For all Americans, September 11th, 2001 was an intensely tragic day. For us the tragedy was profoundly personal. On that day we lost our beloved son, brother, fiancé, Grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, Joseph Anthony Ianelli, who worked at Marsh & McLennan on the 98th floor of Tower one. Joe was quite simply, the love of my life.

I will never forget Joe and in his loving memory, his family, friends and I have established the Joseph A. Ianelli Memorial Fund. Our primary mission will be to establish the fund at Joe's High School, Monsignor Farrell, Staten Island, but we will strive to provide charitable gifts in Joe's name to other organizations and people in need.

Joe was always very proud of his time spent at Farrell, and he recognized the significance of this experience in his personal development. He was an exceptional student, a standout player on the baseball field, and a great friend to all. The easygoing, gentle manner in which he approached his studies and activities is a glowing example of his extraordinary upbringing.

Joe used these days at Farrell as a stepping-stone to the start of a fulfilling life, in which he strove to balance work with play, family and friends. It is our hope that an annual scholarship, in his name, will give another young man a chance at a Farrell experience. This lucky student will not only receive financial support, but will also get to know Joseph Ianelli, learn about his life and come to an understand how this unique and irreplaceable human being touched the lives of so many.

We are dedicated to helping others and to remembering our beloved Joe forever. His gentle, warm, loving and unique soul will live through the people he left behind. You know what it is like when someone has given you a taste, a glorious moment, of what is really true about life? For me, I found that in Joseph and our goal is that through all of this tragedy and sorrow, maybe we can give hope to at least one person. Joe would have loved that.

With love and appreciation,

Monica and family

Donnie McCllurkin; "What do you do when you've done all you can, and it seems like it's never enough? What do you give when you've given your all, and it seems like you can't make it through? You just stand"