Eric (Rick) Raymond Thorpe, 35; born in Grand Rapids, Michigan and lived in New York City.  He worked for Keefe, Bruyette & Woods where he was a top salesperson.  Mr. Thorpe was an active volunteer and gave back to his community. He is survived by his wife and daughter.  

Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on December 2, 2001

The booming voice, competitiveness and self-assurance that helped Eric Thorpe become the star quarterback of his undefeated high school football team in Wilbraham, Mass., served him well on Wall Street. Mr. Thorpe, 35, known as Rick, was one of the top salesmen at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods.

But Mr. Thorpe kept business success in perspective. He helped run a soup kitchen during college, served as a Big Brother and participated in Hands Together, an anti- poverty program in Haiti. Having grown up in a close family — he referred to his father, Raymond, as his best friend and called him nearly every day — Mr. Thorpe was thrilled when his wife, Linda, gave birth to their daughter, Alexis, last year.

Through it all coursed a nonstop sense of humor. Not even Mr. Thorpe’s parents escaped his fondness for nicknames, and he enjoyed initiating phone calls with a disguised voice. “He teased everyone, including me,” said Thomas Michaud, Mr. Thorpe’s boss.