Saturday, December 7, 2024
IN MEMORIAM
ULISES GIBERGA
Saturday December 7, 2024
Dear Ulises:
During the course of over 40 years I felt honored to call you a friend.
During the course of almost 30 years when we were bankers at Chase Manhattan Bank, then Republic Bank of New York, you were my boss and mentor. You had the corner office at Chase, and mine was next to yours. You would come into my office, you said, to calm down. I was so amused when I heard you yelling at something or someone, knowing you would step into my office after that. You made me feel so special by coming in to chat and decompress. I learned so much from you, as we discussed various topics and exchanged viewpoints.
We also bonded over Maine, where Jane’s family and yours spent many if not all, summer vacations. Our family did as well. You would give me many recommendations, in particular that
Deering Ice Cream made in Maine was the best. So one year, on our way back from Maine, I bought your favorite flavor of Deering ice cream, had it packed in dry ice, drove back to New York (5 hours) and brought it to your office. You thought that was absurd –
driving ice cream back from Maine to New York ?! (Yes it was!)
I think it had not melted by the time you brought it home, but maybe Jane remembers.
Both during and after our banking careers, David and I enjoyed wonderful times with you and Jane. You were an excellent tennis player (and sportsman). You invited us to the Westside Tennis Club several times, and even played a game of tennis with our son Alex (when he was maybe 10 or 11), and David. We went to theatre shows, and we always appreciated your expert review of plays and what to see. Of course, we went to see you perform at St. Bart’s amateur theatre club, as well as other venues. You were amazing!
Ulises: your wonderful children and others have recounted how you came to this country at age 11, had a stellar and highly respected banking career, and accomplished so much as a loving and caring individual, Father and Grandfather. You were also a most important figure in my career and some of the best years of my personal life. I will try to remember those moments as I celebrate your life, and say goodbye to a very dear friend. I will miss you.
Evelyne and David Klein
