John H. Laeri Jr.

LAERI John H. Laeri Jr., son of the late J. Howard and Betty C. Laeri of Greenwich, died February 2, 2005, at his home in Fairfield surrounded by his family. Mr. Laeri was born on December 21, 1935, and was a graduate of Deerfield Academy and Williams College, with honors, in 1958. Following college, he joined the United States Marine Corps. He began his career at First Boston Corp. in 1959. In 1961, Mr. Laeri worked for World Bank and served as special assistant to George Woods, president of World Bank. From 1963 to 1978, Mr. Laeri worked at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette and Hornblower & Weeks, Hemphill Noyes. In 1979, he rejoined First Boston as Managing Director. Mr. Laeri established the largest Reorganization Group at that time on Wall Street. After retiring from First Boston in 1990, Mr. Laeri established and served as Chairman of Meadowcraft Assoc., Inc., a private investment banking firm located in Westport. Mr. Laeri was also Chairman and owner of the GolfCoach, Inc. At his passing, Mr. Laeri served on several Boards of Directors and Trusts. Mr. Laeri is survived by his beloved wife, Kember, and their three sons, John, William and Christopher; a sister, Sue Plein, and her children Jim, Julie and Todd; two stepchildren, John and Beth; and his uncle, Robert Cochrane. A Memorial Service is being held Tuesday, February 8, 2005, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Timothyts Episcopal Church in Fairfield. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Laerits memory may be made to Deerfield Academy, 7 Boyden Lane, Deerfield, MA 01342.