In memory of:

Frederick J. Hoffmann
1948 - 2001

Frederick J. Hoffman was a partner in the investment bank of Cantor Fitzgerald; L. P. Cantor Fitzgerald's offices occupied Floors 101 - 105 of One World Trade Center. Mr. Hoffman was one of the 658 Cantor Fitzgerald employees who perished on 9/11. Mr. Hoffmann's daughter Michelle, who worked as a broker's assistant for CF died with him. He is survived by his wife Gail.

Important details about Mr. Hoffmann's life and character can be seen in the details of his life which are revealed on the various 9/11 tribute sites. For one thing to have reached the status of partner in a firm like Cantor Fitzgerald indicates a man of great intelligence. CF specialized in bond trading and handled about one forth of the daily transactions in the US treasuries market. To reach this level he had to have been a dedicated and hard working man.

Yet to have been the kind of man who would inspire his daughter to not only follow in his footsteps, but to work in the same office with him, gives us important information about the quality of his family life.

One comment left on a tribute site was from an employee of a restaurant frequented by Mr. Hoffmann and other employees of CF. The commenter speaks of what a warm and friendly man he was. He was referred to by others as a treasured mentor. Others speak of their assurance that he is in heaven watching over his widow and surviving friends.

Mr. Hoffmann was not a soldier, sailor, airman or Marine. He did not carry a weapon and stand watch on the walls, but he served his country. He showed up for work every day and rode an elevator a quarter of a mile into the sky and assumed his place as a driving force in the engine of economic growth which powers American prosperity.

The society of freedom and opportunity which our military guards with their lives is created and maintained in large measure by people like Frederick Hoffmann. He did not deserve to die, but he does deserve to be remembered with respect.