Paul Ortiz, Jr. was 21 years old and from New York, NY.
On September 11, 2001, Paul had been on the top floor in the North Tower of the World Trade Center, setting up monitors and computers for a convention at the Windows on the World restaurant.
Moments after American Airlines Flight 11 hit the tower, Paul called his father to say he was fine.
Paul Ortiz, Sr. remembers the conversation. "He asked, 'Dad, did you hear what happened? A plane hit the World Trade Center'. And I said, 'how do you know?' "Because I'm here,' he said." Ortiz Sr. said his son told him not to worry, that firefighters were on their way. That was the last time they spoke. "I was sure he had managed to get out. We waited, waited and waited, and we never saw him again. I now understand that he never had a chance," he said.
Paul's body was never identified.
Paul was devoted to his wife, Star, and their infant daughter, Rebecca.
"Hi. As you may know, I was once married to this wonderful man. He sure was a gift from god. I can't explain to everyone of you how much this man meant to me. He is my world and my love. Even though i've moved on, he still remains in my heart. It's like that saying, "You never know what you have till you've lost it." Star (Paul's wife)
Paul will forever by in our minds and hearts. We know that we will see him again soon.
ReplyDeleteBy that evening, my entire street was covered with photos of missing people. I looked at those posters and read so many of them. One stood out, it was a young guy, 21 years old and the photo on the poster was of him and his daughter. I thought to myself, he was doing the right thing working at Windows of the World and look what happened to him. His name was Paul Ortiz. Later that night I saw his family on the news and I thought what were the chances of all those posters I would see his. Every year I wait to hear his name called. Maybe he's my guardian angel!
ReplyDeleteToday our city's memorail building had a blood drive to give blood and at same time to honor those that were killed on 9/11. They had all donors wear a name tag that showed we gave a pint of blood in remebrance of a 9/11 victim and i got Paul Ortiz Jr. All day I have had a heavy heart and praying not just for Paul's loved ones but for all of those that were killed. God Bless
ReplyDeleteI worked with Paul. I was supposed to be in the conference with him at 8:00am but I broke my left foot by the grace of G-d and I never forget. Everyday is as if it were that day and I'm so so sorry that it's been 15 years and I'm only telling this story now. I knew Paul well and he was an amazing person with an amazing family and I'm already crying again while typing this out. His face will never leave my memory. I hope someone reads this and that it reaches you well. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family everyday of my life.
ReplyDeleteHi can you please email me star. Starortiz23@aol.com
DeleteI broke the foot at 2am just 6 hours before meeting him for breakfast. I kiss my foot everyday and then cry thinking of Paul.
ReplyDeleteI knew Paul & his parents we would have bible study in our apartment in manhattan. His dad Paul Sr. directed the study Thursday nights. Paul Jr. was always a great young kid when we had our studies always attentive & very well mannered. I used to always greet him with a handshake & a hug. I hope to see him again one day he was truly an angel.
ReplyDeleteWent to Brooklyn Tech with Paul. Just visited the memorial for the first time this past weekend. Hardest thing still to see his photo on that wall. RIP Paulie. Time don't matter...gone never forgotten!
ReplyDeleteI love our video on jw.org about Paulie jr. I just watched the memorial a little bit on TV and did a little video when they announced his name and showed his picture. Every year I think about his parents and what they must have went through and my hearts and prayers go out to them! I know they must miss her son but we will see him again in Paradise for sure! Jehovah Our God promises in the Bible Revelation 21 verse 3 and 4 and he is going to wipe away all of our tears and we are going to see Paulie Jr. again and millions more of that has falling asleep in death.
ReplyDeleteAnd at John 5: 28,29 It assures us we will see everyone again. I look forward to meeting Paulie Jr. And give welcoming him back with a tight hug! www.jw.org
I remember Paulie and his parents from working together at the District Conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses. His death made the tragedy 9/11 very real to my wife and I. We look forward to the time that Paulie looked forward to, the time when He will hear Jesus’s voice to wake up in the resurrection (John 5:28, 29). I hope Star and Rebecca will be united with him in the Paradise.
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