For 37-year-old Jeffrey Patrick Walz, the best things in life were simple: A bike ride to work. A trip to the Bronx Zoo with his son. Watching a Giants game with his brother. Spending time with his wife.
In the midst of a successful career in engineering, Mr. Walz made a decision to follow in his father's footsteps nine years ago, when he became a firefighter with Ladder 9 in the East Village.
His retiree firefighter father worked in both Manhattan and Staten Island. On the morning of Sept. 11, Ladder 9 went to the World Trade Center shortly after the terrorist attack. A number of his fellow firefighters were able to get out of Tower 1 before it collapsed, but Mr. Walz is one of several men in his unit who are still missing.
Known to his family as a "gentle giant," the Tuckahoe, N.Y., resident and Huguenot native was the kind of man who took time to enjoy life.
He often rode his bike from their home in Westchester County to his East Village firehouse -- a trip his wife, the former Rani Lurie, said took about two hours each way.
"When he came home from the ride I would tell him to go straight past me and into the shower. He really enjoyed the trip, though, and the exercise," said his wife.
"Jeff was such a special person. He was my best friend and partner. He always put a smile on my face when I saw him with our son, Bradley. He cherished those moments and kept them in his heart. I've never known anyone like him," she said. "The only way to describe Jeff is to say he was the most caring, gentle, kind and patient person ever to enter my life. He will forever be in our hearts," Mrs. Walz added.
Mr. Walz enjoyed spending time with his wife and their 3-year-old son, whom he often took to parks, museums, the Bronx Zoo and the movies. Born and raised in Huguenot, Mr. Walz spent several years in Bay Terrace as a young man before moving to Tuckahoe in 1995.
"Jeffrey grew into a very fine young man, not just as a son, but as a brother, husband to his wife, Rani, and most of all, a wonderful father to his son, Bradley," said his parents, Jennie and Raymond Walz.
After graduating from Tottenville High School, he went to Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, where he earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering.
Following college, he worked for the Navy for five years as an engineer in the Naval Engineering Center, Lakehurst, N.J., before deciding to enter the Fire Department.
Mr. Walz was an avid Mets fan who also enjoyed mountain biking, playing golf and watching football.
"My brother, Jeff, was a gentle, caring man who touched everyone he met with his passive demeanor.
We shared discussions on Giants football and shared a strong passion for mountain biking. He was not only a good man but also a great husband and loving father to his son, Bradley," said Raymond Edward Walz.
"The bond between brothers is an extraordinary one that can never be broken. His heroic efforts are a testament to the type of man we can all be proud of. I not only lost a terrific brother, but also my best friend," he added.
His sister, Karen Ciaccio, said: "Jeff was the type of guy you could always depend on. He had a warm smile, kind heart and a nice word to say. He was a gentle giant."
She added that his wife and son were his life. "He cherished every moment possible with his family. He was a wonderful husband and father."
"Jeff took pride in being a firefighter," his sister continued. "We are all so very proud of him. I am so fortunate to have Jeff as a brother. He will always be my special angel. He will always be my brother and friend."