Bart J. Ruggiere Memorial Fund

Bart was a man of many passions. Top among them was passion for his family and passion for his friends. The collection of quality people that constituted Bart's "inner circle" is at once tremendous, as we have witnessed time and again over the past year, and intimate, as Bart touched most of us on a uniquely individual level. Bart was passionate about boating and skiing and traveling and New York and partying and fashion and politics and world affairs and his country. Bart lived life to the fullest, he was an optimist who enjoyed himself, believed in himself and was confident that things would work out. He lived his life his way and has provided inspiration to many, reminding us that "life is not a dress rehearsal". Bart lived a life of "no regrets". On September 11, 2001, Bart J. Ruggiere, age 32, was murdered by terrorists in the attacks on the World Trade Center in the city he loved so very much.

January 2, 2006

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thoughts of you were with me through the holidays. Mom, Frank, Ali and the boys joined us in Vermont for a couple of days. We skied together with the Fontana 's and I couldn't help but think of what it would be like if you were still here joining us on the slopes. The kids would love skiing with you! I bet you could have gotten Matthew to give it another try. Sometimes when I am riding up on the chair lift watching the skiers below, I imagine seeing you ski under the chair and I yell down to you "Bart, meet me in the bar for a beer!" You look up, smile and wave your ski pole at me as you swoosh down in your bright yellow ski jacket. Later when I get to the bar and your not there, I have a silent toast to you. Here's to you Bart! You are missed. Love you.

Kathleen

October 13, 2005

Dear Uncle Bart,
Every time I think about you I miss you even more. I really like writing about you in school. Whenever I hug my Uncle Bart bear I also still miss you way more than I would miss anybody else in the world. Every long day gets gloomier beacause you aren't in my days to fill them with your warm kind love. And as days go by so does my love for you. Happy Birthday.
Love you always,
Gabrielle

October 13, 2005

Dear Uncle Bart
I love you and miss you. You are one of my favorite uncles and I wish you would come to visit me again. Tomorrow is your birthday and I wish we could celebrate it with you. I know you would be happy if you could be with us. I remember seeing you so many years ago and it was so much fun. I was 5 the last time I saw you, now I am 8 and I wish you could be with us. I wish we could still do stuff together and have fun. You are always in my heart. Happy birthday.
Love, Nikki

September 11, 2005

It is so hard to believe it has been 4 years. Sometimes I feel like it was just yesterday that we saw each other and talked about life. Other days it feels like forever since I heard you say "What are ya doin'?" In some ways I do see you every day. I see your laughter in our girls, your smile on Frank and Mark; I see your joy and pain in Mom and Dad's eyes.

Today we watched as a family the reading of the names of the victims of 9/11. The moment your name was read, Mark walked through our back door. I mean it was at the exact moment! It was so great! Thanks for sending him at just that time to help me through that very tough moment.

We are all working to make sure your memory and the memory of all your friends up there and the hell you all went through on that day is NEVER forgotten. Peggy, Mark and I attended a rally yesterday to support the efforts of the Take Back the Memorial group and it was very empowering to be involved. We will never forget. No one who knew you will ever forget.

I miss you today, as I do everyday, but today it is a Sunday. The day you would visit. I love you and miss you so very much.still.

Kathleen

August 3, 2005

Bart,
Thanks for the visit last night. Just when I think you are so far away you always prove me wrong.
You are so missed!

Peggy

May 17, 2004

Bart,
Missing you today. I still dont understand grief. Somedays are harder then others. This is one of them.

I wish you were alive enjoying all the great things life has to offer. I hope you are well and happy where ever you may be.

Lots of Love,

Peggy

March 23, 2004

Bart,
I am up to my earlobes at work (you should see my desk!) and all of a sudden my mind drifted on to thoughts of you. It's been quite some time since I've dropped you a line. I don't know where the time went, but I realized that Julie and I had baby Jack nearly six months ago and I hadn't written to tell you about it. Of course you know this - and you also know how precocious and spirited he is (serves me right - maybe Jack will get me to lighten up).

In any case, look down on us and give Jack a little shove in the right direction now and again, since Lord knows Julie and I won't get everything right.

You are in our thoughts always.

Frank Scutaro

February 25, 2004

Sometimes, I can't explain where the time has gone... or how it is possible that you were taken from us almost two and a half years ago. Things have changed, yet I find myself routinely trapped in a time and space when you were here. I was almost knocked off my feet with confusion this morning when I picked up the phone to call you. I laughed at myself. Then I felt you laugh at me. Then I realized I have not been trapped in a time and space when you were here. You have been with us all along.

Chrissy France

December 25, 2003

Christmas 2003. Thoughts of you filled my day. You are so very missed. Merry Christmas!

Kathleen DeParis

November 27, 2003

On this Thanksgiving I am thankful for many things that I have not been able to be thankful for over the last two years. I have woken up from a painful spell and am aware of so many reasons for me to be thankful and grateful.

I am thankful for Mom and Dad making us spend time together even when we really didn't want to. I am thankful for the many times we spent together as kids on the boat, at the pool club, at swim meets, at many LaSalle functions, at our extended families homes during holidays, running around Marwood Road and Manorhaven with the Fontana's, Trick or Treating together. I am thankful that you: always believed in me, were my biggest fan, were my husband's best friend, always found time in your crazy social schedule for me and my family, brought Claudia into our lives, were such a great cook, loved to have a great time, loved to see to it that everyone hanging out with you was having a great time too, were such a good friend to so many people, knew how to balance work and play (I like your style of balance), were a wonderful Uncle.

