Tuesday, August 15, 2023

A Tree and Its Roots

 
Stanhope, New Jersey September 11 2001 Memorial 
Photo Credit:  Vera Olinski 


Joseph B. Vilardo was a Senior Vice-President at Cantor Fitzgerald Securities.  On the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, he was in his office on the 104th floor of the North Tower when American Airlines Flight 11 was flown into it by the murderous cowards who hijacked it.  

He was only forty-two years old when he was killed.  He and his wife, Patricia, lived in Stanhope, New Jersey with their children, Nicole and Matthew.  He was an avid skier, Matthew's Little League coach and hiker who loved playing his guitar and spending time with his family.  He spent what turned out to be the final night of his life doing something with Matthew that the two had never before done together:  They went up the street to Lenape Valley High School's track and went for a run.   

Matt Vilardo credits running with saving his life.  He has paid it forward.  He owns and operates Root Runners in Sparta, New Jersey.   "Root" is an acronym for "Running Over Our Troubles", which is a mantra he applies to his own life.  As should we all. 


-AK  

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