Good Greek Founder Spero Georgedakis Remembers Friend John Katsimatides on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11

Commemorating a Friendship on 9/11: Spero Georgedakis Remembers John Katsimatides

As the United States observes the somber 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Spero Georgedakis, the founder and CEO of Good Greek Moving & Storage, pauses to honor the memory of his childhood friend, John A. Katsimatides. John was a victim on that tragic day, losing his life at just 31 years old while working at Cantor Fitzgerald, located in the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

Spero and John were not just friends; they were schoolmates who shared in the joys and challenges of their childhood neighborhood in East Marion, New York. Their friendship began at an early age, continuing through years of schooling from kindergarten all the way to high school. "John was the quintessential friend, always a part of our lives and memories that we cherish deeply," Spero fondly remarked. "On this day, I think not only of our country and the profound loss we all experienced but also of my dear friend who was taken too soon."

John Katsimatides had a bright future ahead of him as a bond broker at Cantor Fitzgerald, where he worked on the 104th floor of the North Tower. Tragically, that workplace would become a grave for many, with Cantor Fitzgerald suffering the greatest loss of any single company during the attacks, with 658 employees perishing. Remembered by friends and family as larger than life, John was known for his charisma, generosity, and unwavering devotion to his loved ones and his Greek Orthodox faith.

In a physical tribute to Katsimatides, his name is forever etched on Panel N-39 of the North Pool at the National September 11 Memorial located in New York City. This act serves not only as a memorial but also as a testament to his impact on the people around him. Spero highlights the importance of remembering the individuals who perished that day. He emphasizes that each name on the memorial represents a story, a family, and love that extends beyond the moment of tragedy. "Twenty-five years later, it's vital to ensure that John's name remains known, not merely as a name on a wall but as the living, vibrant person he was. He had dreams, friendships, and a future that was cut short. 'Never Forget' embodies more than the moment of loss; it symbolizes the enduring memories we carry for our loved ones."

As the anniversary unfolds, families will gather yet again at the memorial to read the names of all those lost, including John Katsimatides. Spero Georgedakis commits himself to ensure that John's legacy is honored, and his spirit celebrated, saying, "This milestone anniversary is an opportunity for reflection, making sure that John, along with those we lost, are remembered for who they were, not just how they died. The stories are important; our memories matter."

Good Greek Moving & Storage plans to commemorate this poignant anniversary by sharing John's story and emphasizing the collective memory of all victims from that fateful day.

Spero Georgedakis's commitment to remembrance is further underscored by the fact that approximately 100 million Americans who are alive today were born after the attacks and are unfamiliar with the real-life stories of the heroes and victims of 9/11. As time passes, the urgency of sharing these stories becomes increasingly paramount. The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund reports that as of August 31, 2026, there have been nearly 10,000 claims filed for victims suffering from long-standing health conditions related to their exposure during the attacks, a stark reminder of the tragic consequences that remain years later.

The dedication to remembering and recounting these stories becomes more critical to ensure that we never forget the sacrifice and humanity lost that day. As Georgedakis passionately declares, "My memories of my friend John are as vivid today as they ever were. We carry his spirit forward in our hearts, and in that, he continues to live among us. Each year, our remembrances serve as a lantern guiding us to cherish the bonds of friendship and humanity, always standing against the darkness of forgetting.