But most importantly, I am thankful to have had you in my life for all of yours!

You are still with me, I feel your presence around me all the time and I am thankful for that too.

Kathleen

September 11, 2003

8:46 a.m. September 11, 2003
2-year anniversary

You're with us everyday. We miss you and thank you for all the great times and for making our lives richer, both while you were here and now, with the friends and family you have left behind.

John Crewe

June 27, 2003

All is the same, but of course completely different. The tears are fewer, not for a lack of pain, but for a lack of any left to shed. Things do go on even when you don't want them to. It's a good thing that they do for the children, but again, painful that you're not here to watch them go on. They were talking about you today, the kids. We were at your favorite kind of restaurant, no not a steak house but a pizzeria. They were sitting at a table by themselves and I overheard them saying that they wished you were still alive and that they miss you. Just when I start to worry that they will forget you, they come out with that. What was I thinking that someone who knew you would ever forget you? I was so happy to hear them talking about you! Love you and miss you. K

February 9, 2003

It's been almost 17 months since you were taken from us. We all still think about you everyday..everyone in the family, all of your friends and in some way the entire country.

I miss you alot. I finally moved into the city and have been living a little bit more like you did. Enjoying the most of what life has to offer!! I wish you were here to enjoy all of these great times with me. It makes the good times bitter sweet in so many ways.

I heard your voice this morning on an old tape I had and I saw that crazy grin on your face looking over me and sayiong..."I'm still with you little brother"

Hope you're doing well up there(I'm sure you are)! Tell Papa I said hello and that Nana and I will be sure to talk about all the great times we had with the 2 of you when I see her next week!

I miss you more and more each day.

Love you/miss you!
Mark

December 23, 2002

Bart,
I'm thinking so much about you as we get ready for Christmas. As I write greeting cards to friends and family, I felt the need to write you one as well. Remember whether we are together or apart you share such a special place in my heart. Where ever you are on Christmas eve, I know you will have your red vest on, and a big smile on your face. I miss you.
Merry Christmas Bart.
Love,
Peggy

October 17, 2002

Hey Bart,
It's two days after your Birthday, I was going to write to wish you a "Happy Birthday" but it feels too strange.
On the anniversary of 9/11 I was talking with our friends about the sequence of events on that day, a year ago. My brother in law worked on the 58th floor of tower 2 and made it out just before his building collapsed. We heard from him after the first plane hit but not again till he showed up at home, in Port, later that day. I guess the brain or heart can only handle so much at one time. When Kristin called to see if I heard any news about you, I told her you were fine. She then pressed for more information, probably excited to hear you were OK. "He's fine" I said, "Bart has to be fine".
I was working from home that day and shortly after I heard what had happened, I emailed you. My first email was almost joking in nature, "just checking in, I'm sure you're fine".
Later in the morning Jim came home to wait for news, when he walked in the door he asked if I heard from you. Apparently, I repeated what I had told Kristin, "Bart is just fine!" My tone, I'm told, was exasperated as if thinking "why is everyone asking me that, ofcourse Bart is fine, he always lands on his feet"! Until we spoke about it this year I didn't remember those conversations.
My second email reflected a little more of the uncertainty and anxiety that was enfolding as I watched what was happening on TV. But still I was sure you were "just fine". By the end of that morning I sent you three emails, the last was the shortest saying, "Please be OK I am praying for your safety". By noon I started receiving the undeliverable messages. Over the next few days with each undeliverable message I received back the reality started to sink in. When we found your name on a survivor list we were filled with renewed hope, even though it was only for a day.
You see, I never thought this could be you. One year plus later, I still find days of stunned disbelief. I used to fantasize that you were walking around Manhattan with amnesia. Things just always seemed to work out for you. Probably because you always looked on the bright side and found the positive in people. That optimism sparkled in your eyes and your smile and encouraged others to smile with you.
I hope you saw our tribute to you on 9/11. We wrote notes on the back of pictures of you and stapled them to red, white and blue balloons. We took them down to Capri to The Marestella's old slip. What we thought was going to be a solemn moment actually turned out to be funny. The wind was ferocious and being there reminded Beth and I of lots of good "Bart stories". When we let them go they didn't sail out into the sky like in the movies. Instead they dunked in the water but eventually made there way towards you (a perilous path though with so many tall masts!).
I think about you all the time, see your face in a strangers and talk to you when I sleep. I like to believe one of my dreams, that you told me your were an angel assigned little tasks on earth ( you said you weren't qualified for big jobs yet!). The one you were working on that night was making the tomato sauce better at Dominos Pizza. LOL!
Your legacy will live for eternity and you will remain "Forever Young". Please continue to be our "Heaven Sent" angel and look out for all of us that miss you so much.
Using your words again, "Well that's all for now, Love you Lots", Lee Ann.

Lee Ann Bush

October 16, 2002

Happy Birthday Bart! This morning when I told your nieces that today is your birthday they immediately belted out a great rendition of "Happy Birthday To You!" It was wonderfully heartfelt and I'm sure you were smiling down on them. Of course when they were done Francesca wanted to know when we were having cake? I miss you throwing your own birthday bash! They were always so much fun! Claude, Peg, Mom and I spent your birthday together sharing Bart stories. We toasted you many times. I love you and miss you forever.

