RICHARD T. CUNNIFF

CUNNIFF--Richard Trolan, died of complications from congestive heart failure on March 23, 2014, at his home in Lloyd Harbor, NY. He was 91. Rick was born on January 20, 1923, in the Bronx, New York, the son of Frank George and Florence Trolan Cunniff. He graduated from South Side High School in Rockville Centre, NY in 1941 and enrolled in Colgate University just in time for America's entry into World War II. As a proud part of the Navy's V-12 program at Colgate, he completed his officer training and was posted to Pearl Harbor in 1944 to serve aboard LCI(G)451, one of the Navy's Landing Craft Infantry (Gunnery) ships. These vessels played a key role in protecting the first waves of amphibious troops from shore-based enemy fire. Rick served in several combat operations including the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the landings at Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, and Okinawa. In 1946 he was released from active duty as a Lieutenant (jg). Rick entered Harvard Business School in 1948, and in June 1949 he married Marilyn P. Feld (also of Rockville Centre). He and Marilyn were anticipating the celebration of their 65th wedding anniversary this coming June. Rick received his MBA in 1950 and began his career working for investment firms including Kidder, Peabody; Ferris & Co.; Sterling, Grace & Co.; Keswick Corp.; MacKay-Shields; and Andresen & Co. In 1969, Rick joined with William J. Ruane to found the investment firm of Ruane, Cunniff & Stires (Ruane, Cunniff & Goldfarb today), and they created the Sequoia Fund the following year. In his heart, Rick always considered himself a securities analyst. Passionate about the importance of rigorous research, Rick and the firm achieved a well-earned reputation for integrity, and in the years since its founding the firm has been able to achieve one of the most outstanding long-term performance records in the mutual fund industry. He was especially proud that his daughter Carley joined Ruane Cunniff & Goldfarb in 1983 and went on to serve as Executive Vice President and a Director of both RCG and the Sequoia Fund. She was an important part of the firm's growth until her illness in 2001. Rick was a corporate director of Sturm, Ruger & Co. from 1986 to 2007 and a Trustee Emeritus of Colgate University, to which he devoted boundless energy and generosity throughout his lifetime. Rick's other interests included sailing, golf, and politics (even at 91, he was still reading four newspapers every morning). Known for his wonderful sense of humor and willingness to help others in both professional and personal matters, Rick will be deeply missed by many. He is survived by his wife Marilyn; his children Richard Cunniff Jr., Peter Cunniff (Felicia), Hilary Cunniff, and Jeanne Foussard (Phillip); grandchildren Daniel and Claire Foussard, Lily Cunniff and Gareth Cunniff; his sister Lesley Ketzel and son-in-law Andy Baxter. He was preceded in death by his daughter Carley and brother Frank. A memorial program will be held at The University Club, 1 W. 54th St., NYC on April 29 at 11:00am. Contributions in Rick's memory may be made to the Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk (505 Main Street, Northport, NY 11768) or to Colgate University (13 Oak Drive, Hamilton, NY 13346).