Skip to main content

Ben Koyl (not verified)

September 11, 2024

I never met Matthew. However, one day I came across a Matty Gryzmalski Memorial Golf Tournament beer koozie laying on the front lawn of my condo building. I used this item off and on for a while. Sometimes, I would think about him and who he was as a person, and how he passed. Years later, this came to mind and I read Matty’s biography written by his sister, I had no idea he died on 9/11. It moved me. From the outside Mr. Gryzmalski may have seemed regular, but to his family and friends he was so much more because he made them happier when he was around. He was the cool Uncle, and fast friend. His family really loved him. That’s all that matters in my book. So on 9/11, I wanted to remember Matthew “Matty” Gryzmalski.

Posted by Ben Koyl

Add new Guest Book entry

Restricted HTML

  • You can align images (data-align="center"), but also videos, blockquotes, and so on.
  • You can caption images (data-caption="Text"), but also videos, blockquotes, and so on.
  • Each email address will be obfuscated in a human readable fashion or, if JavaScript is enabled, replaced with a spam resistent clickable link. Email addresses will get the default web form unless specified. If replacement text (a persons name) is required a webform is also required. Separate each part with the "|" pipe symbol. Replace spaces in names with "_".
 

Guestbook comments are held until moderator approval.

In addition to this Guestbook post, if you are a family or friend of this victim, we welcome you to contribute photographs, documents, or stories to this Living Memorial page. To do so, complete this submission form . Your content will be reviewed by our team, and a staff member will reach out to you at your convenience.

 
Age:
34
Place of Residence:
New Hyde Park, NY
Location on 9/11:
One WTC
Occupation:
Cantor Fitzgerald | Bond Broker
Hobbies and Special Interests:
Golf
Biography:

Matthew James Grzymalski was born in February 21, 1967, in Brooklyn, New York, the fifth of six children. He grew up on Long Island in New Hyde Park. Matt attended Chaminade High School and graduated Herricks High School in 1985. Following graduation he joined Fundamental Brokers, where he matured quickly as a trainee on the Treasury Bills and 10-Year Intermediate Desks. In April 1996, Matt joined Cantor Fitzgerald as a broker for Intermediates. He really enjoyed the company of his work friends; he loved the family-like atmosphere on his desk. They spent many quality leisure hours away from work as well, playing in golf outings, weekend barbeques, even competing in the Montauk Triathlon together.

It was at Cantor that Matt met Kaleen Pezzuti – they started dating in December 2000, it was definitely meant to be. They found each other and knew the love they shared was forever. They were together at work on September 11, 2001, when they met their fate.

Matt has two sisters and three brothers, as kids the six of us were very close and as adults even still chose to spend out vacation time together. Matt was extremely generous “Uncle Matt” to five nephews and two nieces who absolutely adored him. We have special memories of family vacations, holiday celebrations, Dad’s Sunday dinners that could feed an army, golf at the Links, “mandatory” weeding in Dad’s vegetable garden, growing up we all had to make sure Matt finished his homework before we could do anything. We were always grateful for the close sense of family that Mom & Dad surrounded us with, and the ease with which we said, “I love you”, learned from either example. We looked so forward to Kaleen joining our family circle.

Matt lived life to the fullest, and still took time to smell each rose. Matt had a summer share out on the East End for the past several years with a great group of friends. He enjoyed hanging out at the house, playing backgammon, conversation over good food, a nice bottle of wine, a Corona (or two), and relaxing at the pool. He enjoyed the music of Van Morrison, the Allman Brothers & John Denver too! Matt was a great friend to many, someone you could always count on to be there for you. Matt was very sensitive, he was very considerate of others, he had a great sense of humor, and he loved to laugh. He had very traditional beliefs, a man of strong moral fiber. He always knew the right thing to say, and especially, when to say nothing at all. Matt treasured the years he shared an apartment in Bay Ridge with Furn (Tom O’Neill). They experienced many Giants’ tailgates and flew to many a Super Bowl (even though they usually didn’t make it to the game). The party would always end up at Griswald’s, their favorite Bay Ridge nightspot.

Many of Matt’s friends shared beautiful memories with us at his memorial service. It pleases us to know that his life positively affected so many and left an indelible mark on your hearts. We ask you to carry those special memories with you always.

Matty Wood, our hearts ache until we see you again … Sis