Philanthropist Robert Wilson who jumped to death from Upper West Side condo leaves US$2M to longtime PA

By Jobs & Hire Staff Reporter | Jan 17, 2014 11:50 AM EST

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Robert Wilson, fomer hedge-funder and philanthropist who jumped to his death on Dec. 23, 2013, reportedly left his longtime personal assistant Angela Riccardi US$2 million in his will. 

The famously frugal philanthropist who committed suicide from his Central Park West condo was generous with his close friends and employees when it came to his money.

The 87-year-old had donated more than US$600 million to several organizations including the Archdiocese of New York and the American Civil Liberties Union during his long career. Wilson was reportedly still worth about US$18 million by the time of his death.

The former hedge-fund found also left behind a substantial amount to his longtime friend and the executor of his will, Richard Schneidman, which will still value millions after taxes are deducted.

Wilson also reportedly left US$2 million to 72-year-old Angela Riccardi, a Dyker Heights resident who remained a devoted assistant to the former philanthropist and handle all of his business affairs.

"He left huge amounts of money to charity," Schneidman said in an interview on Wilson. "He was a good friend for 30 years. I'm devastated."

Angela Riccardi declined to comment on his former boss' parting gift Thursday evening.

The millionaire, who resided in the posh San Remo building situated between 74th and 75th streets, was found dead just two days before Christmas in 2013. Wilson reportedly left a suicide note which said in plain words that he jumped out of the window of his three-bedroom co-op on the 16th floor of the Upper West Side building.

Wilson's posh, brightly-colored condominium had been filled with modern art pieces and elegant furniture, according to an article in the Financial Times published in 2011.

The 87-year-old donated his art collection to the Whitney Museum, excluding "The Meteor Hits the Swimmers Pillow," a painting byb James Rosenquist.
The former philanthropist, who was gay, did not leave anything to his former wife who now resides in Brooklyn. Wilson did not father any children.

Robert Wilson was famous for maintaining frugal habits despite his millions in the bank, preferring the subway over cabs and personal cars. According to The New York Times, Wilson said he wasn't ashamed of the way he chose to die and even listed appointments he said he needed to cancel in the suicide note he left in his room 

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