Kathleen DeParis

October 15, 2002

Happy Birthday Bart. I sure hope they know how to throw a decent birthday party up there.

John Crewe

September 19, 2002

The pain in my heart will not go away. As much as I try, it will not leave. I miss you and love you everyday.

September 15, 2002

Dear Bart,
A year has passed and it seems like yesterday we were laying out by my pool drinking bloody Marys and laughing. I miss your friendship, you were an amazing person. I know you must be proud of Claude. I pray for you and Claudia every day.
See you later.
Much love,
Sarah Adams

September 11, 2002,
10:29 a.m.

It has been one year since you were taken from us. I have thought about what I would say to honor you so many times, but none of my words seemed worthy of you and what you meant to me, so I will quote someone far more eloquent than I. I saw this poem and thought of you:

If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you but make allowance for their doubting too,
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, or be lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating, and yet don't look too good, nor talk to wise,
If you can dream-and not make dreams your master,
If you can think-and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster and treat those two imposters the same,
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken and stop and build 'em up with worn out tools,
If you can make one heap of all your winnings and risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings and never breath a word about your loss,
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew to serve your turn long after they are gone
And so hold on when there is nothing in you except the will which says to them "Hold on!"
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, or walk with kings-nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes or loving friends can hurt you, if all men count with you, but none too much,
If you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, and which is more-you'll be a Man, my son!
--Rudyard Kipling

You were an exceptional man. I could not have loved you more if you were born my brother.

Marcella Gerbasi Crewe

September 11, 2002

Bart, It's the morning of Sept.11th 2002. Colby I and Brian, are missing you so much. Our hearts are broken. Our families have come together many times this year, we have shared laughter and tears. We all went skiing together to Bromley. We missed our expert skiier. We made sure we picked on brian, just like you always did. We laughed about how many runs brian would take for the cost of the ticket. I'm sure you were looking down laughing with us. Bart a day does'nt pass without thinking of you and all the wonderful memories we have shared together. We love you so much.
Miss you Bart,
The Fontana-Chapman Family

September 11, 2002
8:46 a.m.

As our country reflects on the events of one year ago that changed our world, we share in this reflection but focus on something far more personal.

It is fitting that we will gather together today in your honor and to lay you to rest. One year ago we gathered to wait for you, then to look for you. For seven days we searched for you, dismissing any negative reports and feeling sorry for those that seemed to lack our resolve by concluding their loved one was gone. Given the lack of information during that week, our hopefulness was understandable. The sad reality set in on September 18 and we began planning your memorial service. The days and months that followed proved to be a treacherous path for those close to you and now, we strangely find ourselves at a the one-year anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11.

I had passed the WTC just 10 minutes prior and entered my office when I learned of the first plane. I had a clear view of both towers and could see the magnitude of what we then thought was an accident. I called you immediately, expecting you to answer and to laugh that I was actually concerned about your safety, after all, it would be so unlike you to be involved in any such mess. I continued trying but within the next few moments, the circuits went busy. Then the second plane hit, which clarified to all what was actually happening. It was all just 17 minutes.

We did not know each other a lifetime in terms of years as so many of your other friends but I feel that we grew up together. You quickly became a good friend then my best friend. I considered you a brother and the bonus to all of this was when we married into the same family. You couldn't make this stuff up better. I never thought I would be so thankful for last Labor Day. It was the last day that we saw you. We ate, drank and laughed at what we considered ridiculous. You entertained Alex and ensured he had an ample supply of ice cream. As we were parting ways and after saying good bye once, you walked over to our car again to say goodbye to Marcella a second time. Then you were gone. A picture from that day is now one of my most cherished.

The present, for many of us, while filled with grief, is also filled with much thankfulness of the great times together and with countless tributes in your honor. We miss you terribly. How proud you must be of your life, your wife, your family, your friends and your legacy. Until we merrily meet again...

John Crewe

September 11, 2002

Someone once said that there are those who create light and those who simply reflect it.

Bart, my dear friend, you are one of those who spread light to everyone whose life you touched. But aren't we the lucky ones who were close enough to feel the warmth of that light and who can pass it on, if only through reflection to our loved ones.

I miss you and think about you all the time. See you later .

Frank Scutaro

September 2, 2002

Dear Kathleen, Claudia and all the rest of us trying to cope with the loss of Bart,

We each express our grief and sorrow and mutual support in our own ways, and for me and I'm sure many others, much of the emotion and hurt is inside, where I try somehow to compartmentalize it and function effectively. And with all that has been said, and hearts still so tender from this great loss, the "right" words can be hard to find...

You know that I am a very big and long-time fan of Bruce Springsteen; having interviewed victims' families and heroes, he captured in music and lyrics the intense passion and tragedy of these events.

There is one lyric in particular that has touched me deeply and I have played more times and at higher decibel levels than I care to admit. I want to 'gift' it here to both of you, and to Bart, and to all of us who loved him...

"It's a fairy tale so tragic, There's no prince to break the spell.
I don't believe in magic,
but for you I will, for you I will...
****************
Your kiss was taken from me,
Now all I have is this...

Your kiss, your kiss,
Your touch, your touch,
Your heart, your heart,
Your strength, your strength,
Your hope, your hope,
Your faith, your faith,
Your face, your face,
Your love, your love,
Your dream, your dream,
Your life, your life...
*****************
We've got no fairytale ending,
in God's hands our fate is complete,
Your heaven's here in my heart,
Our love's this dust beneath my feet...
If I'm gonna live, I'll lift my life, darlin' to you...

