Memories of William Spitz

Daughters honored to call him dad

William Edward Spitz was my mentor, cohort, and best friend. He could light up a room with his smile and his piercing blue eyes could penetrate your heart. I know these things first hand because both my sister and I had the great honor of calling this man our father. I was only 18 when 9/11 happened. Yet, in those 18 years he managed to teach me about life and how to live it.

As a side note, he also taught me how to be a humbled New York Mets fan (thanks Dad!). Whether he was gardening, watching the game, or taking a jog, my father never forgot where he came from. He was a proud, strong, and kind man who would do anything for his children. His gentle soul and warm hugs are with me in every moment.

There is no way to really know what happened on the 104th floor of the South tower that day. But, I have rested a little easier for the better part of a decade with the thought that our dad was trying his best to keep people calm, safe, and pain free. I say these things with certainty because these are all the things he did for Lauren and myself as a parent.

There is not a day that goes by where we do not think of him and my heart breaks at the thought of living the rest of my life without him. With that being said, I know that he was meant to go so that we could be where we are in our lives at this very moment. Thank you dad, thank you for teaching us that happiness and love are the most important parts of life. Thank you for never giving up on us. Thank you for being the amazingly gracious man that you were and will always be to us.

Pamela Spitz, Brooklyn

Friend remembers the delicious Thanksgiving feasts

I had the pleasure to know Will Spitz for over 10 years and thought he was a great person all around. My fondest memories of Will are his delicious Thanksgiving Day feasts at the home of Will and my Aunt Susan.

Eric Pitagorsky, New York City