i remember Giann F. Gamboa

as a part of the 2,996 project, i remember and honor Giann F. Gamboa.

as a manager at the windows on the world restaurant atop the north tower of the world trade center, giann was among 73 employees who died in the collapse of the tower.

here is giann's story from a profile in the new york times dated october 3, 2001.

Just about everything Giann Gamboa needed in his life he found at Iglesia Nueva Vida, his church in Corona, Queens. There he found his girlfriend, hundreds of pals, a weekend soccer team and a spiritual life. As often as he could, he tried to bridge his professional life, as a manager of the Top of the World Cafe, with his religious life, sometimes offering a word of prayer to a troubled colleague or an invitation to join the church's daily 6 a.m. prayer service.

Friends at church still talk about how Mr. Gamboa, 26, arranged for 70 children from the church to visit and pray atop the World Trade Center a few months ago. "He loved being a Christian and sharing his faith with people," said Fernando Montoya, his best friend.

The last time anyone saw Mr. Gamboa, he was on the 78th floor about to squeeze into a crowded elevator as the building was being evacuated. But he offered his spot instead to a young woman on his staff who was crying and anxious to flee. "I'll just take the next one," he told a friend, as the elevator doors shut.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

giann was one of the countless heroes that terrible day - thinking of someone more frightened and more fragile than himself when he gave his employee his spot in the elevator.

here are some comments about giann that were left in internet guestbooks in the months and years following 9/11/2001.

Giann,
You were a great co-worker with a heart of gold. One significant thing I remember about you was your (Smile) For his smile could brighten up anyone's day. May God continue to watch over your soul for eternalty

TERRY EDWARDS (

Queens

,

NY

)

How I miss you Giann. You took my spot to manage that Observation Deck and you learned the ropes. I always remember your battle cry (Uhyuuhhuhh!!!) echo through the core from the 107 to the 110 floors. We spent alot of time together, and we had plans to open the best eating place in NY. You will always remain the strong, kind and wonderful person that I will always remember. We helped each other many times, even that last Friday. If you did get to

Ecuador

that week, I bet you would have been made El Presidente!! God keep you. I miss you, hermano.

Tony

Giann worked for me when I was GM of the Observation Deck. He was the best. He was both a hard worker and a really nice and kind person. When ever things got tense, he would tell me "Rich, relax". I try to imagine him telling me that know as I worry that he is ok.
He did not really get into religion until after I left to become a theology teacher. We had a great relationship, but I wish we could have had some talks about what became his passion.
I have two sons, and I would be honored if they turned out like Giann.

I miss him so much.

Rich Costa

here are some of giann's church friends, desperate to find word on their missing friend.

Jenny Mosquera, Claudia Marmolejo and Margerie Cuartas hold a picture of their friend and church member Giann Gamboa who worked at Windows on the World Restaurant on the 107th floor and is now missing.

(Newsday / Bruce Gilbert)

Copyright © 2006, Newsday, Inc.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

i couldn't find a lot of information on giann. i was able to glean that he was probably born in equador, south america. i imagine that he was an immigrant to this country, full of homes and dreams of a better life.  with his job, his friends and girlfriend, and his church, it sounds as though he had found that.

giann gamboa was only 26 years old on that day in september. his dreams were only beginning to come true. it make me so angry that his life was extiguished in such a terrible way.

from the ashes of the wtc and windows on the world come a glimmer of hope. proof that life does go on - proof that lower manhattan is still alive and that they will never forget those who were lost. the surviving employees of the windows on the world who, by fate or luck or chance, were not at work that crisp morning, have opened a co-operative restaurant called colors. you can read about the genesis of the restaurant here.

i am so sorry that this happened to you, giann. i honor you and the others who died on 9/11. you may not have been known by many, but i will never, ever forget you.

Comments

[karen]

I've got stuff up too...

I have a very dear friend who lost a loved one--happened to also work in the restaurant.

It's going to be a hard day.

[pet campbell]

Thank you for this tribute..
Yes I am afraid it will be a day of tears for all too many...

[Annmarie aka Mickey]

Thank you, that was a beautiful tribute!

[Imbi]

Well, maybe you didn't have much information, you sure gave him a face and gave me a feel that he was an interesting person.

Thank you.

[Lizz]

Thank you, Laura. This is beautiful.

[Becky]

Thank you for coming by and paying tribute to Scott Davidson. I, too, had difficulty finding a lot of information about my tribute. But, for Giann, his last known act says it all.

[kkt]

wonderful tribute laura. what an amazing man. that restaurant sounds wonderful.

[Shanna]

So many emotions to deal with today. Thanks Laura!

[Kerry]

That is a very nice tribute Laura. Along with everybody else from that day, I also have a name that I will never forget. Such a sad day.

[lisa]

laura--such a sad day. truly one of those moments that you will never forget!

[Beth]

Thanks, Laura, for sharing Giann with us.

[Qwendy]

Hooray.. I found your blog again!! I miss you girly.. I've been MIA from the world hiding at the beach for a bit!!

WOnderful tribute.

[Jamie]

Laura,
That was a wonderful tribute. Where have I been? I didn't even know about this Project 2996. I am not suprised that you are part of it though. Thanks for sharing this w/ us.