Jerome Harold Buff

Jerome Harold Buff, a distinguished financial analyst, passionate book collector, and devoted family man, passed away on January 9, 2025, at the age of 93 in Tampa, Florida. He leaves behind a legacy of intellectual curiosity, deep relationships, and contributions to both his profession and his community.

Born in Charleston, West Virginia, to Edward and Dora Bloom Buff, Jerome was an only child who grew up in a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment. His early years shaped his lifelong love of learning and his affinity for the classics, poetry, and the intersection of literature and print. Jerome graduated from Charleston High School in 1948 and went on to earn a degree in Economics from the prestigious Wharton School of Finance and Commerce at the University of Pennsylvania in 1952. He continued his academic pursuit with an MBA from Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration in 1954, a foundation that would define his career. He was also a long-time member of the Harvard Club in New York City and Phi Sigma Delta fraternity at Penn. He cherished regular lunches with his fraternity brothers for many years after graduation from Penn.

Jerome’s personal life was defined by deep connections to his family. He married Barbara Ann Ball in New York City, and together they had two daughters, Rachel and Sarah. The family moved to White Plains and later Scarsdale, where Jerome’s commitment to caring for his aging parents led him to bring them from Charleston to an apartment near him in the 1970s. After a separation from Barbara in the 1990s, Jerome moved back to New York City, where he would later meet Sharon Krackov in 1998. The couple married in 2004, and together they relocated to Tampa, Florida, in 2019. 

Jerome’s professional life spanned decades and saw him excel as a security analyst in some of New York City’s most prominent financial institutions. His work included positions with Shawmut Bank, Lionel D. Edie & Co., Burnham & Co., and most notably, Smith Barney, where he served as First Vice President from 1965 to 1985. He later became a partner at David J. Greene & Co., retiring in 1991. Following his retirement, Jerome found fulfillment teaching investments at Columbia Graduate School of Business Administration, sharing his expertise with the next generation of professionals.

A man of many interests, Jerome was deeply involved in the literary and cultural worlds. He served on the board of the Keats-Shelley Association and was an active member of the Grolier Club, a society for book lovers, where he contributed to both the Finance and Fine Printing Committees. Jerome’s passion for books was matched by his commitment to preserving and curating them. A rare book collector and avid student of poetry, he even began writing his own verses in his later years. His curatorial work at the Grolier Club, including exhibitions of poetry and print, was a testament to his love of the written word and his connections with printers.

Jerome’s intellectual pursuits were balanced by a love for leisure and simple pleasures. He enjoyed chess, ping pong and loved to win (even with his grandchildren). He enjoyed the slowness of baseball, and was a lifelong fan of the game and the event or the day itself. Jerome found joy in small or quiet moments- taking in the amazing light of Cape Cod, watching boats on the East River from his apartment balcony or observing pelicans swoop into Tampa Bay. Jerome was a logical, smart, and eloquent conversationalist, beloved for his ability to listen with depth and engage in thoughtful discussion. He was a man of strong convictions, but maintained a light sense of humor and curiosity. 

He is survived by his devoted wife, Sharon Krackov, his daughters, Rachel Buff (Joe Austin) and Sarah Buff, step-sons, Warren Krackov M.D. (Rachel), Andrew Krackov (Lisa), grandchildren, Ruby Lou Balotovsky, Ellie Rae Balotovsky, Jesse Szewczyk-Buff, Jonathan Krackov, Sophia Krackov, and Alexander Krackov. He cherished spending time with his grandchildren, often engaging in his favorite pastime, chess, with his grandson Jesse.

Jerome’s family and friends will remember him for his wit, intellect, generosity of spirit, and unwavering support. Jerome’s life was a testament to intellectual rigor, kindness, and an enduring love for his family. He will be missed but never forgotten.

A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.