And I'm Counting on a Miracle to come through..."

********************
Wishing you peace and strength in the weeks and months ahead.

And Bart, thank you again and always for all the love and friendship and precious life lessons.

With love,
Larry
Lawrence C. DeParis

August 15, 2002

In college Bart and I would go out and stumble though a night of pranks and general buffoonery which was the glue that held us together at that time, and we would usually wake up at Tom Taggarts house with Bart smiling ear to ear shaking me awake because he could not wait another minute to start reliving the antics from the previous night. I don't think I ever laughed so hard or enjoyed having anyone to laugh with as much as I enjoyed Bart. I often think of Bart and smile and feel he is watching out for me but the void he has left will never be filled. I miss my friend and I love you very much.

mark mecklenburg

August 5, 2002

I have tried many times to put some words into this site and still realize I can't find them to truly express what impact you had on so many of us. I did recently see a quote that made me think about the way you and Claudia lived your life - and what many of us have learned from you.

"Life isn't about how many breaths you take, but how many moments take your breath away."

PS - Joe has Julia singing Elvis hits instead of silly Disney songs - I know you can hear her!

Miss you

Jacqueline Canney

April 22, 2002

Hey Bart-Remember that song you used to make me sing at the end of a long night of partying? How appropriate now to write the words because I live them everyday:

With one more look at you
I could learn to tame the clouds and let the sun shine through
Leave a troubled past and I might start anew
I'll solve the mysteries if you're the prize
Refresh these tired eyes
With one more look at you
I might overcome the anger that I've learned to know
Find a peace of mind I lost so long ago
You're hilarious smile has made me strong again
And I belong again
For when you look at me
I'm every thing and more than I had dreamed I'd be
My spirit feels a promise
I won't be alone
We'll love and live forever

With one more look at you
I'd learn to change the stars and change our fortunes too
I'd have the constellations
Paint your portrait too
So all the world might share this wondrous sight
The world could end each night
With one more look at you
I want one more look at you

Miss ya buddy,
Melee Jameson

April 20, 2002

After reading all of the tributes so many people have posted for you, what more needs to be said? You were as great as you believed you were, I just wish you could be here so everyone could tell you that...even though we would never give you that satisfaction!!!

I think about you everyday, and I am proud to have had you in my life. We all miss you so much, and it still seems so unreal. It is burned in my head that Sunday 9/9 when we were having a BBQ at Frank & Ali's and you and I spoke about having dinner on 9/12 and going to pick up a camcorder for your next vacation. Now myself, our family, and all of your many friends just have to write in this website, and talk of all the great times we had with you. It's not fair to Mom, Dad & Marie, Frank & Ali, Kathleen & Larry, myself, our nieces and nephews and most of all Claudia.

I will miss your funny/obnoxoius Birthday & Christmas cards, having you there for: the parties in the city, the vacations to Florida for a family reunion, the BBQ's w/the family, your amazingly hot buffalo wings, St. Patrick's Day @ Brodie, the Holidays and so many other things that will never be the same without you.
I know you are at peace, and I feel a bit of you in me each day of my life...and that will never go away.

"You were my compass Star,
You were my measure.
You were a pirate's map of buried treasure.
If this is all correct...
The prosecution rests,
It's time that I confessed

I must have loved you,
I must have loved you." - Sting

You will forever be in my heart, and always on my mind.
I miss you terribly.

Please stay by our side at all times. Your strong will and desire to live life to the fullest will rub off and help all of us.

Thank you for being you. We all thank you.

I love you brother!

Mark Ruggiere

April 15, 2002

My heart aches every time I think about you and your dreams and your plans. My heart aches every time I see Claudia. Her sad face, her shattered life, her forver broken heart. Her life with you died on Sept. 11. All of what she had hoped for the two of you just gone. Completely and forever gone.

What will become of all of us that knew and loved you so much and relied on you to be the first to do/try everthing ("everything" being all the things we all dream about but are never brave enough to do... until you did and were ofcouse successful). God I miss you.

Your beatiful smiling face is always what I see when I think about you and our times together. Your face with that big grin comes through so clear, so vivid. I even think I hear that great laugh of yours. I think to myself it must be you. Then I say to myself if you just wake up Kathleen he'll be standing there in front of you. Everything will be back the way it was.

O.K. time to wake up.

Kathleen DeParis

March 25, 2002

Dear Bart,
Today is your Wedding Anniversary and I am thinking about what a wonderful day that was. Your wedding was something out of a fairytale from the locations to the beautiful Bride and Groom. But what I remember most of all was the love that was there between you and Claudia. It was felt by everyone in attendance. She misses you so much Bart. We all miss you.
I just wanted to take a moment to recall that glorious day in March 2 years ago.

