Mark Lehman
Mark Ellis Lehman, the former General Counsel, Executive Vice President, and Director of Bear Stearns, passed away on August 27, 2023, in New York, NY, at the age of 72.
A man of extraordinary resolve and integrity, he departed just as he made his mark in this world — defying expectations and leading with both strength and heart.
His courageous battle against Parkinson's Disease (coupled with Lewy Body Dementia and Gaucher's Disease) came to an end, surrounded by his devoted family, including his brothers Bruce and Bob, and his most cherished treasures, his children, David and Abigail.
Rabbi Intro — 0:00 – 5:25
Abby Lehman, Daughter — 5:25 – 25:00
Bob Lehman, Brother — 25:30 – 42:30
David Lehman, Son — 42:30 – 1:07:00
Rabbi Remarks & Conclusion — 1:07:00 – 1:23:00
1:13:00 — Mark = Mensch, 70 Tzadikim
1:15:40 — Significance of our prayers
Update: Summer 2026
During NYC's 400th anniversary year, and as America celebrates its 250th anniversary of independence, and before we commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11 in September, 2026:
We are proud to announce the launch of the Mark Ellis Lehman Fund, whose first grant will launch the Photo Start x NYPD Partnership, led by Sgt. Johnny Hines.
Sgt. Johnny, the day we met, November 2024, foreshadowing our future partnership!
A History Lesson
We successfully sold Mark's art and antiques and turned the proceeds into this catalytic fund, honoring the service and sacrifice borne by all first responder families, and inspired by Mark's dedication and service to the city he loved.
Having been asked to serve as FDNY Commissioner, and after cultivating a working relationship with NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly — who later appointed him to Boards, etc.
A History Lesson
At Rhodes, around 300 B.C., the Greeks who fended off an invasion melted down their enemy's bronze weapons. They erected a timber framework, and a stone load-bearing core. They cast in their foundries the arms and abs of a god.
LADY LIBERTY, KNOWN AS THE NEW COLOSSUS
INSPIRED BY ANTIQUITY
TRANSFORMATION + TRANSMUTATION
E PLURIBUS UNUM
Statue of Liberty — pull quotes, images, from talk at CC
Pull from the CC talk canva
Mark Ellis Lehman
Accomplishments — Professional Career
Former General Counsel, Executive Vice President, and Director at Bear Stearns
Served on the Executive Board of the Securities Industry Association (now SIFMA)
Contributed to major industry and regulatory financial groups
Arbitrator for the National Association of Securities Dealers (now FINRA), the American Stock Exchange
Arbitrator for the Futures Industry Association
Member of the New York Stock Exchange Legal Advisory Committee
Academic Achievements
Graduated from Columbia University (CC '73)
Earned JD from NYU Law School (JD '76)
Civic Contributions
Closely involved in New York State's Downtown Revitalization Initiative post-9/11
Participated in committees within the Department of Homeland Security, and NYC, on counterterrorism and cyber-crime prevention
Philanthropy
Led fundraising efforts for the American Jewish Committee and United Jewish Appeal
Served on the Missions Committee, raising funds and awareness for struggling Jewish communities worldwide
Honored with the Stephen E. Banner Award by the UJA-Federation's Corporate Counsel Group
Personal Life
Devoted father to David and Abigail
Passionate about golf, tennis, and lively conversations over meals
Remembered for his kindness, generosity, and commitment to fairness and justice
Legacy
Contributions to the Mount Sinai Movement Disorder Center Challenge encouraged in his memory
Known for his moral compass, compassion, and extraordinary capacity for love
His memory continues to inspire and bless those who knew him
Please, consider donating in Mark's name and legacy.
Donations up to $2M will be matched for the
Mount Sinai Movement Disorder Center Challenge.
Stephen E. Banner Corporate Counsel Award
The Stephen E. Banner Award is bestowed upon an in-house lawyer who exemplifies a strong commitment to the Jewish community.Mark E. Lehman was an integral part of the Bear, Stearns organization for more than 21 years. A graduate of Columbia College and New York University Law School, Mark began his career in the securities industry in 1974 as the legal coordinator for the Merrill, Lynch-Goodbody & Co. Recovery Operation Task Force. In 1976, he became a litigation attorney at Merrill, Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc., a position he held until 1979. It was that year that he began his distinguished career at Bear, Stearns & Co. as an assistant director of the legal and compliance department.
