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CRAIG SCHIFFER Obituary

SCHIFFER--Craig, 58, an investment banker who held numerous global leadership roles in over 35 years in the industry, died in an avalanche on December 23, 2014 while skiing with his children in Val Thorens, France. A resident of Summit, NJ, Craig is survived by his parents, Charles Schiffer and Carol Polinsky; his wife, Amy; his five children, Zach, Jessica, Zoe, Annie and Gabe; and his siblings Michael Schiffer and Leslie Schiffer McGinn. Born in Cleveland, OH on August 25, 1956, he grew up in Denver and went on to graduate from UC Santa Cruz with a BA in history. On June 1, 1996, he married Amy, the love of his life, mother of his three youngest children and an amazing stepmother to Zach and Jessica. An expert in credit and a strong strategic thinker, Craig worked at Lehman Brothers, from 1978 to 1996, holding various executive positions. In 1997 he moved to the debt division of Japan-based Nomura Holdings Inc. In 2003, he moved to Dresdner Kleinwort, as the New York-based chief executive of the Americas until 2006. In 2009 he opened Sevara Partners, an adviser to investors and companies, and in 2013 began working as a managing director at Cowen Group. Craig, a larger than life personality, was known for his loyalty, humor and boundless energy. An avid skier, biker, hiker and overall lover of the outdoors, he constantly sought adventure. His love of the outdoors was rivaled only by his love of food and friends. Nothing pleased him more than a meal with those he loved. His spirit and determination were infectious, an inspiration to everyone he came across, especially his children, whom he deeply loved. Craig simply had a zest for life -- for living it to the fullest and then some, and for helping others make the most of it, too. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. It is his children's hope to carry on the legacy of this great man.

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Published by New York Times on Dec. 28, 2014.

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Geralyn Cappelli

December 23, 2022

Dear Craig,

You have been gone for 7 years but certainly not forgotten. Sharon Scrima and I still share funny work stories about our time together. You certainly added life to DrKW as the CEO for the Americas. I am sure you are dancing up a storm in the heavens. Keep having fun and watching over your friends.

We miss you,
Gerry

PH

December 22, 2022

Thinking fo you.
PH

Geralyn Cappelli

December 24, 2020

Craig, you have been gone for 6 years but never forgotten. There are so many great memories to cherish and that continued to be recounted with your friends and colleagues. Please keep watching us from above.

With lots of love,
Gerry

December 22, 2020

The lasting impression Craig made in our lives will extend far beyond the 6 years that have gone by since his passing. We will keep fondly remembering him....

Philippe Hatstadt

December 22, 2019

5 years already. Still miss you, always will. Sometimes, I have the urge to call you to ask for advice. Sometimes I think about our skiing. Sometimes I just think about you.
Best wishes to you family, Amy.

PH

Geralyn Cappelli

December 22, 2019

Dear Craig,

Five years later and you continue to be greatly missed. I am forever telling funny Schiffer stories. Your laughter and humor still brings smiles to the faces of your colleagues.

With love to family,
Gerry

Nancy Hament

February 7, 2016

Schiffy, Schiffy, Schiify,

Jeanne, Neil and I were at Jacqui's wedding last night! You would have been very proud. Quite a beautiful wedding, a radiant and resplendent bride, a hunky 20-pack ab doctor husband wearing a very cool dark blue tux (remember the white jacket and sneakers you wore to my wedding? Could always count on you to make an impression, Craig! At least you didn't go commando, or did you?!), Jess and her beau Sean in tow, and lots and lots of getting down on the dance floor. We definitely missed you. We miss you all the time, in fact! Here's to the time we had you here, enjoyed your company and your counsel, and were able to share with you all of the good things in life as well as some of its hardships. We love you Craig! xoxoxoxoxo

Geralyn Cappelli

September 11, 2015

Dear Craig, Happy Belated Birthday! Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Geralyn Cappelli, 130 E 18 St - 2G, NY, NY 10003

Debra Pierce Cohig

June 30, 2015

I don't even know what to say, but that I cried when I heard. Havent seen him in forty years, but am heartened to read here that he never lost that warm and irreverent sense of humor--one of the few people I've ever known who could pull it off. I can remember how much he loved skiing as a kid. I'm glad he was doing something that made him happy, I really am. How many of us can have that? His smile was like the sun coming out on a rainy day. We were on "Aunt Rose's" speech squad together. Some tough times back then, dealing with the loss of several friends...and some of my fondest memories of that time going to "speech meets" together (and after-parties!). My sister Lori went to school with Leslie--and sweetheart, our hearts go out to you and your family. I know you'll miss him terribly, but realize how fortunate you were to have him smile upon you with all that sunshine! Bless you all
--Debra

Andreea Culian

January 13, 2015

Deepest regrets to his family!

