Stephen H. Weiss

WEISS--Stephen H. Beloved husband of Suzanne Rogers, adored father of Heather, Michael, Jonny and Nathalie, cherished brother of Roger and step-sisters Barbara Stern and Jane Scheiber. Stephen, 72, a resident of Greenwich, CT, died April 16 in New York Hospital, of heart failure. He had a distinguished career as an investment banker, philanthropist and former chairman of the Cornell University Board of Trustees. Above all, he was devoted to his family. Mr. Weiss began his career at A.G. Becker & Co. where he served for 11 years, and was a vice president, shareholder and member of the board of directors. In 1970 he co-founded the investment management firm of Weiss, Peck & Greer, and was the firm's managing partner until the firm was sold in 2001. Most recently he was a managing director of the investment firm of Neuberger Berman, LLC. A 1957 graduate of Cornell University, Mr. Weiss was an enthusiastic and generous supporter of the University, and served on the Board of Trustees for 24 years. He was the board's chairman from 1989-1997. He was the first chairman of the Board of Overseers of the Cornell Medical College and Graduate School of Medical Sciences. In 1980 he was named a Life Overseer. His affection for Cornell and his belief in the importance of education led him to serve on and chair many university committees. His activities at Cornell involved all aspects of the university, including serving on four presidential search committees. In 1984 he and his wife Suzanne endowed the deanship of the Weill Cornell Medical College. In 1992 he established the Stephen H. Weiss Presidential Fellows Awards to honor professors exhibiting an outstanding commitment to undergraduate education. A man of great energy and devotion to the community at large, Stephen was a board member of the National Humanities Center, and vice chairman of the Teagle Foundation. He was a member of the Citizens Budget Commission of New York City, and vice chairman of the Centurion Foundation. In 2000 he was appointed an honorary police commissioner of New York City. He also served on the Board of Visitors of California's School of Medicine, Davis, and was a member of the AACU's National Leadership Council for Liberal Education. Recently he was elected to serve on the Board of Tulane University. There will be a private funeral service for the immediate family. A memorial service at a future date will be announced. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to may send donations to: Cornell University, Attn: President David J. Skorton; or to Weill Cornell Medical College, Attn: Dr. O. Wayne Isom.