For at least two decades, an eclectic group of high-brow, one-time movers and shakers met to reminisce, smoke cigars, argue, agree, solve the world’s problems, invent new problems and share the blessing that was the friendship of former New York Law Journal publisher Jerry Finkelstein.

Finkelstein died Wednesday at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of a savvy, cosmopolitan industrialist and irrepressible character. He is survived by two sons, eight grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and devoted friends who prized his wit, insight and companionship at their almost weekly gatherings.