JOHN JAKOBSON

JAKOBSON--John R.,

age 86, died Friday, April 7, 2017 in New York City. He was born May 27, 1930 in New York City to Louis and Lucille (Rafelson) Jakobson and was the youngest of three children. After graduating valedictorian from Stuyvesant High School, he went on to Wesleyan University graduating with honors and distinction in 1952 and from Harvard Business School two years later. In 1989, he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Wesleyan where he served on the board of trustees for many years. John pursued a career on Wall Street, purchasing a seat on the New York Stock Exchange in 1955, becoming one of its youngest members. After leaving the floor of the Exchange, John maintained his own trading desk at several firms - at his death he was associated with Monness, Crespi, Hardt & Co in New York City. John's wit, wisdom, and expansive spirit will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Joan Caraganis Jakobson; son Nicholas Jakobson and his fiancee Kathryn Fortunato and daughter Caitlin Rea Tashjian; daughters Jenna Torres and Maggie Wheeler (Daniel) from his first marriage to Barbara Jakobson; and grandchildren Ama, Juno, Gemma, Lily, and Jack. He is also survived by his sister Helen Mintz. He was predeceased by his son John Paul "Pablo" Jakobson and brother Peter Jakobson. A memorial is planned for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to Wesleyan University where a John Jakobson Scholarship Fund has been established.(Wesleyan.edu; Giving; Special Instructions: John Jakobson Scholarship Fund).