'Gone longer than he was alive': Family remembers life, legacy of Bucks County 9/11 victim
LOWER MAKEFIELD TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- The terror attacks of September 11, 2001, changed our lives forever. Even 25 years later, for those who lost loved ones, the emotions are still fresh.
The mother and brother of Joshua Reiss spoke to Action News Reporter Sharifa Jackson Friday morning about this grim milestone.
Joshua, a Bucks County native, was just 23 years old when he died.
He worked as a bond trader for Cantor Fitzgerald, and was on the 105th floor of the North Tower at the World Trade Center that day.
His mother, Judi Reiss, says it's hard to process that he's been gone longer than he lived.
"It's hard to wrap my arms around 25 years. Josh only lived 23. I look at everything that was taken from him - taken from all of us," she said.
Despite being the second-born, she says he was the ringleader of her five children.
"When I opened my eyes this morning, it was almost like it was yesterday. The pain is still there - the shock that this could even happen. I just kind of take a deep breath. It's a long time in some ways, and it's yesterday in others."
Judi says it's hard to explain to people.
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She remembers Josh for having the biggest smile and for being the happiest kid.
"Josh would have said to me: Don't cry, don't be sad - get even. And to be getting even would be living the best life I can," Judi said. "For me, living the best life is giving back. Making the world a little better because you're here. Not just taking, but giving."
Judi has turned her pain into advocacy, active in the 9/11 lawsuits and the building of the Garden of Reflection in Lower Makefield Township, Bucks County.
His brother, Jon Reiss, was just 15 years old at the time.
"It's still very surreal and what really gets to me after all these years is how much Josh is missed," Jon said.
He said all the siblings now have kids, adding that this is the first year his two daughters are really learning about their late uncle.
"He was someone who was loved and he loved his family, and he loved life," Jon said, specifically noting that his brother also loved the Philadelphia Eagles.
To mark the 25 years, a memorial service remembering the 18 Bucks County residents who lost their lives will be held at the garden.