Love always,
Sarah Adams

March 12, 2002

Dear Bart,
I am grateful to have known you. Your emails always made me laugh and spending time with you and Claude was always so much fun. But you were also such a good friend and did so many nice things for me. I am so grateful that Colin and I got to spend Labor Day weekend with you, I will never forget all the good times. We think about you all the time and miss you terribly. Your wife is amazing and she loved you in the deepest possible way. You must be so proud of Claudia. I had the opportunity to learn how to live life to the fullest and Claudia is carrying on your legacy. You will always be present.
We love you.
Sarah and Colin Adams

February 23, 2002

Bart has been a household name in my family for years. It seems like Bart has been around forever.He was "my older sister's friend Bart"..always around at holidays, parties etc. It wasn't until 5 years ago that I could claim Bart as a friend of my own. Bart and I started working together 5 years ago at Tradition in New york and in Stamford . As I grew to know Bart I realized why my sister had cherished their friendship and stayed good friends for all those years. Bart was generous, fun loving ,funny and he was a GREAT friend.
If you were one of Bart's friends you were very lucky. If you were one of Bart's friends you would hear from all different sources all the great things Bart would say about you when you weren't there.(Even if they were slightly exaggerated)Bart was proud of all of his friends.
With Bart as my friend ,I never felt like I was in a jam. He was there to put in th extra lock in my door when i got nervous..drive me to work when I was running "a little late"..fax me full directions including a hand drawn map for anyplace in the northeast that I had to go..close out my credit card when he saw it getting slightly out of hand...Bart had the advice, person to contact, or helping hand to get me out of any predicament.He was like an older brother who had all the answers.
If you were one of Bart's friends you always got a call , email, or an instant message whenever it had been even a little too long.
Bart was ALWAYS a good friend to me.
I am very lucky and grateful for knowing Bart and having him in my life. I think of him everyday and will always remember him.
My condolences to Claudia, all of bart's family and to all his many many friends.

Beth France

February 3, 2002

Often times when a loved one dies, people speak of their goodness.
How different our loss is as we speak of your greatness.
You never leave our thoughts and we know we will merrily meet again some day.

John & Marcella Crewe

January 20, 2002

It has been four and a half months since that horrible, life altering moment when I found out your building was struck by a plane. From that split second I have been waiting for you to return home. I will always wait for your return. How can I not? Our entire family waits for you.

I miss you so very much, so much that it hurts. The kind of hurt that doesn't go away. Sometimes it subsides a little but then something happens to trigger the pain and there it is again. Kicked in the gut pain.

I try to remember the many fabulous times we spent together and that helps for a while but then it just makes me want to get together with you or call you. To plan our next evening out, family gathering, or Sunday cooking fest. To talk about your next trip with Claudia, or when and where we should rent that villa in Tuscany or the yacht in the Caribbean and who we will invite to join us. And then guess what happens. I can't make those plans, I can't have those conversations, so...I just miss you more and the pain comes back.

The girls miss you. And Larry too. He seems a little lost sometimes. You guys always had the best conversations. You were his confidante. I know...you were mine too. Oh the secrets we shared.

Nikki told me she was sitting in your lap singing to you the other morning. When I asked her what you looked like she told me "Just as he always does Mom." I asked her if she would tell you to come to my room for a quick visit the next time she sees you. She said she would. Be prepared. I want to know what you've been doin'? Hope to see you soon.

I love you.

Kathleen R. DeParis

January 16, 2002

Bart;

You were one of those people who canstanly seemed to appear in and out of my life. I remember you most as a child, moving in across the street when we were both 10. You Peggy & I had some great times with everyone in the neighborhood- I remember fondly all the games of kickball, building igloos, sharing our confirmation party, playing for hours in Peggy's basement, riding Kathleen's horse Leo, basketball with David Johnson and slumber parties we had with everyone on the block...and..for some reason ..I always thing of you the day before Halloween on Mischief Night, as we had a great time every year. They were all great times.

As we got older and I moved deeper in Port, I still knew you though friends and girlfriends and we seemed to crash into each other from time to time. In the last few years I still can't beleive I ran into you at parties, and, of course, skiing in Vermont .

You will always be a part of my childhood and thinking of you and those days, will forever bring a smile to my face. I am so thankful that I had the luxury of having you as a friend in my life.

Love always,

jessica radzvilla

January 7, 2002

Bart,
Your sources were right! Nevis is an amzaing spot. Jonathan and I thought of you and Claudia several times while we were at the FS. You would love it! Seems unfair that I cannot recount the details with you now. So many stories...Lazy days and Rock Starry nights! Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown were there and we closed down the bar with them on New Years Eve. At four in the morning Jonathan asked Whitney to sing me HBD and SHE DID!

I have spoken to Claudia a few times. She misses you terribly. I pray for her comfort and that you can somehow give her the strength she needs right now. We all had a good laugh when the acorn dropped out of the tree!
Miss you so much,
Lisa

Lisa Rahe Hough

December 28, 2001

Let the soul be assured that somewhere in the universe it should rejoin it's friend......and it would be content and cheerful alone for a thousand years.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

This is how I start my day. This is why I requested a calligraphy set for Christmas. I can put this quote in beautiful black ink in a beautiful frame. It's amazing how we find small ways to compensate for ..and make sense of a loss so deep. Bart was a champion. He was full of aspiration and he was determined. He was determined to make his life count,and in that quest he envigorated all the people he touched.
On September 8th ,Bart and Claudia came to my house for the weekend. At the end of the night I asked Bart if he had a nice day (I had dragged both of them to a block party).Bart was swinging barefoot in a hammock and said "I am the happiest guy in the world". The only thing that has made me smile since that hateful day is that memory. It is a tribute to Claudia, Bart's familiy, and his friends that he felt that way.
Although it is painful to honor his life when trying to overcome this grief....I hope we all can find solace in the fact that he was content. Who Bart loved...is what made him love... the world we live in. There is nothing to fear as long as we hold Bart and eachother close for the remainder of our lives

