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ROBERT J. SHAY JR.: New Baby Has Dad's Eyes

 

One of eight children, Robert J. Shay Jr. thrived in the company of his large, fun-loving family. And with his wife, Dawn, he was happily creating his own big brood. Just 27, he was already the devoted father of Robert, 5, and Ryan, 2. He did not get to meet his third son, Jonathan Robert, who was born on Monday. The newest Shay came with a head of thick black hair and his dad's eyes, ears and legs, said Eileen Shay, Robert's sister.

Mr. Shay was a bond broker at Cantor Fitzgerald, which he joined in 1993 right after high school, starting in maintenance and working his way up. He was a Mets fan practically from birth, Ms. Shay said. "As far back as we can find pictures of him, he's in his Mets gear."

Mr. Shay was always up and always watching out for others. He lived on Staten Island, just 15 minutes from his parents, whom he called many times each day. Around 8:40 a.m. on Sept. 11, he made a quick call to his wife to see how their son Robert's introduction to kindergarten was going.

Recently, young Robert put some Halloween stickers on his bedroom window. Eileen said that he explained, "I put up stars so my daddy can see where I am."

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From "Profiles in Grief" of The New York Times