Memories of Matthew J. Grzymalski

Matt: Life of the party but never too busy for family

My brother Matt, was the fifth of six children in our family. Matthew had a great personality, was always the life of the party and everyone wanted to be around him. He had a wonderful group of friends that he would spend time with in the Quogue.

He took part in the Montauk triathalon and loved the St. Patty's Day parade out there too. He was a big New York Giants fan, having tailgate parties at the stadium, often not even using his ticket to go into the game, wanting to "hangout" with those who did not have one. Never far from his thoughts were his nieces and nephews.

After the birth of my first child, Thomas, I would spend evenings at my parents' home, while my husband, a NYC firefighter was working evenings. My brother still lived at home for part of this time. I have wonderful memories of my son "playing" with my brothers, Matthew, Paul and Joseph. They played wiffle ball in the backyard and in the winter would make "forts" with blocks and little plastic green army men, alongside my dad, Joseph. I wonder who had the most fun. He loved going to their soccer games. I remember him playing in the playground with my two year old daughter, Kelly, so I could watch my son play soccer and "T" ball.

When I went into labor with my son, his godchild, James, Matt babysat for Thomas while I was at the hospital. My brother, Matthew, 34, met his girlfriend, Kaleen Pezzuti of Fairhaven, N.J., at Cantor Fitzgerald, where they both worked on the 105th floor of the North Tower. He was so happy in his relationship with her. When he and Kaleen became involved, our family was so happy for them. During the summer of 2001, they were so happy alternating their weekends between Quogue and the Jersey Shore. Kaleen and Matt had enjoyed that last summer immensely, also going to see "The Producers" when it had just opened and drinking wine in Central Park on a blanket, while listening to live music.

The last time I heard Matthew's voice was September 10th. He left a message at my home to see how my daughter, Kelly's first day of nursery school was. He was never too busy for his family. My sister, JoAnn, and I looked foward to having another sister in Kaleen. We are certain that marriage was in their future, just as certain as we are that they are in heaven together looking out for us.

Patti Valerio, West Hempstead