Thomas I. Glasser

Not Typical Wall Street

If Thomas Glasser had filled out an occupation form, it would have looked something like this: philosophy major- track star-stand up comic-restaurant owner-bartender-partner at Sandler O'Neill. Mr. Glasser was not a typical Wall Street guy, said his wife, Meg. That was all right with her, because she had an aversion to them until she met him, a moment she said was like time-lapse photography.

"I looked at him and I saw everything," she said. "He walked in the door, and I knew that he was my husband."

By 40, Mr. Glasser had added husband and father to his résumé. He could have also added wallet-rescuer: he earned a do-gooder reputation in high school when he returned a teacher's lost wallet. Years later, he witnessed a robbery and chased the culprit. Again, the wallet was returned.

Mr. Glasser's children, Dylan and Luke, are still a bit too young to appreciate their father's focus on education, but other children are not. Mr. Glasser and his father, Gerald, had for years planned to start a charitable foundation. After Sept. 11, Mr. Glasser's father continued with their plan. The Thomas Glasser Foundation will award scholarship money this year. "I can't think of a better memorial to him," Gerald Glasser said

Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on January 20, 2002.


GLASSER-Thomas. Age 40 of Summit, New Jersey lost tragically in the terrorist attack at the World Trade Center, September 11, 2001. Loving husband of Meg, devoted father of Dylan and Lukas. Adored son of Dr. Gerald J. Glasser and Anne Glasser, both of Westfield, New Jersey. Brother of Margie and Laura. Beloved son-inlaw to Dr. Herbert and Barbara Bloom. Loved as a brother by Billy, Heidi, Patricia and Lisa and friend to many. Tom was a graduate of Haverford College, received his MBA from NYU and was a partner at Sandler O'Neill. Tom's generosity, kindness and friendship was an inspiration to all who where privileged to know him. A celebration of Tom's life will be held Saturday, Oct. 6, 2001 at 3:30pm at the Reevs-Reed Arboretum, 165 Hobart Ave., Summit, New Jersey. Directions and contribution information may be found at: www.sandleroneill.com.