Daniel Crisman: A Gentle Soul

The following is an obituary written by Robin Roodenburg, a Jefferson resident and family friend of Daniel Crisman, who was 25 years old when he was killed on 9/11. Crisman lived in Pompton Lakes, but was like an uncle to Rebecca Roodenburg, Josh Hursa, Stephen Roodenburg and Jessica Kelly, all graduates of Jefferson Township High School.

Dan was a wonderful person who touched the soul of everyone he met. He had a great contagious smile and laughing eyes. Being soft- spoken, it was a given that Dan put people at ease. Dan was the best son, grandson and friend. He was considered a brother to those who loved him and were not related by blood.

Dan was born in Montrose, PA. In 1982 he moved to Pompton Lakes, NJ. Dan received his schooling and high school degree in Pompton Lakes. Following graduation, Dan lived in Franklin Lakes for over 6 years.

Dan was an avid reader and eloquent writer. He dabbled in poetry and writing. He enjoyed playing the guitar. Even though he was too shy to play for others, you could hear him play behind his door. Dan was also an artist who found an outlet for his creative energy by doodling if he did not have time to work on an original piece.

Dan had a great love for the outdoors. He first worked as a landscaper. He also put all his effort into working in the automobile industry repairing vehicles and also into residential carpentry. Through all of these fields, he was a quick, eager learner. He was greatly appreciated by his employers.

Dan’s most revered dream was to work in NYC. When an opportunity arrived to make this dream a reality, Dan bid farewell to his employer and friends and took off for the city.

He was hired as a permanent employee after working in a temping position at Marsh & McLennan. They were so impressed with Dan’s grasping of knowledge and eagerness to learn and to advance that they designed a position for him. He was on the 97th floor of the World Trade Center’s Tower One when the first hijacked plane crashed on September 11, 2001.

We will all miss Dan’s brilliance of taking a potato and turning it into a meal itself. We will all miss his laughter over Scooby Doo cartoons. We will all miss the smile that could melt your heart. We will all miss his puppy dog eyes that touched your soul.