At Work or Play, Always Paul Cascio
Living fully was part of being awake.
He was already near the top. Paul Cascio’s office on Two World Trade Center’s 84th floor summarized his professional and personal trajectory. Living large was a principle he followed before, during, and after work. Consistent living allows for steadily getting ahead.
The ambitious believe there’s no reason to wait for advancement. One can reach promotions before a certain age that comes to mind for those who burden themselves with limits. Serving as vice president at financial brokerage company Euro Brokers was an impressive title for someone who was 23 years old. But such steps come naturally to the motivated. Paul didn’t think he was too young to be an executive. He was right.
Approaching work in a similar manner to free moments doesn’t just make the day go by faster: it establishes a mentality that makes every aspect fulfilling. Paul was renowned for his commitment to achievement no matter the life area. Recreation was a game which he seemed to always win.
The vigorous competitor excelled at sports in the way frequently seen by bold types who take initiative. He played many as a reflection of his diverse interests and restless nature. The multitasking athlete was a high school swimmer, baseball player, and cross country runner. A teammate to many was honored with a varsity letter that was previously possible to view at the 9/11 Memorial Museum's In Memoriam gallery as part of exhibit titled Comeback Season: Sports After 9/11. He posthumously showed the value of coming together for enjoying the thrill of games when it didn’t seem like we’d ever experience joy again.
The personal sporting artifact served as a particular notable lesson about play’s value that represented the objective of museum’s presentation. Sports serve as a metaphor for what goes on between games. Participants present admirable characteristics on their own that are transferable to other scenarios. Prevailing despite a competition’s limits and physical obstacles is for determined people who complete tasks with zeal away from venues, too. Pins for a handful of sports befit someone with ample activities lined up. He didn’t skip seasons.
The embodiment of driven behavior reached goals while he wasn’t playing, as well. The graduate of Long Island’s Manhasset Secondary School went on to do the same at the University of Vermont. Cherish what’s accomplished by those in our lives while they’re still with us to respect the memory of Paul as one of 11 alumni murdered.
Paul knew how to make the most of whatever. Even his living situation signified his irrepressible personality. He resided in fashionable SoHo where he often hosted friends while grilling on his rooftop in a combination of living comfortably and his natural tendency to create the epicenter of socializing.
Rapid personal progress shows a dynamic individual applying himself. A similar principle follows out of the workspace. People remain constant when they’re not being paid. The same person who toiled figuratively high in the company and literally in the sky was the one who made the most of occasions away from his desk, too.
The simplest way to have fun is to work hard first. A little spending money leads to the chance to jet anywhere desired. An impressive job enabled frequent excursions. Paul took having fun seriously. He became legendary for putting together impromptu trips that began as casual half-serious ideas, embodied by jetting to Los Angeles and Dublin just to see his favorite band U2 in concert. You might never think of an offhand comment about international travel becoming an actual experience. That is because you were not friends with Paul, who made a hobby out of turning crazy suggested notions into reality.
It’s easy to appreciate a legacy that’s seen in countless online guestbook posts lamenting his loss by lauding how much he added to our world. His tribute page features a suitably lengthy feed of remembrances from childhood buddies, college pals, and relatives who seem like they would have gladly befriended Paul were they not lucky enough to be related to him. Fond accounts are packed with memories of adventures on campus and around the globe which all share him as a common feature.
Mourners can pay tribute at different locations to someone who put so much into many endeavors. Mount Saint Mary Cemetery in Flushing serves as the site of rest for a person who was continually in motion. Paul is also commemorated on Panel S-30 of the South Pool of the National September 11 Memorial. The vice president is one of 61 Euro Brokers employees with names gathered together. An immeasurably devastating loss at just one company is a staggering illustration of the attack on humanity’s scale.
By any measure, Paul was a success far beyond his limited years as seen by his thriving career and invigorating take on existence. A giant personality who lived accordingly also epitomized decency. His final act put who he was on display: Paul and a coworker went to help someone in need of assistance after the attack in a decision that may have cost him his life while showing what he made of it. Paul Regan Cascio was the best sort of person in the worst circumstances. He set an aspirational example that continues. To this day, Paul lived a lot.
Thanks for remembering Paul, and the remarkable life he lived.