Harry Taback

Family Tribute:Dear Dad and Mom,

This is a painful way for me to have to honor and tribute you both. I close my eyes everyday and nignt and wish and pray that our family could return to the way it was...and is supposed to be for many years to come. The terrible grief of not being with you on this eaarth is undoubtably more deeeply felt every minute. There is so much for you to both be here for!!!! Tracy, Lori and I have just begun our lives, and not only is Alexa only 6 but you now have a beautiful new grandson too.

My heart aches every time I think of how unfair life has been. I was blessed anough to have been created by the most caring, kind, selfless, compassionate, and loving parents. Yet I was not allowed to have you here long enough.

People often speak of guardian angels watching me, but you both already were angels in my life. I miss you sooooo...... much! I hope you will visit me in my dreams. Looking at pictures is very difficult, Because you look the same as you did when you left. Young and HAPPY with so much to look foward to. You spent 37 years together planning for a long life with your cherished family. This makes me angry, far beyond any I have felt before.

As tears are now falling, I cannot write anymore.

Those colleagues that know my father, know what a true hero and caring, fair, sensitive, honest generous, intellectual and intelligent man he was. And....as for my mother, it should be obvious that his person is greatly similiar to hers. They are the epitome of what I believe a marriage should be.

I love you Mom and Dad.

Forever missing you, your daughter,Cheryl

I miss you terribly dad, every second of every day. My dad was the best father anyone could ever hope to have. I just wish I could have had him here longer. I know he is with mom now, whom he missed so much. I love you mom and dad and we will all be together again some day.

Lori TabackMonths have passed since Harry Taback, 56, died, but his life is still being celebrated by friends and colleagues who continue to send stories and memories to his daughters. Over 70 people contributed commemorative anecdotes to a tribute journal that was presented to Taback's daughters, Cheryl and Lori Taback and Tracy Catalano, at his memorial mass on Oct. 6. Most of the contributors worked with Mr. Taback. 'My dad was not a cut-throat boss,' Cheryl recalled. 'He gave people a chance and knew their names. It's touching that people sent letters and organized a journal. People are still sending letters. It's an amazing thing to hear that so many people have nice things to say about their boss. He loved his job and really enjoyed what he did.'

Mr. Taback was the executive vice president in risk control strategy and consulting and a managing regional director of Marsh & McLennan, where he worked for 30 years. Although he was a lifelong resident on Staten Island, Taback conducted 60 percent of his business traveling throughout the United States, Japan, England, and other foreign locations, giving lectures on risk management. He completed his undergraduate degree at New York University and then became a chemical engineer. He was a highly respected innovator at Marsh & McLennan. Taback also served on the National Safety Council of Risk Management.

Taback often said that that he couldn't retire because there were too many people at the company whom he wanted to help. But he did have retirement plans, including teaching college chemistry and traveling.

Taback was a member of the Forsgate Country Club, where he golfed and celebrated family events. He was also an avid Giants fan and a coin collector.

More than just a businessman, however, Taback was a family man. As Cheryl Taback remembered, 'He left work at work. Home was time for us. His main goal was that we were all taken care of, that everything was secure. When my mom passed away, he assumed the role of mom and dad. He made meals, did laundry. I think he was rare, as far as people's dads go. In the office, there was a big joke that if you could come back to life as someone else, you'd want to come back as Harry's daughters.'

'The past year was particularly difficult for my dad,' Cheryl Taback noted, 'because my mom passed away last October.' Taback and his wife, Jean, had been married for 34 years. They always did the New York Times crossword puzzle together, and they always took family vacations, regardless of the children's ages. A few months after his wife passed away, Taback and his daughters took a cruise in southern California and the Mexican Riviera. Their father wanted to reassure his children that the family bond remained strong.

Taback is survived by his three daughters, as well as Tracy's daughter, Alexandria, 6.

