Mike LaForte
Michael Patrick LaForte, Syracuse ’84
Brother LaForte, 39, of Holmdel, NJ, a Vice President at Cantor Fitzgerald, died on September 11 at the World Trade Center.
“I can’t believe a plane just hit the building,” Mike said to his wife, who he called from the 105th floor of the World Trade Center’s North Tower. “Tell the kids I love them and I’ll talk to you soon.”
LaForte didn’t mention his life insurance policy, or that he was sure glad he spent extra weekends working on the stock portfolio. He didn’t take his last moments to mention what kind of car he drove, or his last promotion at work. Only his friends knew what mattered to him in life, but we know what he cared about when facing death.
Competitive and Gentle
Michael P. LaForte had an algebra grade on the cusp of C and B at Glen Ridge High School in New Jersey two decades ago. The teacher, who was also his golf coach, gave him a C. He was upset, but days later they were out together on the course again. Competitive yet easygoing: he always seemed to find the right balance.
Mr. LaForte’s competitive spirit came out at Syracuse University, where he graduated in 1984; in his five years as a Marine Corps artillery officer; in a dozen years as a broker at Cantor Fitzgerald; and in his tenacious golf game.
His gentle, easygoing side was more apparent in his relationships with his deaf parents, Samuel and Nancy, who raised him with sign language, and his wife, Frances, and children, Andrea, 5, and Raymond, 4, who often went fishing with him on weekends.
Mr. LaForte turned 39 on Sept. 11. He usually took off on his birthday, but this year was at his desk on the 105th floor of the north tower. He had planned to leave early for Holmdel, N.J., and spend the evening with his children and pregnant wife. His third child, a son born on Nov. 14, was named Michael Patrick LaForte Jr.
November 27, 2001 New York Times
