9/11 SHS Memorial Fund, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation established to honor the memory of five Seaford High School graduates who died in the September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center. We remember and honor the memories of Thomas Haskell SHS ’82, Timothy Haskell SHS ’85, John Perry SHS ’82, Robert Sliwak SHS ’77 and Michael Wittenstein SHS ’85. Their biographies are below:

Thomas T. Haskell, ’82: FDNY Battalion Chief – Tommy was a dedicated individual who lived for three things: his family, the fire department, and the game of football.  While attending Seaford HS, Tommy was an exceptional student/athlete, earning all-league honors on the football field.  A devoted family man, he was dedicated to his wife and three daughters.  

Tommy also excelled in the New York Fire Department, becoming one of the youngest Battalion Chiefs in department history.  On September 11th, Tommy led his men into the South Tower of the World Trade Center and assisted in the evacuation of 25,000 people.  Despite unimaginable horror, Tommy diligently went about his job of saving as many lives as possible.  Displaying bravery that inspired the nation, Tommy continued his mission until he was lost in the first collapse.

Timothy S. Haskell, ’85, FDNY Firefighter – Timmy Haskell was originally a Nassau County Corrections Officer before becoming a New York City Firefighter in 1993. During his career as a fireman, Timmy and his trained Dalmatian Blaze volunteered much of their time educating school children on fire safety.  

In addition to training Blaze, Timmy’s other passions included scuba diving, boating, flying, and spending time with family and friends.  On the day of the attacks, Timmy rushed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center with his company, assisting in the rescue of 25,000 innocent lives.  In a display of incredible bravery, Timmy continued to save lives despite the collapse of the South Tower.  Timmy never wavered in his mission, continuing to evacuate people until he made the supreme sacrifice in the second collapse.

John William Perry, ’82, NYPD Officer – John viewed life as an adventure and he enthusiastically sought challenges.  John learned many languages, competed in five NYC marathons, and in Hudson River swimming races.  He was an actor in movies and on television.  John volunteered for the Kings County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and for a men’s shelter, and used his legal training to serve pro bono for friends and organizations.  

John was a “people person” who participated in a wide range of activities and attracted many friends. He served on the board of the NY Civil Liberties Union Nassau Chapter, he was active in the NYS Libertarian Party, he belonged to a philosophy club, and studied many religions.  John participated in several police organizations and met with representatives of police departments in other countries.  John was a lieutenant in the NY Guard, a graduate of SUNY Stony Brook and the NYU School of Law.  He served five of his eight years in the NYPD in the legal department.

September 11, 2001: John was at One Police Plaza filling retirement papers when the terrorist struck the World Trade Center towers.  He immediately ran to assist. He as never seen again.

Robert Francis Sliwak, ’77, Cantor-Fitzgerald – Robert, better known as “Sli,”  was the kind of man everyone would want as a friend. He was gentle, friendly, easy-going, and you always felt good after talking to him. His smile forever made you feel at ease and his approach to life was very peaceful.  

At SHS, he will be remembered as #34 and co-captain of the 1976 Championship Football Team.  He also received All-County Honors and a full scholarship to college.  Rob was very humble and never really spoke of his achievements in football and baseball, but his buddies still speak of the days Rob spent on the athletic fields.  Rob was one of seven children.  He loved his family and took great pride in his roll as son, brother, and uncle.  He would always take time to see his nephew’s ball games or check in with a phone call to family members when life got too busy to visit.  Rob was married for almost nine years.  His marriage to Susan was cut so short, but in that time they overcame Rob’s battle with cancer, rode out the waves of his Wall Street career as a bond broker, and finally bought a home in Wantagh where they settled to have their family.  

Rob’s biggest joy in life was his three children, Ryan and the twins, Kyle and Nicole.  He couldn’t mention their names without a smile and pride in his eyes.  Nothing would give him more pleasure than a game of tackle football in the basement or a walk on the beach with his family. He truly loved his role as Dad! Robert Francis Sliwak: a family man, a friend, a husband, and Dad.  He will always remain in our hearts and minds and will continue to live on in his three children.

Michael Robert Wittenstein, ’85, Cantor-Fitzgerald – This memorial is a testament to Michael’s devotion to this family, his sense of humor, and the joy and happiness he brought to each and everyone he knew.  He was a truly gifted and giving person.  Mike went to the University of Albany after graduating from Seaford HS in 1985 and majored in finance at their School of Business.  He was hired by Cantor Fitzgerald right out of college and started on the Government Trading Desk.  He then moved to London and LA to work in Security Trading and later back to NYC to work on the Repo Desk.  Mike was studying to take his series exams and get into Asset Management when his life was cut shot at 34.

Michael loved game shows, the JETS and the METS and good (and bad) jokes.  He was delighted when his firm did away with its dress code, ever after, he was sighted only in khakis and a polo shirt.  Mike was loyal, intelligent, and easygoing with a great sense of humor.  Even as he started to excel at work and started to climb the ladder, he stayed true to himself.  He was extremely social and would be the first to tag long and do anything with anyone so they didn’t have to go alone.  He absolutely loved sports – football and baseball were his favorites.  When the Mets went to Atlanta for a championship game, Mike bought a ticket and flew there to watch them play.  He got into fitness and would often run or bike to Jones Beach.  He really loved being the smartest guy in the room and often would play along at home to game shows and dazzle family with the useless knowledge he held.  He was even picked to be a contestant on the show Who Wants To Be a Millionaire.  He went to two tapings but the person ahead of him did very well so the show ran out of time and Mike was never given the chance to play.  He was a huge Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp fan.  He spent lots of time at the Jones Beach theater at concerts.  Michael also loved his family and spent as much time with them as possible.

September 11, 2001:  Michael worked on the 104th floor of World Trade Center tower 2.  He was on the phone with a client in California when an explosion rocked the building.  He called the client back to apologize that the phone had been disconnected.  He then called his father and said he was leaving the building immediately.  Michael was engaged to be married in October 2001.  This day never occurred for him.