Reprinted with permission from the Columbia University Newspaper, The Columbia Daily Spectator.

v 0.0.46 ------
Add Your Tribute
All tributes will be reviewed by our site moderators prior to being posted. Tributes will normally be posted on the site within 24 - 48 business hours of submission.
Tributes
As others have said, you'll always be remembered. Thank you so much for all you did for me.
Steve, Colleague
Sep 11 2023 10:19AM
My sincerest condolences to this family, even after all these years. Losing both your parents in such a short span of time must have tested all the inner strength you possessed. From reading the tributes posted here, I know your dad's last thoughts were of all of you, and I'm sure you derive great comfort from that, and from the well wishes from friends and collegues that continue to support you. America will not forget you.
Leslie Honcharik, Friend
Sep 17 2022 3:53PM
Rest well, my friend.
Steve, Colleague
Sep 11 2022 9:31AM
This 20th Anniversary feels surprisingly raw, even after all this time. I was safe in the London Marsh office at the time of the attacks and still remember the disbelief as news spread. So many of us were upset and in shock. I had met this great friendly man on several occasions as part of our global risk consulting family and my thoughts are with his loved ones at this deeply emotional time.
Martin Chalons-Browne (Marsh Risk Consulting London), Colleague
Sep 10 2021 2:00PM
Harry was a friend, colleague and a mentor. One of the good ones, he is missed.
Phillip, Colleague
Sep 11 2021 2:55PM
May you rest in peace
Stanley Jablonowski, Colleague
Sep 11 2021 0:53PM
Harry, thinking of you on this day and remembering your professionalism and knowledge at Marsh. You were the real deal, a true professional and would help anyone that came your way, always made time for them. I so miss your hour long calls between you and Alan Maluse, he had a high respect for you and not sure you ever knew that. May you rest in peace and continue shining your light on us and your family. You helped so many get to where they are at with Marsh today; helped in a mentoring, had a father-like manner with compassion and vision at all times. You are very very missed. #NeverForgottten
Linda Abersold-Burns , Colleague
Sep 11 2019 2:20PM
Harry, you'll never be forgotten.
Steve Taylor, Colleague
Sep 11 2017 9:28AM
On this day and on so many days since that terrible Tuesday, my thoughts go out to my dear friend and colleague Harry. We worked closely together for many years, and Harry joined me in 2002 to work on a project for our important client Israel Chemicals. We shared a great adventure as we taught those lovely people about Enterprise Risk and its importance to their organization. Sadly just two years later I was at the airport in Israel when I heard the tragic news from New York. My first thought was of Harry, and the likelihood that he was already in his beautiful office in the World Trade Center. My next thought was of his daughters who had already lost so much, and I prayed I was wrong. I never met Harry's girls or his wife, but we spoke of our families so often that I felt like I knew them. In the mid 90's Harry had hired my daughter Arielle as a summer intern in his department. Family was important to each of us, and we had lots in common. It is a great tragedy that Harry could not watch his daughters and their families grow. He would have loved nothing better, but surely he and his wife are together and quietly watching over them. As we commemorate this sad day, I pray you are at peace and enjoying your lives.
Evelyn R Wolovnick, Colleague
Sep 11 2016 8:19PM
Harry, on this day every year, I think of you with joy, sadness, and memories of the years we worked together. You taught me a great deal over the years, and the lessons I learned from you are practiced every day. I have become a boss just like you were to me and I thank you for all you taught me. Life at Marsh was never the same without you and I miss you each year. I pray for peace for all your family this and every year.
Donna Sandide, Colleague
Sep 11 2013 9:09PM
Harry, thinking of you on this day and remembering your professionalism and knowledge at Marsh. May you rest in peace and continue shining your light on us and your family.
Lauri Hanson, Colleague
Sep 11 2011 9:06AM
Hi Harry. I was thinking of you and your family this week and just wanted to drop a note to let your family know that we miss you and think of you often. As you may recall my family adopted a Basset Hound puppy shortly after 9/11 and 'Harry' is a happy 7 year old mature member of our family. I got into a staring contest with him last weekend and he gave that look - you know that look you used to give me whenever I needed to get over something that was bothering me. So I sat back, took a deep breath and said to myself, Harry Taback must be smiling right now! We miss you! You probably know that your Giants and Mets are doing just fine these days! John Barghout Former Marsh Colleague