All my love to Bart, Claudia, Pat, Frank, Marie, Frank jr., Allison, Kathleen, Larry, Mark, and friends

Chrissy France

December 28, 2001

Hey Bart! I finally went to the LaSalle Beef-o-Rama you've been trying to get me to go to for the past 14 years. I wish you were there. You were always the one who knew who's who at school. I went to LaSalle for 4 years and you went for 2 but somehow you knew the names and history behind most of the students and administrators and I knew very few. Remember the 1st day back at school our senior year? On the entrance road, I drove my stationwagon on grass tearing it up and you followed in the brown hornet but you hit a small tree or bush and flipped your car blowing out 2 tires having huge sods of grass throughout the car. Tim Murphy and I had a hard time helping you flip the car upright because we couldn't stop laughing. Remember our trip to Canada after we graduated? That is still the best trip I've ever had. You, Taylor, Dave, Tim, Jerry, and myself had some fun times. When I look at the pictures I am filled with such happiness and sorrow but I try to be strong. You of all people knew the importance of being strong and understanding that we have family and friends that need us. Bart, as my friend I always thought we would grow old together and laugh at the fun times we had. Although you are not here in body, your presence fills me with happy thoughts, honor to be your friend, and drive to be not only successful in business but successful and happy in life. Thank you for being a great friend and I look forward to seeing you again someday.

Matt Quinn ( Locust Valley , NY )

December 11, 2001

Dear Bart,
Today is so hard. It has been 3 months since I saw your incredible smile, the sparkle in those beautiful brown eyes and since we said "I love you". Everyday it gets harder and the hole in my hart gets bigger. I need you to help me get through this, but instead I have to remember everything you taught me. How incredible life can be. How to love and appreciate family and friends. Not a second of the day goes by that I dont thank God for the 5 years I had with you. We lived more in 5 years then most people do I a lifetime. I was truly lucky.
Mi Amore

Claudia Ruggiere ( New York , NY )

December 7, 2001

Growing up I can recall teachers, parents and others saying to Bart "Why can't you be more like your older brother". I of course was always flattered by that remark. I'm sure Bart would just turn and flash that grin and nod. As I am forced to only have memories of my brother ,do to the rats that are hiding in caves, I begin to think of the times we got to spend together. Like bringing him to LaSalle for the first time. Taking him and his friends to the city for his brithday. Having him visit me in college for the weekend without Mom & Dad(did we have fun that weekend, thanks Mom & Dad!!!). Starting a business together and just trying to keep up with him on the ski slopes. Playing that round of golf with you, Dad and Mark. I know he hated the game, but loved the idea of the "Ruggiere Men " being together.
Family vactions on the boat and ski trips with the family and our second family the Fontana 's. How lucky and wonderful I feel to at least have had that.
I watched Bart grow up into a morally strong person who always told it to you straight. I'm sure his got that from Dad. I am so proud of the decisions Bart had made in his life. He accomplished so much in just a shot period of time and brought so much to our family, best of all his wife Claudia.
Having visited Ground Zero yesterday and today being Pearl Harbor Day I wonder what the history books will teach my two sons of September 11, 2001. I will always remind them of their Uncle and I look forward to seeing some of "Bart" in them, so that I may say "not too shabby". I have learned alot from you and I am proud to say I hope I can be more like you little brother.

Love always,
your brother Frank

November 26, 2001

There is no U2 song, no W.H. Audin poem, and no memory of a weekend in Vermont to help me overcome the feelings of grief I have. Bart is an amazing part of my life and I think about knowing him every day-start to finish. I want to do so much but right now I can only live each day knowing I lived like Bart-without regret. Find your way, Bart, and be at peace. I will catch up with you someday. Love, Melee...

Melee Jameson

November 22, 2001

Dear Bart,
As you know, as always at THANKSGIVING we always go around the table to say what we are thankful for. Of course we all gave thanks for having you in our lives for almost 33 years. We also said how much we have learned by you. You lived your life to the fullest. I came to realized that again a few days after sept.11th , when I was sitting in your apt. looking through your photo albums. Your life and travels with Claudia, were filled with exotic trips all over the world, The pictures were filled with such love for life and Claudia. It made me proud to know the man you become. Brian and I and Colby will miss your laughter and warmth. We love you Bart.

Donna Fontana-Chapman

November 1, 2001

Bart,
Trying to sum up 25 years of friendship is too overwhelming. Randomly, I will be gifted with a memory of you and it will make me laugh or smile in the middle of the day. I really admire and appreciate your love for all your friends. I know you would drop everything to be at our side when needed. Thanks. I pray for your peace and feel you are enjoying life in heaven. I dreamt you made tortelli soup up there & it was enjoyed by all.
Love
Lee Ann Bush

November 1, 2001

Bart,
You have certainly had a large impact in my life and the lives of so many. I am so happy to have had the opportunity to know you. Thank you for all of the wonderful times and memories that wouldn't have happened without you. You have certainly changed the way I will live my life. I hope you are happy and at peace.
Love, Jeannie

Genevieve Davy

October 31, 2001

Several years ago, I watched as one of my best freinds had to bury his father. At the service, I listened to the amazing testamonies of his father's friends. But specifically one who said you will only count your best friends on one hand, if you are lucky. A lesson I will never forget.
Bart was one of those friends for me, as I have come to realize he was for so many more. Bart was one of a kind, and the best kind. I will never be able to accept that when I go to NY he won't be there, for him to take me to a great new place he found, that he won't call me on the phone and tell me I am a freak, that I won't be able to go on another great vacation with him (that of course he orchestrated), and I will not be able to talk to him and know he understands like so very few do.
I am richer for having him in my life, and poorer for losing him. Bart, you will be forever missed and never forgotten.

