In Memory of Robert J. Coll

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Walking the Ocean City boardwalk for many years I have seen the Bobby Coll bench. Each time I walk by I read the inscription and I have s sense of deep sadness for Bobby and his family. Today is the 10th aniversary.The bench is beautifully  decorated in red, white and blue. In addition there is a picture of Bobby. I never met him but I always say a prayer as I pass by. Now I have a face to pray for. God bless Bobby and his entire family!

*** Posted by Maria on 2011-09-11 ***

I am a highschool student at Houston County High School in Warner Robins, GA. As I got to school on Friday, each of us recieved a nametag of a victim of 9/11. Mine happened to be Robert J. Coll. All day long I thought about him and his family and prayed for them. Then I decided to look his name up online. Robert was a hero, and I will never forget about him!<3

*** Posted by Kristen Wilson on 2011-09-11 ***

My family and I have just returned from our annual week-long vacation in Ocean City and, once again, paused in front of the bench memorializing Robert Coll. This year, it was decorated with a red, white, and blue banner. Although we did not know him, we all said a silent prayer in memory of your loved one as we do each year. May he and all the 9/11 victims rest in peace.

*** Posted by Frances Fox on 2011-06-14 ***

Dear Megan and Bobby,

I am so sorry about the loss of your father. You know that I am your friend, and I will always be there for you. At the time that he was around, I was very young, and I don't have a great memory of him. But from what I've heard and seen in pictures, he seems like a great guy and an awesome dad.

*** Posted by Tyler on 2011-05-02 ***

Dear Megan,

I am sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Although I have never met him, he seems like a amazing father. As you know, we have become best friends over the past years; I hope you and your family are doing well. See you soon. May Bobby rest in peace.

Xo

*** Posted by Chandler on 2010-12-15 ***

Happy birthday greetings from Switzerland, Bobby.

Megan, you are spot on about your dad's generous spirit. He will never be forgotten. Happy holidays to you and your family.

*** Posted by Anonymous on 2010-12-14 ***

Please contact me by mail (matilde (dot) nicotra (at) westin (dot) com) or by phone (011 39 06 47083300) about a bracelet (WTC 9/11 Robert J. Coll) found outside The Westin Excelsior in Rome.

Thanks,
Matilde

*** Posted by Matilde on 2010-11-30 ***

Thank you so much! Your mom (Judy) sent me the notes of all the people. They were all so nice. It's a really great notepad. Every time somebody comes over to our house, they ask what it is and read a couple of them. Tell your mom "thank you," and I will e-mail her, too. I hope that her ankle gets better. Take care.

*** Posted by Megan Coll on 2010-10-13 ***

Dear Megan,

Before this year I had not been in OCNJ on 9-11 for some time, but of course I always thought about and sent prayers to heaven for your wonderful dad. This year was a little bit different....

I knew that my mom, Judy, would not be making it up to your dad's memorial bench because of her broken ankle. It was a spectacular and beautiful morning, and it was a Saturday. Somehow I managed to get myself up and out of the house, leaving my son with his dad and a baby sitter, and had an awesome ride up to OC from Virginia Beach, VA.

I made it to the bench by 4 pm and was pleased to see the two flags, some yellow mums, a picture of Bobby, and a program from OC's 9-11 memorial service held earlier that day. I added some red, white, and blue garland as well as some decorated canvas bags in memory of your dad. I took pictures which I will send you when they are developed.

During the hour that I was there, many people stopped to look at the bench, read the plaque, and ask me if I knew your father. Many also signed the waterproof notebook that my mother had a friend put there.... I was pleased that it was almost full of signatures and heartfelt messages already.

I loved your dad. He made me smile. He always cared. He was an honorary member of the Santianni clan. I miss him all of the time ... but especially on his day, 9-11.

Love and God bless,
Kirsten

*** Posted by Kirsten Santianni on 2010-09-26 ***

I did not know this young man, but I pass the bench with his name on it all the time, and am always very moved when I see it. I always say a prayer for him and his family.

*** Posted by larraine on 2010-09-11 ***

Dear Megan and Family, This year my visit to your Daddy's bench on the boardwalk was visited by friends of mine instead of me since I have a broken ankle. I am happy to report that the bench has a lovely yellow potted mum, a picture of your Dad in the ocean from 2001 Labor Day, a U.S. flag and a notebook and pencil. People come every year and ask about your Dad. Hope you and Bobby have a good school year. Fondly, Mrs. "S" (that's what your Dad called me)

*** Posted by Judy Santianni on 2010-09-11 ***

I can't believe you are gone. You were such a part of my life> You influenced my college decision and you are my friend. I miss you.

*** Posted by Anonymous on 2010-09-11 ***

I am thinking of you tonight. It is one of the last few days of school, and I am thinking about how nice it would have been to have you here with me. I am going into 6th grade, Daddy, and I am doing fine. So is mom and Bobby and the rest of the family. XO

*** Posted by Megan Coll on 2010-06-09 ***

Tonight marks an evening that I always remember Bobby. It is the Friday night of Mermorial Day weekend 2010. Every year on this night Bobby came to visit us for at least 20 years. He would peer into the dining room window of our little cottage here in Ocean City and wait until one of us noticed him and then the Bobby smile and infections giggles would start. This marked the beginning of another fun-filled summer. Bobby was the most lovable "naughty" boy I ever knew. For instance "Hey, Mrs. S. You know the dummy cop they have sitting in the patrol car on the causeway? He isn't there anymore." I would then chase him out the door, telling him to behave. I will never forget my dear friend.

Love,
Mrs. S

*** Posted by Judy Travis Santianni on 2010-05-28 ***

Megan and I have been best friends since we were two. I know you were great to her because she is great to me.

*** Posted by Adi on 2010-04-10 ***

Words can not describe the grief we all feel from the loss of Bobby. He had a short life but a great one. He was an amazing father to my good friends Megan and Bobby jr. He will always be in everyone's hearts. <3 <3

May he REST IN PEACE, AND LET HIS NAME LIVE ON.

*** Posted by Tallulah on 2010-02-24 ***

Megan is one of my best friends, and I know she loved her dad so, so much. Love you, Megan!

*** Posted by Bellamy on 2010-02-24 ***

He was a great man.

*** Posted by James Conte on 2009-12-28 ***

My mom just emailed me about this site, so it is my first visit here.... I knew Bobby from all of the wonderful summers we spent growing up in Ocean City, NJ. He was the best of friends with my younger brother, Blaise, and younger sister, Dana. He was blonde, beautiful, kind, and really funny with a smile that instantly put you in a good mood and an energy that lifted spirits wherever he went. I remember laughter and friendship and joy. I remember him coming over to our house and telling stories that made us laugh until we cried. I remember Bobby with my brother and the rest of the guys being silly, cracking jokes, playing games, and planning parties. I remember Labor Day weekend being so much fun that you never wanted to miss it.... Sadly, I was unable to make it to OC for Labor Day 2001, so I didn't get to see Bobby. Shortly thereafter he was gone, and we are left with a void in our hearts.... But every summer I visit Bobby's bench at 16th Street, and I remember.... And I say a prayer.... And I know that I will never, ever forget....

*** Posted by Kirsten A Santianni, DO on 2009-12-27 ***

December 29th. Happy birthday, Bobby! We love and miss you dearly.

*** Posted by Pamela Coll on 2009-12-27 ***

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