Asthma off and on his whole life and this would ultimately make it difficult for him to escape. Victor sat down as passersby walked by. Some offered help but Victor refused. Along comes a man who worked just a few floors above him named Harry Ramos. Harry was able to convince Victor to stand and descend. The two of them fought alongside everyone else that day to escape the flaming building until around what most people believe to be the 44th floor the building collapsed.
Victor Wald was many things. He died to soon at the age of 49. He is survived by his wife Rebecca and their two daughters Dani and Alex.
A believer
A father
A husband
A collector
A friend to many
A memory always
You will be missed Mr. Victor Wald. 1952-2001
Project 2996
