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In Remembrance
Age:
41
Place of Residence:
Plainview, NY
Location on 9/11:
One WTC
Occupation:
Cantor Fitzgerald | Controller
Reflections:
The New York Times Portraits of Grief
Adam Kevin Ruhalter 9/11 Scholarship
Hobbies and Special Interests:
Drummer
bowler
baseball
paintball
ZBT fraternity at Hofstra
Biography:

Adam Ruhalter wore symbols of the things he cared about on a chain around his neck.

There was a small mezuza case for his Jewish heritage. A miniature drumstick for his love of music. An F for Fern, his wife. Pictures of his children, Danica and Ethan. And an eagle for strength.

The necklace was not long enough to hold pictures of all of the children in Plainview, N.Y., but they belonged on it. Their parents remember Mr. Ruhalter from Saturday morning soccer matches, running from one sideline to the other to cheer on both teams.

Even if they were losing, Mr. Ruhalter would yell, "You're doing a great job! You guys are outstanding! What a great game!" said Arnie Price, a friend.

Mr. Ruhalter, 41, had given up dreams of playing the drums professionally and made a career in finance at his wife's request, as a controller at Cantor Fitzgerald. But he found ways to be a wild man, at parties and on the sporting fields.

"He died with very valuable things, valuable things in terms of his life," his wife said. "He had his children around his neck."