George Jage

October 30, 2001

Bart -
Todd and I miss you more everyday. We pray you are happy and at peace. We are so glad we have so many great memories to look back on. You are alway in our thoughts! All my love, Peggy

Peggy Challe

October 12, 2001

The Road Not Taken
by R. Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other,as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh,I kept the first for another day
Yet knowing how way leads on to way I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Thanks for the difference you made in our lives.

Kathy Okkema

To leave your own message or to view all messages left for Bart J. Ruggiere Click here

All of us are deeply saddened by the events of September 11 and grieve for all the victims and their families. The unfathomable events themselves, the non-stop media coverage, the memorials that are now being held by the scores every day, the telethons and the shock of our losses have left us numb and still in disbelief.

And with all due respect to the 3000 other victims and heroic rescue workers who also lost their lives, today at this place and at this time, it is not about them. We're here for something even more near and dear, more painful, more real, more personal. We're here to mourn the loss of our beloved Bart Ruggiere. And what a tragic loss it is for us all. It was but a year and a half ago that many of us gathered for Bart & Claudia's fabulous, pull-out-all the stops wedding. A wedding whose theme was “zest for life”, a wedding whose song was entitled “The Best is Yet to Come”. And here we are, all stunned, shocked, wounded, saddened beyond words.

And for what…Bart was an innocent victim of misguided cold-blooded murderers. But even more agonizing that the crime of murder was the crime of robbery…We were robbed of a beautiful person, a true sparkling light in our lives, a loving and irreplaceable son, brother, husband, colleague, uncle, godfather, nephew, cousin, grandchild and, as the hundreds in attendance attest today, a precious and cherished friend.

Bart was a person that left big footprints, a straw that stirred the drink in so many ways, a “gatherer”, of people that is, as one of his dear friends referred to him. Bart, in his uniqueness and energy and passion for enjoying life and people, was a reference point for many of us…you know, “you should be more like Bart, Bart wouldn't worry about that, Bart sure knows how to have fun, or I don't know how Bart gets away with it, Bart always lands on his feet…Bart sure knows how to enjoy life”…and whether you were of similar make-up as Bart or were somewhat more grounded, you gravitated to Bart and his happy-go-lucky ways.

In the ultimate acknowledgement of Bart's individuality, he became his own adjective… things became “so Bart”! In between jobs and leasing a black Mercedes…so Bart. Eighty friends for a holiday party in a 700 square foot apartment…Bart. Seersucker suit and saddle shoes at your barbecue…totally Bart. It is because of Bart's extraordinary personality and social skills and lovable swagger and the many other traits that made one’s instinctive description of him… “Bart, he's a great guy”. These same traits already make his absence that much more conspicuous and painful. I was so counting on that reference point having a huge impact on my kids and Bart's other nieces and nephews, but they've been robbed of that now. And while we must and will go on, and while the departed are always missed, I fear that this hole in our hearts and our lives will never truly heal.

While it is not even worth trying to find any good that can come from this tragedy, we can honor Bart by reflecting on his essence and realizing that perhaps he was in many ways as smart as he was quite convinced he was. We all can take some inspiration from Bart, some lessons from Bart and his approach to life. There was a beautiful piece on the radio the other day. It was an open letter to the terrorists, hung amidst the hundreds and hundreds of missing person posters at one of the informal memorial sites downtown. It said, in part, “you hit the World Trade Center, but you missed America . You hit the Pentagon, but you missed America. For America isn't about a place, America is about an idea. We don't live in America, America lives in us.” And when I heard this, I thought, how true as well for Bart. They may have destroyed Bart's body, but they could never and will never kill Bart's spirit, the one that will live on forever in our hearts, and the one that will hopefully inspire us to consider the fun path, the path with some risk, a little adventure. Perhaps some of the following thoughts will provoke you into remembering just how profoundly Bart influenced those of us who were so lucky to have had the benefit of knowing him.

“What are you doin'?” Every phone call ever initiated by Bart began with this phrase “what are you doin'?” It was his calling card, of sorts. Nothin', Bart, what are you doin'? I'm still feeding the kids Bart, just like 45 minutes ago when you called. What are you doin'? I'm working…it's Tuesday at 11…What are you doin' Bart, and by the way, how the hell do you keep finding these jobs where you have this free time to call and ask what everybody's doin'??? Well, I'll tell you what Bart was really doin'….

He was working his way through that phone book of his, calling his family and forever strengthening those bonds. He was calling his amazing array of friends, friends from now, friends from before, friends of friends, friends from every job he ever held, friends from every school he ever went to, friends from everywhere he lived, friends from every walk of life. He was constantly touching all of them, communicating with them, sharing their lives, getting people together, making all of us feel important in his life. When Bart said “what are you doin'?” he really wanted to know. Bart was a center of gravity in many ways.

One of the many days sitting vigil with a dozen or so friends while Bart was missing, someone expressed utter amazement that Bart still kept in continual touch with so many people from his life that most of us would have long since moved on from…one of Bart's pals who was there was sort of stunned and perhaps hurt and said…“he does? I thought I was special”. And he was special to Bart. It's just that Bart had a lot of special people in his life and made us all feel that way.

