By Matthew Monks
The northwest corner of 47th Avenue and Jackson Avenue became Palmina Delli Gatti Place in honor of the 33-year-old woman killed in the attacks on the World Trade Center.Delli Gatti was an employee with Marsh & McLennan – a firm in the World Trade Center that lost 295 workers – who lived with her father. She was pursuing a master's degree in business administration at Pace University. She loved sports and was a great fan of the New York Yankees and Rangers.An Italian immigrant, she had put off starting a family to pursue a career and degree in higher education, her loved ones said. Delli Gatti went to work early that fateful Tuesday morning to get out in time for evening classes, said Paul Raschillla, a lifelong friend and classmate at St. Mary's of Winfield High School in Woodside, where they both graduated.”It's a tragic loss that she was taken from us,” Raschilla said. “I'll always consider myself one of Pal's pals. After knowing her, I'm truly a better person.”Three years later, her family is still reeling from the loss. Delli Gatti's sister, Maria Fortuna, was too upset to speak, cutting a speech short when she broke down in tears.City Councilman Eric Gioia (D-Sunnyside) presided over the ceremony.”By dedicating this corner in her memory we celebrate her life and remember all the wonderful things she did for her family and friends,” Gioia said. “She is and will continue to be truly missed.”- Matthew Monks
