Stephen M. Peck

Stephen M. Peck (February 2, 1935 – March 30, 2004) was an American investor and philanthropist who co-founded the asset management firm Weiss, Peck & Greer.

Early life and education Stephen Martin Peck was born to a Jewish family on February 2, 1935, in New York City, U.S. He was the third child and only son of Helen (née Epstein) and Barney Peck, a partner in a Wall Street brokerage firm and member of the New York Stock Exchange. Barney Peck, who began his career as a runner for Herrick, Berg and Co., was committed to youth charities and an active supporter of Camp Williams, which provided free vacations to underprivileged children.

Peck graduated from the Fieldston School in New York and with a bachelor's degree in economics from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. They then worked together at the specialist firm which became known as Barney Peck & Son.

In 1970, Peck co-founded the private investment firm Weiss, Peck & Greer with Philip Greer and brothers Roger and Stephen H. Weiss. In 1971, at age 36, Peck was named vice chairman of the New York Stock Exchange's board of governors.

Philanthropy Peck was a distinguished philanthropist. He served on the boards of Mount Sinai Medical Center for more than 30 years, including six years as chairman. They had three children: Bradford Peck, Jennifer Peck, and Suzanne Peck. He also had three stepchildren from his second marriage to Judith Stern Peck (previously married to Leonard N. Stern): Andrea Stern, Emanuel Stern, and Edward Stern. Peck died after complications resulted from a heart procedure on March 30, 2004. His funeral was held at B'nai Jeshurun.