
Alan Meltzer, who lived in a fancy apartment on NYC's posh Park Avenue, stated in his will that he would give $1 million to 54-year-old Jean Laborde, a father of five.
The former record label owner who had become a celebrity high stakes poker player also left $500,000 to his doorman, Chail Demiraj.
Mr. Meltzer died in October at the age of 67, a year after he was divorced from his wife Diana. Both of the former employees are said to have supported Mr. Meltzer through the messy divorce.
Mr Laborde said: "I don't know what to do exactly with the money, but one thing I know for sure – each year I'm going to bring the guy some flowers for his grave."
He was always joking. He never looked down on anybody. He left me money, but it's not a good deal for me because it means he's no longer here." Mr Demiraj added: "I appreciate it. He was a really good friend of mine, and I was a good friend of his. It's a surprise. Peace and rest to him, that's all I can say."
Mr Meltzer's ex-wife said she was not concerned about the bequests. "He can leave it to whoever he wants," she told the New York Post. "I'm doing fine. I could care less.
"If he wants to give it to the bums, he can give it to the bums. He can give his money to whoever he wants. We're divorced. The man is dead."
Source: telegraph.co.uk