Ramsey Remembers 9/11

As the Ramsey Wind Symphony played softly patriotic songs, crowds gathered in the far corner of Finch Park behind the Borough's 9/11 memorial to take of moment out of their day to remember all those who sacrificed their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. 

Three Ramsey residents, Donald Gregory, Jon Vandevander and Gregory Wachtler, lost their lives on that fateful morning twelve years ago. 


Donald Gregory, vice president at Cantor Fitzgerald Securities, was 62 at the time of the attacks. He was survived by his wife, Maureen, and children, Amanda, 19, Sarah, 18, and James, 14.  

In Oct. 2001, Gregory's wife, Maureen, told the New York Times, "He was a man of quiet faith," she said. "Of kindness, love and generosity of spirit. He loved his children and me very, very much. He championed each of his children in whatever they did. He was the love of my life, and I'll love him till the 12th of never."  

Jon Vandevander lived in Ridgewood, but grew up in Ramsey. Vandevander, a trader with Carr Futures, was 44 at the time of the attacks. He was survived by his wife Anne and their three children. 

Raised in Ramsey, Gregory Wachtler, a research associate with Fred Alger Management, was 25 at the time of the attacks. He was the only son of Paul and Nassima Wachtler. 

Mayor Chris Botta and others paid tribute to those who perished on 9/11. Lining the perimeter of the service were members of the Ramsey Volunteer Fire Department in their dress blues, along with members of the Ramsey Police Department. 

The Gregory and Vandevander families were present to light candles in memory of Donald, Jon and Gregory. Officials said that the Wachtler family was attending another memorial for their son that was also being held in his memory.