Sandy Weill and his wife Joan emerged over the last decade as perhaps the ultimate example of the wealthy seasonal Adirondacker.<\/p>\n
Their North Country philanthropy extended to Paul Smiths College, North Country Public Radio, and beyond.<\/p>\n
But as the chief architect of Citigroup, the Weills also find themselves living in the shadow of the biggest financial meltdown since the Great Depression.<\/p>\n
(Weill was also largely responsible for repealing post-Depression regulations designed to avoid another implosion.)<\/p>\n
In a lengthy profile on Sunday, the New York Times paints a portrait of the Weills as largely isolated from the world they once helped to define.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe most important thing to my husband was his reputation, \u201d says Mrs. Weill, who still feels angry at the portrayal of him in the press. \u201cThere are a few people I want to kill, but I am not going to name names.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
According to the article, Weill made an effort to return to Citi in a leadership role after the crisis began, but was rebuffed.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI had 50 years of experience,\u201d he says. \u201cI think I was a pretty good student of the markets, and the business. I had a good feel of things. I felt that just because I retired didn\u2019t mean my brain went to mush. Maybe I could help.\u201d <\/p>\n
No one responded to his offers. <\/p>\n
The rejection stung. Citigroup had for so long been central to his life. It was hard to accept that he had no control or influence over it anymore. \u201cIt\u2019s very hurtful. Even though he says, \u2018No, no, it\u2019s fine,\u2019 \u201dsays Joan Weill, his wife of 54 years. \u201cI know him. The company means so much to him. It was his baby.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
The article points out that the Weills have maintained their devotion to philanthropy, and many of the trappings of their lifestyle, including a home on Upper Saranac Lake.<\/p>\n