Heartfelt Tributes at Funeral for Slain Blackstone Executive
The funeral for Wesley Repatner, a murdered Blackstone executive, was a deeply emotional occasion on Thursday. Her husband and teenage daughter spoke poignantly to the hundreds of attendees at the Manhattan synagogue, expressing how her absence has left a “big gap hole” in their lives.
Emerson Repatner, just 14 years old, described her mother as her “rock.” She shared that over 500 people had come together to remember Wesley, who was tragically killed during a mass shooting at 345 Park Avenue.
“I’ve replayed this scenario in my mind so many times,” she reflected, a touch of disbelief peppering her words. “I always thought it would happen when I was older, never at 14. It’s hard to even accept this is real. Sometimes, I think it must be some sort of prank, like I’m going to wake up from this dream.”
With a heavy heart, she added, “Every time the doorbell rings, I hope it’s her. I miss her so much.”
Wesley, age 43, was shot in the lobby of her office building by an attacker on Monday. Her husband, Evan, mournfully noted, “Now, my life has a huge hole the size of Mount Everest.” He acknowledged that each person present likely felt the loss in their own way.
Evan described the outpouring of love and support, highlighting Wesley’s remarkable ability to impact those around her. “It’s overwhelming and amazing. She truly made the world a better place for us all.”
Wesley was remembered not just for her career achievements but for her groundedness, especially as a devoted wife and mother. The couple first met as freshmen at Yale, and their bond grew into a beautiful life together.
After her time at Goldman Sachs, Wesley moved on to Blackstone, where she was on her way to becoming a managing partner in the real estate division. Born Wesley Mittman, she consistently inspired those around her.
Her father, Larry Mittman, recalled a vivid memory from her birth, describing her wide, curious eyes as they looked around the delivery room. “It felt like she was taking everything in,” he said, noting he had never seen such intelligent eyes before.
Beyond her business success, Wesley was committed to charity work, notably with the UJA in New York, and had organized a humanitarian mission to Israel after a tragic attack on October 7, 2023.
Tragically, Wesley was one of four victims killed by the gunman, along with security guard Aland Etienne, Rudin Management associate Julia Hayman, and NYPD officer Didalle Islam. Hayman’s funeral took place in the same synagogue just the day before.
In a moment of vulnerability, Evan admitted to grappling with life without his beloved wife. “How do I even begin to describe her in just a few words?” he asked the gathered mourners. “People often say they are speechless, but honestly, there just aren’t enough words.”
