Historical Notes Born in Schenectady, New York, Michael Canty lived in New York City. He was preparing an elaborate marriage proposal for his girlfriend, Erin. At his family’s weekend home in the Berkshires, his 16 nieces and nephews were to hold up signs reading “Will you marry me?” On September 11, Michael was at work on the 92nd floor of the North Tower where he was a trader at Carr Futures. He was 30 years old.