Huntington Remembers Alumni Lost
on 9/11
America will always remember September 11, 2001. It’s a date that is permanently etched into the country’s memory for the shocking loss of life that occurred that morning and for the many acts of heroism displayed by those responding to the terrorist attacks that shook countries across the world.
Americans who lived through 9/11 will never forget the senseless destruction of life and property and the remarkable courage shown at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and on United Airlines Flight 93, a hijacked plane that fell from the sky and crashed in an open field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
The degree of death and devastation and the utter chaos caused by the 19 terrorists that hijacked four airplanes that infamous morning continues to haunt those who take the time to reflect on it. Nearly 3,000 innocent Americans lost their lives that dark day. Many hearts were pierced, never to be healed despite the passage of 13 years.
The Huntington school community is still saddened by the loss of its six alumni who were killed at the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan and with the death of former Huntington students who attended elementary school in the district before enrolling at other Long Island high schools to complete their scholastic education.
Several district employees also lost loved ones that terrifying September morning, including a husband, brother and the daughter of a retired teacher. Dozens of community residents were killed in the attacks, too. Many worked for financial service firms based in WTC Towers I and II while others were members of New York City’s uniformed emergency services.
“Most adults remember exactly where they were on the fateful morning of September 11, 2001,” Huntington Superintendent James W. Polansky said. “The events of that day are indelibly etched in our minds. It is important for us to help the next generation continue honoring the fallen and those who continue to serve our country and communities, as well as to recognize the brave and heroic acts performed by so many on that day which represent the true character and resolve of the American people.”
Huntington High School’s lost alumni included Susan Clyne-Dietrich (1977), Dennis Edwards (1984), Michelle Titolo (1985), Michael Desmond McCarthy (1986), Judson Cavalier (1993) and Joe Anchundia (1993). The graduates left behind devastated families and friends who will never recover from their loss.
Ms. Clyne-Dietrich, a graduate of C.W. Post and Touro Law School never entered a courtroom because she fell in love with computers. She worked on the 96th floor of the Tower One as senior vice-president of Marsh & McLennan, the largest insurance company in the world. The Huntington grad oversaw global software design for the firm. A married mother of three, she lived in Lindenhurst.
Mr. Edwards, 35, was a partner with bond giant Cantor Fitzgerald, working at the top of the World Trade Center. He resided in Huntington after marrying his high school sweetheart, Patti, and was the father of a 2½ year old daughter. During the 1993 bombing of the WTC he carried a pregnant woman down 80 flights of stairs, saving her life.
Following graduation from Huntington High School, Ms. Titolo went on to earn a degree in finance from St. John’s University and later obtained a MBA. She was working as an equity controller for Cantor Fitzgerald on the 101st floor of One World Trade Center when she was killed in the terrorist attack. The 34 year old and had just moved into a new home in Copiague.
Mr. McCarthy, who turned 33 years old on September 8, 2001, was an assistant vice-president at Carr Futures, specializing in the London Stock Exchange. On September 19-11, he worked the overnight shift, 2 a.m.-10 a.m., and was due to leave the World Trade Center shortly after the time the terrorists struck. The firm was located on the 92nd floor of Tower One, two floors below the impact zone of the plane. All 68 people on the floor, including Mr. McCarthy, survived the initial explosion, but a searing inferno that spread to the west side of the floor prevented anyone from escaping alive.
Following Mr. McCarthy’s death, his family created a scholarship at Huntington High School, presenting several awards in his memory. He is buried in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Huntington.
Mr. Anchundia, who graduated from Longwood College and Mr. Cavalier, a University of New Hampshire alumnus, worked at Sandler O’Neill & Partners near the furthest reaches of the WTC. The pair had been best friends since attending Flower Hill Elementary School together. They were both 26 years old and beginning the climb the corporate ladder with the investment banking firm. On September 11, the duo was once again together, working on the 104th floor of Tower Two when terrorists deliberately flew a plane into the building.
Over the years, Huntington School District schools have observed the events of 9/11 in their own special way, ranging from building-wide moments of silence, poignant poetry readings and gut-wrenching written testimonials to group reflections, musical tributes and gatherings of students, faculty and support staff members.
The principals of each of the district’s eight schools annually take to the airwaves via their public address systems to speak about the significance of the day in America’s long history, Teachers help put the events into perspective for those took young to remember and others who were not yet born when the attacks occurred.