Memories of Gilbert Granados
Friend: The lunch that never was
I only recently read the July 4 Newsday article on Kathleen's remembrances of Gil. It was a pleasure reading it. My husband, also a Kings Point Merchant Marine graduate, brought it to my attention. I worked with Gil at AON. I left AON in March 2001, 5 1/2 months prior to 9-11. However, Gil and I kept in touch having lunch from time to time. Gil and I were scheduled to have lunch that day on 9-11. Unfortunately, it would never come to be.
I think of Gil often and I was one of the many recipients of his wonderful tomatoes from his garden. Reading the article brought back so many wonderful memories of Gil. The details are sketchy, but I believe I made contact with Gil's wife shortly after the memorial service at Kings Points which my husband, Joe Poliseno, and I attended.
I'm glad to hear that Kathleen is doing well and wish that for her mother and sister as well.
Ayshe Murat, Queens
Today and always I will remember Gilbert Granados, who perished in the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center.
I was at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy during 1971 to 1975, and was a classmate of Gilbert's. During that time we could see the daily progress of construction on one of the towers of the WTC, 12 miles away on the city skyline. An imposing tower rose skyward, a grand symbol of the tireless enterprise of American workers.
Kings Point was a very small school, in which the cadets knew each and every one of their classmates. I doubt if Gilbert realized at that time that he would someday be working in one of those buildings. At that time we concentrated our efforts on getting through the Academy, and someday realizing the dreams that most Americans hold dear: Education, family, a good job, service.
The fact that Gilbert married and started a family soon after graduation was a reflection of his priorities, at a time when men were expected to put their careers first. His career flourished later.
May he rest in peace.
Michael Spence, Ketchikan, Alaska
