Empty Sky: NJ State 9/11 Memorial
Conseleya 9/11 Memorial
Dewitt 9/11 Memorial
Montclair State University 9/11 Memorial
East Newark 9/11 Memorial
Fair Haven 9/11 Memorial
Freehold Township 9/11 Living Memorial Tree Grove
Crescent Beach Park - Flagpole/Memorial for 9/11 Victims
Garrison Elementary School American Patriot Garden
Though Joseph Vilardo was a successful stock trader, his greatest joys came outside of work, spending time with his family.
A senior vice president for Cantor Fitzgerald Securities, Mr. Vilardo, 42, of Stanhope, was working on the 104th floor of One World Trade Center when a hijacked jetliner hit the building Sept. 11.
Just a day earlier, Mr. Vilardo proudly called his parents in Barnegat to tell them their grandson, Matthew, had hit a home run Sunday, recalled Mr. Vilardo's mother, Ann Vilardo.
A coach of his son's Little League team, Mr. Vilardo also was an outdoor enthusiast and avid skier, who enjoyed taking his children on skiing trips.
"He was always with his kids. Whatever they did, he was there with them," said Mr. Vilardo's lifelong friend, Joseph Cook.
Mr. Vilardo grew up in North Arlington, and lived in Byram and Rutherford before moving to Stanhope.
His skiing hobby dated to a grade-school trip to the Alps. He returned home with a love for the slopes as well as a keepsake gift for his mother, a Swiss crystal centerpiece dish.
"He brought me home the most beautiful piece of crystal. I said, 'How did you bring it home?' He said, 'I wrapped it in a towel,' " Ann Vilardo recalled.
Mr. Vilardo also enjoyed hiking and walking his dogs, as well as playing golf and guitar.
His interest in business was sparked in a class about the stock market at North Arlington High School, from which he graduated in 1977, Cook said.
"He became great with it," Cook said. "He worked his way up and became very successful."
Having worked for Cantor Fitzgerald for about the past nine years, Mr. Vilardo was promoted to senior vice president of Canadian trading a few years ago. It was a prestigious position trumpeted by the company in large newspaper ads.
Mr. Vilardo is survived by his wife, Patricia; a daughter, Nicole, and a son, Matthew, all of Stanhope. Also surviving are his parents, Barry and Ann Vilardo of Barnegat, and three sisters, Diane Braitsch of Hasbrouck Heights, Margaret Mahon of Lanoka Harbor and Janet Vilardo of Lyndhurst.
Profile by Jim Lockwood published in THE STAR-LEDGER
Mr. Joseph B. Villardo
I recently read a beautiful profile of Joe Villardo of Stanhope, New Jersey. Joe and I used to Coach little league baseball together as our sons played on the same team. Joe enjoyed teaching and watching his son grow. Joe would take the train to and from work in Manhattan sometimes being a little late for practice. He was a dedicated man. We eventually made it to Williamsport to compete in the Little League World Series.
A humorous story about the family dog. A Newfoundland. A very large dog. As Joe lived close by the baseball field and frequently walked his dog there, occasionally, the dog would get loose. Leave his property and run to the field and be mistaken for a black bear. The dog was looking for Joe and his son.
On Joe's days off we would sometimes play golf. He was very competitive. I dearly miss Joe. His wit, humor, leadership, but, mostly his company. I often shed a tear thinking about him. Especially, around September 11. I believe he is with angel's watching over his family and proud of how they have grown.
Rest in peace my friend.
Posted by Frederick Mills
Add new Guest Book entry