9/11 Stories: Barry Bloom

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Every time he hears Van Halen on the radio, Barry Bloom thinks of his close friend, Gino Calvi, who was killed at The World Trade Center September 11th.. As he fondly remembers, “Gino was a huge Van Halen fan. Any time a Van Halen song came on the radio, Gino would say, ‘It’s Van Halen.Just listen to the music’ “, and there’d be no more talking.
They first met in college, at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Gino quickly bonded with Barry and his 2 childhood friends, who grew up together as a tight-knit group since kindergarten. The four were so tight that after graduating from college, they all moved to East Rutherford, New Jersey, to stay physically close. Gino was the first to marry. He met his future bride at SUNY.
The last time Barry saw his friend was just two days before he died, when Barry had his trio of pals over for a barbecue. How could anyone have known that would be the last time they’d see Gino?
On the morning of September 11th, Gino was on the job working as a bond trader at One World Trade Center, one of 658 Cantor Fitzgerald employees to die that day. Cantor Fitzgerald lost more that unforgettable day than any other company. Their offices were on the 101st- 105th floors, two to six floors above where the passenger plane hit, and for a few days, no one knew if Gino was alive. They could only hope and pray. Barry says his neighbor across the street made it out alive, but the neighbor behind him did not.
There was no discovery of any of Gino’s remains for some time. Ultimately, the family was able to bury what little had been recovered. Gino Calvi was just 34.
“It was gruesome. The guy next to me fainted because blood was shooting out of my boot about six feet into the air, like a lawn sprinkler”.

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I have this yearning to know every person’s 9/11 story... they are all important to me. Thank you so much for sharing your friend Gino with me. I am truly sorry that you lost him. I think I will adopt his “quality pays” phrase. It is very true. And whenever I do, I will remember your great friend

hb

Having these stories documented is so important. I hope our young people listen as they have forgotten or were too young during 9/11. Many of them don’t want to hear the stories. They are the protected generation, and cannot deal with controversy or anything difficult. These stories are wonderful acts of human kindness and love.

CSarge

I love Barry remembering things Gino used to say, and that he took the time to tell us those things. That's quality, and quality pays.

favouritemoon

It's so important to retell these personal stories and histories. I have appreciated watching them!

michelejeican

I also listened to Geno’s brother tell his story about him. What love for this man.

mrsjobo

What a kind decent man you are with such depth and ability to express yourself so well.
Geneo was blessed to have you in his short life!

Sushi

A lovely tribute to your friend. So sorry for your loss. I am British and had lunch in the windows of the world in the eighties. When it happened I could picture that restaurant. I just watched tv all day, along with the whole world. By the way on a recent visit to the USA I bought the shirt you are wearing for my husband. God bless.

linrogers

What a great speaker Barry is! He made me a part of the story just as soon as he said we all have our own yardstick to measure what is normal to us. Yes, indeed. Listening to Gino's love of Van Halen humanized him for me. But the list of Gino-isms was the best! Words to live by. Grateful I stumbled upon this great video. 💗💗💗

Quality pays. It doesn't cost. 👍🏼

taffycat

Thank you for sharing your lifelong friendship with Gino! I too watched the video from his brother. He was a lucky man to have such great friends and family. I’m so heartbroken for all the Cantor staff! 🕊

jennifercorley

Orange and Blue are we ...One of Us ...I loved your love for your friend ...as we all aspire to be remembered as you so beautifly told this ...God Bless Gino ....

stephaniewirth

Touching tribute to his friend Gino. 🙏

soniagreen

He’s right people need to hear the stories people need to know and hear that these are real people not just numbers not just it was 3000 whatever people these were people who have families who have friends who had a life and everyone needs to know that on a daily basis

josephbowles

I’ve seen about 5 of the videos so far of the 9/11 stories playlist & this video at 8:01 is the first time I got choked up a bit 💔

michaelhall

Thank you so much for telling Gino's story! God Bless

kaystockton

The Van Halen thing makes sense. I can believe that many people in the North Tower were Van Halen fans. They definitely felt like they might as well jump.

egrintarg