Albert Martin Weis, 88, of Sands Point, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 17. Al is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Pepi (nee Hasnas), and his four children, Russell (and wife Lara) of Fletcher, VT, Marshall of Floral Park, Rebecca (and partner Billy) of Port Washington and Monica of Port St. Lucie, FL. He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Brian, Daniel, Melanie, Kiraleigh and Caleb.
Albert was born in Queens on Nov. 20, 1926, to Ann (nee Cycleman) and Irving Weis and raised on the south shore of Long Island. He graduated from MIT in 1948, and went on to serve in the U.S. Coast Guard and in the Air Force. He then returned to join the family brokerage business, Irving Weis and Company. Thus began Al’s long and storied Wall Street career, during which he achieved notable success in a number of areas ranging from stock and commodities trading to investment banking. He served as the chairman of the New York Cotton Exchange from 1977–78, 1981–83, and 1997–98, and was instrumental in the formation of the New York Board of Trade, where he served as chairman from 1998–2000. He was also chairman of the Commodity Clearing Corporation. Al served on numerous boards of directors, where he made a significant impact over the course of his distinguished career.
Al was an avid golfer and served as president of North Shore Country Club in Glen Head and later of Sands Point Golf Club. He also enjoyed racing and breeding horses, achieving several notable wins.
His philanthropic interests were wide-ranging. He was a longtime supporter of North Shore University Hospital and St. Francis Hospital, both in Manhasset, as well as of the MIT Council for the Arts in Boston. His generosity also extended to charities such as the Humane Society, reflecting his lifelong fondness for dogs.
Al placed family above all else and cared deeply about his wide circle of friends. He possessed a subtle, wry humor, and a truly generous nature—qualities which endeared him to all who knew him. He was a true gentleman who made a substantial difference in many lives and who will be sorely missed by all.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund-Albert M. Weis Annual Scholarship Fund (199 Water St., 18th flr., New York, NY 10038; www.cantorrelief.org), which awards college tuition to children of the victims of the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center.
Alternatively, contributions may be sent to the St. Francis Hospital Foundation-in memory of Albert M. Weis (St. Francis Hospital, Office of Development, 100 Port Washington Blvd., Roslyn, NY 11576; www.stfrancisheartcenter.com) to support continuing education for the nurses who work there. A memorial service for Al will be held at Sands Point Golf Club (130 Middle Neck Rd.) on Monday, Nov. 30, at 2 p.m.
