The morning of September 11, 2001 Mr. DiPilato, 57, was last seen in an elevator around the 30th floor in the South Tower. He was an electrician working for Petrocelli Electric that day. I did not know Mr. DiPilato, but like so many people that day, he and his family became part of my family.

Everything I have been able to find and read about Mr. DiPilato says he cherished family. I can only assume his love of family was born from his love of Italian tradition. He met his wife Maria growing up in Little Italy. They had two sons, Leo and Joseph. I am sure they miss him deeply.

He also loved gardening, specifically the chrysanthemums that lined the front of his house. One of his neighbors noted he kept his backyard looking like a resort. I can imagine he and his sons, when they were young, in the yard digging in the dirt and getting dirty with their Dad like little boys love to do. Perhaps his sons will pass that love and skill onto their children.

Clearly, Mr. DiPilato loved to work with his hands; to build and form earth and materials into both form (gardening) and function (electricity). Thank you, Sir, for your family who have shared you generously, for the flowers and gardens that brought your neighbor Mrs. Buono so much joy, and for your many years of selfless hard work. May you never be forgotten, and may your legacy live on through your family for many many generations.