We found him!

Or at least we think so, with high probability. Thanks to everyone who emailed me their suggestions. I've had email contact with the most likely candidate (he agrees that it's probably him), and it turns out I happen to know him personally from YU. Now we just need the original reader who made the request to get back to one of us (or both). So if you're out there and reading this: return our emails already! Thank you.