09/04/2026
Thomas G. Crotty, 42 years old, South Tower 104th floor
Thomas G. Crotty was born on June 5, 1959 to Patricia and Thomas Crotty Sr. in Brooklyn, NY. He was the oldest of four sons, with three younger brothers, James, John, and Kenneth. He grew up in Merrick, NY, and lived in Rockville Centre, NY, in adulthood. Thomas attended and graduated from Maria Regina High School in 1977 and Marist College in 1981. He played basketball in high school and through all four years of college. Thomas had always loved the ocean and water. It was where he met his sweetheart, Joanne, who he married in October of 1985. When they had two daughters together, Catherine, age 6, and Caroline, age 2 (at the time of Thomas’s passing), Thomas loved taking them to the Atlantic Beach Club. They spent many hours there, swimming in the pool and relaxing by the ocean. Thomas also loved tennis, biking, kayaking, and running. He regularly participated in marathons and was scheduled to participate in a triathlon the weekend after September 11th. Thomas had a great amount of energy and was always active in a variety of activities. His family joked that he planned his day in 30-second intervals. He was also very giving to others, having donated blood and platelets to a client who had leukemia, and picked up a sandwich to give to a homeless man. Thomas was described by his friends and family as fun, friendly, kind, and energetic.
Thomas worked as a managing partner and director for Sandler O’Neil & Partners on the 104th floor of the World Trade Center’s South Tower. He had worked for the firm for seven years and was known to always appreciate all his clients, making him a very well-liked and personable investor. On the morning of September 11, 2001, Thomas was working on the 104th floor of the South Tower when Flight 175 struck the building. He unfortunately never made it out of the building, and his life was taken that day. Thomas’s life, love, accomplishments, and memories will always be remembered and never forgotten. His giving and energetic spirit and legacy will live on forever.