Peter Paul Apollo was only 26 years old on that fateful day of September 11, 2001 when terrorists flew an airplane into the World Trade Center where he worked as a securities trader for Cantor Fitzgerald on the 104th floor of Tower One.
Peter was born September 23, 1974 in Tinton Falls, NJ, the only son of Peter Apollo Jr and his wife Cecile. He graduated high school at the Red Bank Catholic High School where he was on the football team and also graduated at the University of North Carolina, class of 96 with a degree of Bachelor of Science In Business Administration, Marketing and Management. His Pi Kappa Phi fraternity brothers described him as a positive, caring, and sincere person who was always willing to lend a hand when needed and he always wanted to help them make good choices.
Peter is also survived by two sisters, Lisa and Denise, who he cherished very much.
He loved the beach, skiing, fishing, and sports. He made the football team in high school but was too small to play and only got a few chances on the field but he showed up to every practice and every game. He told his mother "You have to think big and dream big" and he did. That dedication followed him into his career at Cantor Fitzgerald where he was known as the first to show up in the morning and the last to leave in the evening, even having his lunches at his desk.
Peter was engaged to be married in November of 2001 to his fiance Debbie Johnson and they planned to buy a house in Colts Neck and start a family. My heart goes out to her and the rest of his family as I can't imagine losing the love of my life. To have to wonder what if every single day. This brings tears to my eyes as I write this tribute.
They say Peter was huddled in a corner with fellow employees on the 104th floor of Tower One, trapped as smoke billowed up the stairway and there was no escape. They say the voices stopped before the tower ever collapsed and I hope that's true.
It is my hope that these lives were not lost in vain as we try, every year, over and over to come to terms with this tragedy that has affected all of us, America and the rest of the world.
There is a scholarship fund set up in his name at the Red Bank Catholic High School in NJ that helps with college tuition for one football player every year.
Red Bank Catholic High School
RBC Peter Apollo Scholarship Fund
Attn: Gail Casey Slevin
Director of Alumni
112 Broad St.
Red Bank, NJ 07701-1706
Father we entrust our brother Peter to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Father Michael Lezzi
I pray for peace and love for all. Never forget 9/11.
This tribute has been written as part of the 2996 Project at
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