Robert J. Mayo was more than a name on the list of 9/11 victims—he was a loving husband, devoted father, and a true hero who sacrificed his life to save others during one of America’s darkest days.
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Who Was Robert J. Mayo?
Robert J. Mayo, aged 46, served as a Deputy Fire Safety Director at the World Trade Center. Known for his warmth, compassion, and unwavering dedication to family and community, Robert left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and raised in Groton, Massachusetts. He attended Brooklyn College, where he met his future wife, Merrill. Robert married Merrill in 1984 in Marlboro and later moved to New Jersey.
He worked as Deputy Fire Safety Director at the World Trade Center and was a loving husband to Merrill and a proud father to their 11-year-old son, Corbin.
Robert loved music, especially playing the bass guitar and listening to Led Zeppelin. He was a sports enthusiast and a loyal New York Giants fan. He enjoyed family travel, community activities, and supporting New York veterans.
What Happened on September 11, 2001?
On the morning of September 11, 2001, Robert J. Mayo was at the World Trade Center working with the OCS Group as Deputy Fire Inspector.
When the attacks began, Robert helped thousands of people evacuate from Building 4. He remained in the North Tower Lobby to maintain calm and ensure everyone’s safety. Sadly, he never made it out when the building collapsed. His bravery and selflessness marked him as one of the many unsung heroes of that tragic day.
A Loving Husband and Father
Robert was married to Merrill Mayo, and together they had one son, Corbin, who was just 11 years old at the time.
Robert had a beautiful habit of leaving daily handwritten notes for his family. These notes often included sports scores and always ended with the words: “I Love You.” One of his last notes mentioned the 31–20 defeat of the Denver Broncos, a small yet meaningful detail that reflects his love for his family.
Community and Legacy
Although Robert passed away before the rise of social media, his story continues to inspire thousands. Memorials, news features, and tributes to 9/11 victims keep his memory alive. Friends and family remember him as a man who lived to make others feel safe, joyful, and loved.
A memorial service was held at the Marlboro Jewish Center in New Jersey. His surviving family includes his wife Merrill, his son Corbin, his father Irving “Bill” Mayo, his stepmother Connie Mayo, and his stepbrother Keith Brown.
To this day, his family honors him by preserving his handwritten notes, sharing stories about his heroism, and teaching Corbin the values that Robert lived by.
Conclusion: A Hero Remembered Forever
Robert J. Mayo’s courage and devotion remind us that heroes are ordinary people who make extraordinary choices. He sacrificed his life so that others could live. As we remember 9/11, let us never forget the personal stories of love, sacrifice, and humanity—stories like Robert’s.