January 10, 2015

There are no words to express the sadness I felt when I heard about Craig, a young man I had known since since he was a very young boy. I can't help but remember what a great skier he was and how much he loved all outdoor sports. I watched him grow up and moved to the East coast taking a job at Leaman Brothers and how very sucessful he became. I was so very proud of him because I always thought of him as part of my family. Our families were inseprable and did so many things together. We were always there for one another on the good time and the bad. Over the years circumstances seemed to have separated us but learning about Craig brought all the good memories we shared back to me again. I tried to reach chuck and Carol by phone but was only able to leave a voice mail. Please know that all my prayers and thoughts are with the whole family.
Love,
Hyla Sloane

Dan Sloane

January 9, 2015

"Back-in-the-day", my family and the Schiffer family were together constantly, skiing, riding dirt bikes and just hanging out at each others homes or at our condos in Frisco.

Although I am quite a bit younger than Craig, I remember trying to keep up with him on the ski slopes at Keystone and Breckenridge (and not being able to most of the time). But it is because of Craig that I learned to love skiing moguls, trees and powder, and it became something I passed on to my children. (It is also because of Craig that I had explosive wipe outs in the moguls, crashed into trees and lost my equipment in the deep powder on more than one occasion--but back then it was way more fun than it sounds now, although I am chuckling thinking about it)

I know he cut his hair, shaved his beard and became a successful businessman, but I'm glad he never lost his zest for life and sense of humor. There are still a lot of people in Colorado who have fond memories of Craig and, like me still get a chuckle thinking about him.

To the whole Schiffer family, please accept my and my family's condolences on your loss. I am sure in the years to come you too will be able to sit around and think of Craig and get some pretty good chuckles remembering all the good times you had together.

Fondly,

Dan Sloane

Lilleth Hughes

January 8, 2015

Please accept my deepest sympathy, I was shocked to hear of Craig's passing. I have fond memories of him at Dresdner Kleinwort. He was a brilliant, dynamic individual.

January 7, 2015

We were truly shocked to hear this news. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Schiffer family. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gerald and Alison Frantzen

Rick Morris

January 6, 2015

When I joined Lehman Brothers in 1986, Craig was in the firm's London office. Nonetheless, I constantly was hearing about him from colleagues who admired him for his creativity, energy, leadership and loyalty. When I finally met this mythical figure, I understood why so many people in New York missed him. Although we lost touch for a number of years after he left Lehman, I had the great good fortune to cross paths with him again after he founded Sevara Partners. He was unchanged -- still bringing passion, creativity, energy, integrity and good humor to all that he did. He was a very good man who will be missed tremendously by those fortunate enough to have had him touch their lives.

Geralyn Cappelli

January 5, 2015

We will all remember Craig for his personality, wit, charm and zest for life. While I would say rest in peace, I suspect Craig is moving and shaking in the spiritual world as well!

Kurt Heimbrock

January 5, 2015

Craig Schiffer was my very first best friend when I was a little boy. Haven't seen him in 45 years, but will never forget him or his family. You have my deepest sympathy.

Jake & Kerry Cohn

January 5, 2015

Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Each of you are in our Prayers.

"Ha'makom yenahem etkhem betokh she'ar avelei Tziyonvi'Yerushalayim".

Nigel Estick

January 5, 2015

Dear Schiffer Family,

My prayers go out to you in your time of grief. I will always look back fondly at the times I spent with the family, watching Zach and Jess grow up, the one summer spent in Nantucket where Craig took the time to teach me to ride a bike.
Craig, your kindness and generosity were boundless, you will be missed.

Patricia Estick

January 5, 2015

Condolences to Amy, Zach, Jessie, Zoe,Annie and Gabe...may the Lord strengthened you in this time of loss.
Craig was a wonderful and generous person, also a great employer. I am forever indebted to him for the great help he has been to Nigel and I over the years. He would always be remembered for his kindness to humanity. May his legacy lie on in the lives of his children.

Mark Lieberman

January 5, 2015

Words cannot describe the loss of my friend and colleague. His absence is so prominent, yet his presence is stronger than ever. He created a environment at Nomura marked by collegiality and professionalism. He was the center of a true team effort, none I have experienced before. He was a leader for me in so many ways, a true friend. Craig connected me with other friends and colleagues that just multiplied and enhanced the quality of my life. He always cared about my well being and I cared for him. He will be a continued example on how to live one's life to the fullest.

My condolences to the entire Schiffer family and friends. I look forward to seeing you all soon.

Einar Lyche

January 5, 2015

My deepest sympathy to the Schiffer family.
I had the pleasure of working with Craig at Lehman Brothers in London from 1985 to 1992. Craig was a person that loved his work, took pride in his work and demanded quality and loyalty from his colleagues. It was fun working with Craig - he was laid back, energetic and full of life.
A great man will be greatly missed.

