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David Komansky Obituary
April 27, 1939 - September 27, 2021
David H. Komansky, Chairman & CEO of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., from 1996-2003, Dies at 82
David H. Komansky – who as chief executive officer and then chairman of Merrill Lynch from 1996 through 2003 led a major international expansion of the firm's key businesses – died September 27, 2021 at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. His death, at 82, was attributed to natural causes.
Born April 27, 1939, Mr. Komansky was raised in the Bronx by his mother, an Irish Catholic who converted to Judaism when she married his father, a postal worker whose family had emigrated from Russia.
Mr. Komansky began his 35-year career at Merrill Lynch in 1968 as a financial advisor trainee in Queens, after a period of living in Miami that included stints in the U.S. Coast Guard, attending the University of Miami and in a variety of odd jobs.
In January 1995, he became president and chief operating officer, and CEO in December 1996, succeeding Daniel P. Tully. He would prove to be an innovative and forward-looking leader.
Mr. Komansky was very active in civic and philanthropic affairs. He served on the boards of BlackRock, the WPP Group, and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, where the NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children's Hospital was established in 2005 at the Weil Cornell campus.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, of Westport, CT; their two daughters, Jennifer Komansky and Elyssa Williams (Simon); and two grandchildren – Joey and Maverick Williams. A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children's Hospital (www.nyp.org/komansky) or Alzheimer's Association (alz.org).
Memories and Condolences
for David Komansky
Sponsored by Abraham L. Green & Son Funeral Home.
14 Entries
Cathy Rowe
January 19, 2022
Dear Komansky Family,
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Komansky. I was employed by Merrill in the Chicago ICD group and had the opportunity to meet him while he visited our office back in the 90s. I was fortunate to be his admin assistant for the day. He was such a pleasure to interact with I was treated with kindness and respect. That day is one of my most treasured memories of my career with ML. May your loving memories provide you peace, comfort and strength.
matthew perrotta
January 2, 2022
My deepest condolences to Phyllis.. and the family
such a great man...
Jose Santana
December 3, 2021
Dave was a great friend and cared very much about my well being. My condolences to the Komansky family. Thank you for your friendship. Rest easy my friend.
Eric Courtney
November 16, 2021
One great man . Last of Wall St kind giants and hero of mine. He always had a menthol or regular cigarette to borrow. What a loss ! What a leader!
Last of the "Breed Apart ".
Anita L. Schloss
October 30, 2021
So very sorry to hear of David's passing. My deepest condolences to Phyllis and family. Much love to all. Your cousin, Anita
HEMENDRA KOTHARI
October 14, 2021
Dear Phyllis
I was saddened to hear of Dave´s passing.
I was the India partner in the Merrill Lynch JV -DSP Merrill Lynch, which was formalised in 1995, when Dave was Chairman.
However my association with ML dated back to the 80s and I knew Dave when he was President.
I had the pleasure of meeting you at one of the World Bank Meets , when you accompanied Dave.
One of the most affable persons I have met - yet sharp and focussed - Dave was always accessible and lent a patient ear whenever needed.
I always greatly appreciated his accommodating the time in his packed work schedule, to meet me whenever I travelled to NY.
A warm welcome always awaited me and his ease & joviality created a relaxed atmosphere for our meetings.
Dave will always hold a special place for me, both personally and in the DSPML journey.
I know Dave will be greatly missed by his loving family and his numerous colleagues and friends
Please accept my most sincere condolences and covey the same to your daughters and the extended family.
In sympathy,
Hemendra
Hemendra Kothari
Chairman
DSP Investment Managers Private Limited
Founder, Chairman and Trustee - Wildlife Conservation Trust: www.wildlifeconservationtrust.org
Founder, Chairman and Trustee - Hemendra Kothari Foundation
Chair, India Program, The Nature Conservancy (TNC)
John Brucato
October 6, 2021
Dear Phyllis I was deeply saddened to hear about Davids passing for over 30 years knowing David and you he was the kindness man a person would want to know. I will keep you and him in my prayers.
Janet MacEachen
October 6, 2021
Phyliss,
Jim Kirsch called to let me know about David's passing...I am so very sorry for your loss. He was an extraordinary individual and I admired him greatly. I have the fondest memories of your family from Elyssa's wedding and all the planning we did together. I will add David and you to my prayer list.
Fondly,
Janet
Helen Margolnick - Fernandez
October 2, 2021
I'm so sorry to hear the loss of Dave. My deepest sympathies to the Komansky family. I worked for Dave at Merrill before and after his retirement. He will be missed. Helen
Joseph & Serena Mizzi
October 1, 2021
Dear Phyllis, with sadness, Serena and I extend our deepest condolences to you and your daughters on the passing of David. Many years have passed since we last met, but happy memories last forever.
My brother, Fr. Franklin, also expresses his sympathy, and he has offered special prayers for your benefit, and
for the peaceful repose of David's soul.
Arne & Jean Zimmerman
September 30, 2021
We had some fun and shared some joy and sadness. I know you are now in peace big guy and you will shake things up wherever you are and the laughter will be heard everywhere... God bless
Genevieve Marinello
September 30, 2021
Mr. Komansky was a great man, a people person, caring, driven and full of integrity. May he Rest In Peace.
Jenny M Ramos
September 29, 2021
My deepest condolences to the Komansky family. I had the privilege for many years to see the family come together to celebrate the holidays and New Year. Dave always made each one of them feel special. And everyone at the resort part of his family and friends. Forever in our hearts.
Frank Collins Jr.
September 29, 2021
My family offers our deepest condolences to the Komansky Family. Dave made such a difference in my life and the lives of virtually all of my brothers and sisters. He embodied all that was good in a leader and a friend. We will miss him.
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