Marisa Di Nardo Schorpp: December 31, 1962 – September 11, 2001
Marisa Di Nardo had celebrated her mother’s birthday at Windows on the World at the top of the World Trade
Center only a few hours before she and other employees at Cantor Fitzgerald were trapped on the floors above the crash site of American Airlines Flight 11.
Di Nardo, a commodities broker, was known to be determined, aggressive, and passionate about her work, having achieved success in a field traditionally dominated by men. She was also known for her outgoing and friendly demeanor and her religious devotion and faith. She kept a collection of small angel statues and gave and received angel art as gifts. She was also a friend to animals.
Di Nardo left behind her husband Jeff, mother Ester and father Pio, both of West Harrison, and brother Harley, of
Manhattan. Marisa grew up in West Harrison and attended Harrison High School, but White Plains was just on the other side of I-287 and considered home as well. That is where she eventually settled.
Ester has spoken often about the close relationship she had with her daughter. On the night of the birthday celebration, Ester says they had a wonderful time dancing and laughing. She commented to Marisa about the beautiful view from the restaurant and Marisa replied, “Mom I’ve got you on top of the world.” It was late, so
Ester suggested that Marisa remain home the following day. The party broke up during the wee hours of the morning, but true to her work ethic, Marisa was back in Tower 1 for an 8:30 a.m. meeting.
Ester says she tried to reach her daughter when she heard the news of the attack, but the phone call never went through. She was later told by a friend who had spoken with Marisa that morning that Marisa had cut the call short when she began having difficulty breathing because of smoke, saying she had to call to her mother. They never connected.
Ester has attended the many memorial ceremonies held at Ground Zero, the Rising in Valhalla, and at Liberty Park in White Plains. “My daughter was very friendly, and I know she liked to be with people and I am glad to do this, because not only do I want to remember but a lot of people want to remember, and I think it’s beautiful,” Ester says. “It’s been ten years but to me, it’s like it was yesterday. It’s in my mind and my heart every day. I feel like she’s always around.”
Ester Di Nardo has been featured in a BBC newsmagazine as one of six stories associated with personal belongings of September 11 victims that were found in the debris after the attack. Ester was given possession of the handbag Marisa carried to work that day. She had kept it in her closet, but has donated it to the National Memorial in New York City so that others may remember as well.
-By Pat Casey
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.