John Barghout, Colleague
Sep 16 2008 11:02PM
Cheryl, you and your family are in my thoughts today and every day. Love, Dean
Dean, Friend
Sep 11 2008 11:43AM
Thinking of you today, Harry. We miss you and remember you fondly. The company needs more leaders and the world needs more people like you.
Alan Bressler, Friend
Sep 11 2008 10:01AM
Harry, I admired your courage. Thinking of you today.
Sheila Pompan, Colleague
Sep 11 2007 9:13AM
Working for you was an honor and a priviledge.
Steve Taylor, Colleague
Sep 11 2007 9:09AM
I am thinking of you today, Harry. Bless you.
Michael C. Sensiba, Colleague
Sep 11 2006 1:56PM
I knew Harry through our professional relationship - as his company provided services to mine. Harry was a wonderful man and friend to me, gently helping me as I pulled my life back together after a personal tragedy. I never thanked Harry as I should have. I thank him now - more than 5 years too late - on the 5th anniversary of his death. Harry, thanks for being my friend. I wish I had done as much for you as you did for me. Terry Barton, Marietta GA
Terry Barton, Friend
Sep 11 2006 1:26PM
Dear Cheryl, I am so terribly sorry for this pain that you must endure. I think about you often and wonder how you are doing. I am always here for you if you ever need a friend. I'll pray for you always. Love, Nick
Nick, Friend
Dec 21 2004 2:22PM
Whenever someone makes a cynical remark about leaders or bosses being self-serving, I think about Harry Taback. Because he was exactly the opposite. I knew Harry Taback some 25-30 years ago from M&MPC.; At the time I was fascinated and delighted with his personal and management manner. He had the time and insights to share about career and further schooling. He seemed to bring out the best in everyone. I remember him showing us photos of his girls and speaking glowingly about his wife. He was so very generous to make us all feel important and that we could make a difference together. I came to this page prompted by the wish to thank Harry after all these years. I am so saddened that I can't let him know that I've carried his presence with me all these years, and that he has continued to enrich my life. I'd like his girls to know my thoughts on how very special a person he was. Emily Burns-Higley
Emily Burns-Higley, Colleague
Jan 30 2004 2:41PM
January 26, 2004...how i miss you, mom and dad, no words can explain. Living without you both is so hard. Time passes and some people forget....but I live with the pain and loss every day and night. Forever missing you...Lori
Lori, Family
Jan 27 2004 5:04AM
To Harry's Family I've been thinking of Harry for the last few hours today after meeting a new Marsh employee from New York and talking briefly about how that terrible day impacted all of us at Marsh. Harry helped me get to where I am with Marsh today, and helped in a mentoring, father-like manner with compassion and vision. Great people live on in time through our memories. I remember Harry-and think of him and all the other Marsh colleagues lost that day-thankful that I had the opportunity to call them friends. Ted Ziton
Ted Ziton, Colleague
Jan 21 2004 3:47PM
Cheryl, As the years roll bye, you will realise that your dad was more than a gaurdian angel that touched the lives of his colleagues in Europe and America but also in Nigeria. He personally supported and guided me in the development of our local loss prevention services to its enviable state in our West African Sub-Region. He was a friend and I know that he is resting in peace of our Creator. Let his goodness remain a source of joy and strength for you and the rest of your family. Our deeds are judgement for our souls and their positiveness gives us Peace. Harry was a Great Man. Should destiny route you or any member of your family to Nigeria, please keep in touch. Prosper Okpue, Insurance Brokers of Nigeria Ltd, (An affiliate of the Marsh Group), IBN House, 4 Ilabere Aveneue, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria Tel: (+234) 1 267 2575
Prosper Okpue, Colleague
Sep 13 2003 1:18PM
It's been two years and I remember. It's been two years since I asked 'Where is Harry?' It's been two years and I still remember the poker games in Phoenix, the vision he had for his organization, and his dedication to his colleagues. It's been two years and I'm only now I'm beginning to understand how important a person can be to an organization, his profession, and his friends. It's been two years and I remember - and I won't forget. Dave Ludwin