Ron Queler

January 2, 2015

I met Craig in London around 1985 when I joined Lehman. He was a great host. A fun memory I remember when he took us out to lunch and I realized he was wearing two different shoes. I didn't have the heart to tell him until we got back to the office at which time he took off his shoes and walked around in his socks for the rest of the day. We joked about that often. Anyway, I am very sad for your loss. My condolences to you and your family.

Doreen Haskins

January 2, 2015

Words cannot express the sadness we feel for you dealing with the death of Craig. I pray that God will comfort you and your family during these difficult times.

January 2, 2015

Dearest Amy, Zach, Jessie, Zoe, Annie, and Gabe,
Schiffy, as we usually called him, was a terrific friend for 35 years, from the day we started at Lehman in January 1979 to the present. Many of the entries I have read here describe him as loyal, fun, energetic, full of life and a sage boss. I know he was all of these things. I will miss him primarily as a friend who understood 'where we came from', shared the mishigas of life's ups and downs and was a guy who you could really count on. I know how heartbroken we all are to have lost him. Much love and hugs of condolence.
Bird

Mimi Allerton

January 1, 2015

My love and prayers to Amy, Zach, Jessica, Zoe, Annie, Gabe and the rest of the Schiffer family in your time of loss and mourning. Craig was a special man who will be long remembered by all who knew him.

Jennifer Yahney-Lanz

December 31, 2014

My prayers go out to the Schiffer family. He was an inspiration to me during my years at Lehman beginning in 1981.

The Watts

December 31, 2014

Our deepest sympathy to the Schiffer family. Our prayers are with your family. We pray you find comfort and peace in your wonderful memories and God's loving promises.

Charlyne Bise

December 31, 2014

Chère Madame, Cher Monsieur "Père", Chers enfants,
Toutes nos meilleures pensées vous accompagnent, nous vous souhaitons à tous du courage.
Nous étions toujours très heureux de recevoir Monsieur Schiffer et de partager sa joie de vivre.
Nous nous associons tous ici à Talloires en espérant alléger votre souffrance et vous embrassons affectueusement.
Charlyne Bise, Patrick Barut, Frank Fleurance et tous ceux de l'Auberge qui vous connaissent.

Charlyne BISE

December 31, 2014

Chère Madame, Cher Monsieur "Père", Chers enfants,
Toutes nos meilleures pensées vous accompagnent, nous vous souhaitons à tous du courage.
Nous étions toujours très heureux de recevoir Monsieur Schiffer et de partager sa joie de vivre.
Nous nous associons tous ici à Talloires en espérant alléger votre souffrance et vous embrassons affectueusement.
Charlyne Bise, Patrick Barut, Frank Fleurance et tous ceux de l'Auberge qui vous connaissent.

Mary Dickinson

December 31, 2014

You can tell more about who someone really is when things are tough. Craig helped me navigate some difficult times professionally that coincided with the loss of my mother. . He had a joyous optimism and a rare ability to help sort through pretty much any business issue. Craig enriched and enlivened those around him. The world is a better place because he elevated everyone he met. He is a role model for me. I am so sorry for your loss.

Nicholas Pierotti

December 30, 2014

I still remember sometime in the 77 -78 year at UCSC, that Craig came and stayed at my house in Felton to study for his orals. I remember he used to sit around by the fireplace studying in his "hospital greens" (many of you will remember those).
During that time my oldest cat "Arab" was stricken with an inner ear infection that rapidly spread into his brain and my precious cat passed away. I was in tears over the loss of my pet, and I remember Craig coming over and putting his arms around me and comforting me, understanding the feelings I was having over the loss of my sweet cat. The deep compassion he showed me stays with me to this day, showing the true character of a truly wonderful guy. He will be in my heart forever.
I imagine that in Heaven right now Arab is jumping into his lap and purring for a man of heart who was never afraid of showing it.

Adrienne & David Tator

December 30, 2014

Our deepest sympathy to Amy, children, and entire Schiffer family. Heartfelt condolences are sent to you as a dear neighbor and friend.

Kevin & Monica Reynolds

December 30, 2014

Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Our prayers are with your family.

Martin Baxter, Richard Bull, Mark Lee and James McEwen

December 30, 2014

Craig was a dynamic and inspirational leader and manager during his time at Nomura. It was his vision to develop an in-house trading system for derivatives which we were privileged to work on, and which we are still developing and expanding to this day. His foresight has provided Nomura with a lasting legacy. Craig was always fantastic to work for and his defining characteristics were of providing encouragement and energy. One memorable initiative for all his employees was to go on a team building and personal development course in the Solent on BT Challenge round the world yachts. We send our sincere condolences to the Schiffer family.

