Biographies
Gregory Richards 1970-2001
Gregory Richards was a New York City native who showed an interest in math and sports throughout his years at Stuyvessant High School. The University of Michigan was a natural choice for him because it is "a great school and [has] a great sports program," says his wife, Erin.
Mr. Richards graduated in 1992 with a bachelor's degree in economics. He loved his years at Michigan and made many close, life-long friends---many of whom were involved in Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity, a big part of his student life. Two of Mr. Richard's best friends from the U-M, both fellow members of the fraternity, were also killed on Sept. 11.
Following graduation, Mr. Richards took a position with AVM Investment were he learned to trade and sell derivatives, demonstrating amazing mathematical talent.
From there, he went to Cantor Fitzgerald, which had a long connection with his family, to take advantage of an opportunity to start his own structured fixed-income products group. Following changes at Cantor Fitzgerald, Mr. Richards left for Goldman Sachs where he sold fixed-income products.
A desire to start his own company and be with family brought him, for a while, back to Michigan. However, he missed Wall Street and New York City, and in April 1999 returned to New York as vice president of corporate development for e-Speed , a subsidiary of Cantor-Fitzgerald with offices in the World Trade Center.
Mr. Richards met his wife Erin, who is from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, in New York City. They married in 1997 and had a son, Asher. He also is survived by his parents, Carol Richards and Terry Richards, brother Paul and sister Lisa.
Laurence Polatsch 1968-2001
Laurence Polatsch, affectionately known as L.P., was born on October 9, 1968 on Long Island, NY and was raised in Woodbury, NY. After graduating Syosset High School, he studied political science at the University of Michigan, earning his degree in 1990. After graduation, Laurence attended Syracuse Law School and began his career in medical malpractice defense in 1993. After a few years, Laurence was tired of "fighting with people" everyday and left the legal profession.
During his career transition, Laurence flirted with entering the media and entertainment industry. He loved to be on camera and truly enjoyed the excitement that surrounded celebrities and their lives. He was infamous for many of his antics, including asking Julia Roberts out for a date which ultimately landed him on Entertainment Tonight as the cover story; crashing the Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas black tie wedding at the plaza; and hopping in the ring with Sugar Ray Leonard after he won a fight in Atlantic City. His love of the limelight earned him one of his many nicknames, "Hollywood." Laurence's unique perspective on life allowed him to enjoy each and every day.
He joined Cantor Fitzgerald as a sales and trading trainee in 1998. L.P. finally found his calling - his personality, social skills and intelligence would lead to his success. After two short years, Laurence became a Partner at Cantor Fitzgerald in the equities division. L.P. could frequently be found entertaining clients at his favorite restaurants, Angelo & Maxie's and Daniel and then be the first person in the office the next morning. L.P. was one of a kind.
Laurence was tragically lost in the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. He is survived by his mother, Linda; father, Bernard ("Buddy"); his brother, Danny; and sister-in-law, Betsy; and countless friends.
Scott Weingard 1971-2001
Scott Weingard, known as Scotty or Scooter to his family and friends, was born and grew up in Dix Hills, New York. While at Half Hollow Hills High School West, Scotty was a well-rounded student with many interests, including basketball, tennis, math, science and computers. Scotty chose the University of Michigan because he was a fan of the Wolverine's hoops and football teams, because of Michigan's strong academic reputation, and because many of his friends had decided to attend Michigan.
Scotty graduated Michigan with a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1993. Following graduation, Scotty headed to New York City where he joined Hypnotic Hats, a company that his brother Rob had started with some friends. Scotty excelled at Hypnotic Hats, which manufactures baseball caps, and was soon promoted to operations manager, a position he held for seven years. About a year ago, Scotty left Hypnotic Hats for Cantor Fitzgerald and a promising career in equities trading.
Although living in New York City, Scotty returned each year to Ann Arbor for football games, enjoyed two Rose Bowl games in Pasadena, and maintained numerous friendships from his University of Michigan days.
Scotty is survived by his mother Bonnie, his brothers Rob and Marc and their wives, Joey and Kerri, his nephews Crew, Stevie, Curtis and Spencer, and his girlfriend, Julie Kaufmann. Scotty also will be sorely missed by his cousins Jared, Jeff and Todd, who were like brothers to Scotty, his cousins Robin and Ellen, and, of course, his many friends.