“What are you doin'?” You know what Bart was doing?

He was making plans and living dreams, plans to ski in Switzerland, plans to explore Paris, plans for the Oktoberfest, plans for skiing in Colorado and in Tahoe, honeymoon plans in Bali and Malaysia . He was going out four or five nights a week to great pubs and trendy restaurants with buddies and couples. He was going to parties, having parties, and recovering from parties and all the while adding light and laughter and camaraderie to every occasion. He was building more goodwill and happy memories than many do in a hundred years.

“What are you doin'?” I can tell you what Bart was doin'.

Bart was planning his wardrobe, because Bart was a quintessential man of style…handsome and dapper and dressed to the nines wherever he went. Custom-made suits, exquisite accessories, red vests at the holidays. Mr. GQ. If you thought that Claudia's career in the men's luxury shoe business is a coincidence, you should read their pre-nuptial agreement. Bart's brother Frank, while rummaging through all the family photo archives laughed because he said that even he didn't realize what a fashionista Bart was…in almost ever picture at every age in every situation, Bart was wearing a tie…a Zegna tie, no doubt. But Bart knew why…he knew that life was special and precious and worth dressing well for.

“What are you doin'?” Bart was savoring life and not worrying about the consequences.

He loved New York City and all of its fabulous restaurants. Bart took a dyslexic approach to the food pyramid. Plenty of servings of fat juicy steaks, veal chops, a fine scotch, a vintage wine. And oh, fruits and vegetables, yeah yeah yeah…well, he talked about perhaps just once trying them one day, but I can report as of September 11, he hadn't.

“What are you doin'?” or perhaps in another Bart-ism…what are you thinkin'??

Bart was a man of strong opinions and clear convictions and he would be more than happy to share with you the errors in your thinking. He was well informed and on that basis he believed what he believed and acted on his beliefs. You could count on Bart to be principled and consistent. When he decided what he wanted to do, he just did it. A man unafraid of risk, Bart didn't need to know exactly how things would work out…he had faith in himself and faith in the future. And many would shake their head in disbelief or debate with themselves the seeming recklessness of something Bart might decide to do...Bart truly couldn't care less. Bart knew what was right for Bart, and this indomitable individuality and strength of conviction is one of the hallmarks of Bart and one of the things I loved and admired so much in him. Bart's song…My Way…and the lyrics are as custom-made as one of his suits. And those who understood could only say…“so very Bart”.

“What are you doin'?” What Bart was doin' was making love a centerpiece of his life.

Bart was sharing a beautiful and loving life with his new bride Claudia, his “principesa”. They were perfect partners in so many ways…they were thoroughly enjoying the magical romance of life that only true lovers can. Bart was always dropping in on his family, cooking up a gourmet meal in record time, and playing with and loving his nieces and nephews, his brothers and sister, his Mom and his Dad. Bart was being a true brother and the friend we all wish we had more of.

Mark so fondly observed that no matter what, Bart was always there for his siblings, always looking out for them. He recounted a childhood story in which he and Bart would fight like dogs on Dad's boat, and Dad, using the infinite wisdom that all Dads possess, selected the most guilty party and imprisoned them in solitary confinement below the decks in a small cabin and set the timer for some 20 minutes. Today of course, this is called child abuse, but then it was fine. If Mark were the detainee, Bart would sneak up and take 5 or 10 minutes off the timer so they could play together again that much sooner, or if Bart got busted by Dad, which was the more common case, he would be put by Dad into the same cabin as Mark which was Bart's objective after all, wasn't it?

Family and friends were high on Bart's priority list. He always made time for them. And we loved him for that. He was there.

“What are you doin'?” Know what Bart was doin'?

Bart was living. Living a life that had no room for regrets. That's the lesson of Bart. That's the spirit of Bart. That's the good that we can keep from this.

There's an inspirational story told to Jack Canfield by an 85-year old woman, entitled, “If I Had My Life To Live Over”. In it she shares such thoughts as “I'd dare to make more mistakes next time, I would take more chances, I would take more trips, I would eat more ice cream and less beans, I would travel lighter next time” and on and on. Too bad for her she didn't hang with Bart…If she were fortunate enough to have made it into his Rolodex, he would have straightened her out in a heartbeat. He would have long ago motivated her to stop whining. She'd be reminiscing about how much fun and love and adventure and crazy times she had in the life God gave her. Of course, she never would have made it to 85, but that is another matter.

A week ago at dinner Claudia said that in the five years they knew one another, “she and Bart lived more than most people do in a lifetime”. She said, “I can honestly say that Bart had no regrets”. No regrets. How true, how wonderful, how very Bart.

Well, how fitting that at the time Bart was taken from us, he was literally at the top of the world, one floor below a 5 star restaurant, and 105 floors above the city he loved and enjoyed the way it's meant to be enjoyed. So very Bart. Also fitting is that hundreds of loving friends and family have come to pay him tribute, to thank him for all he has meant to us. You just know that Bart's looking down, flashing that big Bart grin and proudly saying, “not too shabby”.

So, we bid a sad and far too soon farewell to a very special and beloved person, one who has truly exemplified a life well lived. And as we move forward, we can not only treasure our memories of Bart, but might all do well to carry the lessons and spirit of Bart in our hearts every day of our lives, which we are reminded ever so vividly again today, are so precious and fleeting.

“What are you doin'? indeed, brother Bart, indeed.”