Doreen Gloessner

December 29, 2014

Craig was the most wonderful person I have ever worked for and I wouldn't be where I am without him. We have been friends long after we both left Dresdner and
I will never forget my dear friend.

Irene Foster

December 29, 2014

My most sincere condolences to Craig's family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Gus Picariello

December 29, 2014

Craig will always be remembered here at Camelback Racing for his help and his zeal and ardent interest in seeing kids enjoy our sport. He will be missed by his ski racing family.

Eugene McBride

December 29, 2014

To the Schiffer Family, you have my Deepest Condolences. Craig was one of a kind and will always be remembered at Dresdner Kleinwort. Thanks for Sending the Dresdner BBall team to Washington to play in the 3on3 Fannie May tournament in 2007.

Dale Yoder

December 29, 2014

Prayers from the Yoders

Saad Zein

December 29, 2014

I met Craig in 2003 when he had first joined Dresdner Kleinwort. I was surprised by the immediate familiarity and friendship he exuded, even to someone who was far less senior than he was at that point.

Over the next few years, I quickly came to realize that he was very genuine. He was that friendly, that good and that decent. He was bombastic and boisterous. He made it fun for me to be in his presence. More importantly, he helped me and made it easier for me to come to work.

He may not have tried to be a mentor, but I believe that he ended up being that to a lot of us.

I loved him and I will miss him dearly.

Neil Moskowitz

December 29, 2014

Such a sad loss for the Schiffers - a truly wonderful family. I, too, will miss Craig and his warmth, wit and zest for life. Looking back, I feel very lucky that we shared some great times when Craig somehow found time to volunteer his expertise to the Kent Place Board.

Walter Petzinger

December 29, 2014

Craig was our CEO at Dresdner Kleinwort. He was a boss with a human face, a real "mensch". I respected an liked him a lot. I have lost my wife and brother this year and can imagine how his wife, children and family must feel. My thoughts are with them.

Elena Caravela

December 29, 2014

My deepest condolences to you all.
Elena Caravela

Philippe Hatstadt

December 28, 2014

I met Craig in 1993 at Lehman Brothers as he took over the Fixed Income derivatives business. He was both feared and loved, feared if you didn't live up to his standards, and loved by you and by him if you did. I quickly got to love the man. But he was much more than that. He knew how to be a boss *and* a friend. He and I shared a passion for skiing, and despite what happened, I still want to remember the amazing "weekend warrior" ski trips we took in Aspen every year with the most aggressive Lehman skiers. Although Craig still was the leader in Aspen, he led as a friend, not as a boss. It is his ability to make you feel both a friend and a motivated professional that made him successful, and besides myself, I know a number of ex-Lehman people that he also greatly influenced and whose lives he simply changed for the better . I still try to manage with Craig's style, and it has served me well over the past 20 years.
Last time I saw him, we had discussed hooking up to ski some powder somewhere. It will have to be in Heaven. Craig, don't shred all the powder up there, keep some for when we meet again.
To Amy and her beautiful family, my deepest sympathy and condolences.

Mike, Libby & David FEYH

December 28, 2014

To the Schiffer family, we send our deepest condolences. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Dean & Karen Tilton

December 28, 2014

Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Craig, I did have the privilege of teaching Amy in high school in Maquoketa, Iowa. It doesn't surprise me that she married such a terrific guy or that she was a wonderful wife and great mother. Our thoughts & prayers are with you, Amy, and with your children during this tragic and difficult time. Sincerely, "Mrs. Tilton"

Don Siegel

December 28, 2014

It was a joy growing up with him for 12 years! He was a terrific man and will be missed

Renee Fullerton

December 28, 2014

Amy you and the children have my deepest sympathies. Wish I could be there to hug you!!

Doug&Jeanne Owen

December 28, 2014

To Amy and family, our deepest sympathy.

December 28, 2014

To Amy and family, our very deepest sympathy.
Doug & Jeanne Owen

judge ben and annie friedman

December 28, 2014

please our condolences and deepest sympathy. our prayers go out to you

Pamela Adams

December 28, 2014

Craig invited me, through my dear friend, his sister, Leslie, to his two homes, London and France, around year 2000, when we both lived in Europe. He loved his family, his work, and all it offered him. Craig was a force of nature who seemed to use his powers to help those he loved. My condolences to his family on this tragic loss.

Leslie Schiffer McGinn

December 28, 2014

I am the luckiest sister in the world to have Craig as my big brother
I will always love you and your beautiful family

lura daniels

December 28, 2014

So sorry for your family's loss know that you are in our prayers

David Schwartz

December 28, 2014

I Have known Craig for several years but only became good friends over the past 3 - 4. He was a pioneer in his industry and I will forever look up to him as a leader and a champion. He was also a wonderful family man always talking about his wife and children with tremendous pride. I will miss him as both a mentor and a friend.

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