David Ludwin, Colleague
Sep 11 2003 11:38PM
Cheryl: I cannot even imagine the pain you and your sisters are feeling with each passing day. I haven't spoken to you since the summer of 2001 but that didn't mean you weren't in my heart and thoughts. I learned of your Dad's passing by looking your name up on Yahoo on Valentine's Day. I surely wasn't expecting to see your father a victim of the 9-11 attacks. My heart went into my throat, as I sat here saying, 'No...No, it can't be...' I am not really sure why such evil things happen, but I guess as long as their is a God, there is also a devil. Reading your tribute(s), I can honestly feel and hear the pain and anger. I am so sorry that I did not know earlier, please accept my deepest condolenses. I am so lucky to have known you and your family, as you've all remained in my heart for obvious reasons. You and your family always treated me with the utmost respect and love, that will remain with me always. May God bless you and your family always... Love, Dean
Dean Kyriacou, Friend
Feb 16 2003 1:05PM
Dear Cheryl, I am incredibly sorry to hear about your mom and dad. I would have written sooner, but I had no idea that either of your parents had passed away. In fact, I learned about your dad while I was watching the scroll of names at the bottom of the screen on CNN last night. I spent the night praying it was a different 'Harry Taback'. Words cannot express how sad I am for you and your sisters, Lori and Tracy. The only consolation I have is that I know how close your family is and that you will remain strong for each other. Your mother and father treated me very well, and I always enjoyed their company. I will never forget them, nor will I forget the times we shared together. You, Lori, Tracy, and Lexi are in my thoughts and prayers.
Anthony M. DeBari, Friend
Sep 12 2002 9:20AM
I met Harry almost 30 years ago when I went to M&MPC; from the old FIA (where Harry was before he went to M&MPC;). Harry was more than a colleague both then and since. He was a friend, one of the few I have kept in touch with from M&MPC;, since leaving more than 20 years ago. When I was an M&MPC; Manager in Boston Harry and Jean made a point of stopping up every summer so that we could have dinner together at the 'HillTop' Steak House. He was a special person to me, and I miss him.
Charlie Demarest, Friend
Aug 23 2002 12:22PM
Harry Taback was an incredible father. Cheryl, his daughter is my best friend. We met freshman year in college and from that moment on we have been the best of friends. Though the years I have heard so many stories about Harry. He was 100% devoted to his family. Nothing meant more to him than making his family happy. There was nothing that he wouldn’t do for them. I remember Cheryl finally getting her license at 18 years old and Harry going out and buying her a new car. Do you know that Harry used to drive up the New Paltz just so he could follow her home to Staten Island, in case she got lost! Who would do this? Only Harry. He was an amazing man. His family could always count on him to be there-always. Unfortunately life can be unfair and cruel. Harry’s death is one of them. I do not feel right speaking about Harry without bringing up his wife Jean. Jean- the nucleus of the family. The foundation. The rock. I always admired Jean for her commitment to be the best parent, devoted wife and non-judgmental friend. Harry and Jean will never be forgotten. They were the most amazing, caring and loving people I have ever met. If I could have one wish, just one, it would be for Cheryl, Lori and Traci to have there parents back. You are always in my thoughts. Rebecca Salerno
Rebecca Salerno, Friend
May 16 2002 9:22AM
Harry, you will be missed by many. The many hours we spent together on the transition committee gave me a great deal of respect for you and Marsh.Our friendship was short but meaningful. May God bless and keep you.
David Peck, Colleague
May 10 2002 2:05PM
Harry was a good man. He gave me advice on my caareer and always said that I could do anything that I wanted to - 'anything'. There wasn't a time or day that he didn't talk about his wife Jean, who he missed dearly, and his three daughters. He never went a day without talking about them. He not only treated his family with love and kindness, but he also had a gift of helping and caring for those who were around him. Regardless, of someones title, class, ethnicity, sex; if he liked you as a colleague, you could depend on Harry for his kind words, sometimes not so kind, but true and his understanding. To me Harry was my cheerleader! He cheered me onto a lot of difficult times in my life at Marsh. Harry you will never be forgotten! Ever!
Rebecca LaCasse, Colleague
Apr 4 2002 8:30AM