By 1983, he had become a limited partner and two years later, in 1985, a general partner. Later that year, when the company went public, Mark became a managing director, and in 1986, he became general counsel. In 1995, he became executive vice president and member of the Executive Committee.
During his tenure, Mark served as a director of the Bear, Stearns Companies, Inc., Bear, Stearns & Co., Inc., as well as director of many of the company's other affiliates and subsidiaries.
Mark served as a director of the Securities Industry Association (SIA) and as a member of the Legal Advisory Committee of the NYSE. He also served as an arbitrator for the NASD and AMEX and held seats on the NYSE and the AMEX. He was a long-time member of the Legal and Compliance Division of SIA and served on the SIA's Federal Regulation of Securities Committee.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mark was active in the philanthropic world. He sat on the UJA-Federation of New York's Board of Directors, and was an active member of its Missions Committee and Wall Street Division. He served as a director of the Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center on Long Island's North Shore.
Mark also served as the dinner chairman for the Corporate Counsel Inaugural Dinner in 1998.
Mark and his wife, Diane, resided in Old Westbury, Long Island, with their son, David, and their daughter, Abigail.
MARK LEHMAN Obituary
LEHMAN—Mark Ellis, a former General Counsel, Executive Vice President, and a Director of Bear Stearns, passed away on August 27, 2023, in New York, NY, at the age of 72.
A man of extraordinary resolve and integrity, he departed just as he made his mark in this world — defying expectations and leading with both strength and heart. His courageous battle against Parkinson's Disease (coupled with Lewy Body Dementia and Gaucher's Disease) came to an end, surrounded by his devoted family, including his brothers Bruce and Bob, and his most cherished treasures, his children, David and Abigail.
Alongside them stood his loving team of home healthcare aides, a testament to the care and companionship he inspired. Born on March 14, 1951, Mark's commanding presence was rooted not only in his accomplishments, but also in his unyielding commitment to fairness and justice. Despite his outward strength, those close to him knew a man of immense kindness and boundless generosity.
Mark's academic achievements include his graduation from Columbia University (CC '73) and NYU Law School (JD '76). His remarkable career in the financial services sector culminated with his positions as General Counsel, Executive Vice President, and Executive Board Member of Bear Stearns.
His impact stretched beyond finance, as he contributed to civic causes such as New York State's Downtown Revitalization Initiative post-9/11 and committees within the Department of Homeland Security on counterterrorism and cyber-crime prevention. Major industry and regulatory financial groups sought his expertise and counsel.
Mark served on the Executive Board of the Securities Industry Association (now known as SIFMA) and its Legal and Compliance Division, the voice of the securities industry. He also contributed to the Federal Regulatory Committee.
Mark's acumen was valued in his role as an arbitrator for the National Association of Securities Dealers (now known as FINRA), the American Stock Exchange, and the Futures Industry Association; as a member of the New York Stock Exchange, Mark also served on the Legal Advisory Committee.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mark was a dedicated philanthropist, with a strong commitment to Jewish causes, embodying the qualities of a true mensch. His love for his family, especially his children, David and Abigail, was the cornerstone upon which he built all else.
After leading fundraising efforts for the American Jewish Committee and the United Jewish Appeal, Mark proudly served on the Missions Committee, raising funds and awareness for struggling Jewish communities around the globe. His trips around the world to meet these communities brought him fulfillment and a sense of greater connection to his Jewish faith and heritage. For all his philanthropic endeavors, Mark was a proud honoree of the Stephen E. Banner Award, given by the UJA-Federation's Corporate Counsel Group.
In his leisure time, Mark found joy in golf, tennis, and lively conversations over a delicious meal. His legacy resonates not only in his professional success but also in his moral compass, compassion, and extraordinary capacity for love. Mark's presence enriched the world, and his passing leaves an irreplaceable void.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Mount Sinai Movement Disorder Center Challenge, c/o Dr. Susan Bressman, Chair, 10 E. Union Square, #5H, NY, NY 10003, are encouraged, where donations will be matched up to $2 million.
Mark found the deepest meaning in helping and loving others, and his memory will forever be a blessing that inspires us all.
Honoree: Farmingdale High School Hall of Fame
An executive of Bear Stearns Companies, Mark made his mark in the financial markets of the world. Mark graduated from Columbia University and received his law degree from N.Y.U.
Known nationally in his field, he was outstanding in stamping out corruption and was recognized for his philanthropy.