Stephen R Petschek

PETSCHEK--Stephen Ronald, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, died on July 24, 2010, in New York. He was 79. Born on June 28, 1931, in Prague, Czechoslovakia, the son of Walter and Franziska (Urbach) Petschek, Stephen came to the U.S. in 1941. He attended Phillips Exeter Academy before graduating magna cum laude from Harvard University and earning his JD, cum laude, from Harvard Law School. He practiced law at Cravath, Swaine and Moore, served for some time as Assistant to the United States Ambassador to Belgium and then entered investment banking, first as a partner at Loeb Rhoades and Co. and next as president of the J. Henry Schroder Corporation. His working life cut short by an accident, Stephen lived for many years in Seal Harbor, Maine. He was a Life Trustee and former Chairman of the Board of the Jackson Laboratory, a Trustee and past President of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and a Trustee of the Institute for Defense Analyses in Washington, DC. He was a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the New York Yacht Club and the Knickerbocker Club. Stephen always had a passion for music, a keen interest in world events, and was an avid sailor. The way he maintained his wit despite the enormous challenges he faced in the latter part of his life was a true inspiration. His wisdom and generosity benefited many. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by daughters Jennifer Petschek and Alexandra Robson Petschek, their mother Danielle Tubiana, grandson William Robson, brother Alfred Petschek, and sister Susan Petschek. Contributions in Stephen's memory may be made to the Jackson Laboratory, P.O. Box 254, Bar Harbor, ME 04609-0254 or to the MDI YMCA, 21 Park Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609. A small private memorial service will be held.