Chuck Feeney, the billionaire who donated his fortune to philanthropy and inspired The Giving Pledge, has passed away. Feeney was inducted into the Bay Area Business Hall of Fame in 2015.
Very sad to hear of the passing of Chuck Feeney, the duty free billionaire who gave his fortune to philanthropy and inspired The Giving Pledge. Honored to induct him to the Bay Area Business Hall of Fame in 2015. Watch his induction: https://t.co/tpeUdsHrge
— Bay Area Council (@BayAreaCouncil) October 9, 2023
Chuck Feeney, the billionaire philanthropist and founder of the duty-free empire, has passed away at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of extraordinary generosity and inspiring acts of giving. Feeney, who was born on April 23, 1931, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, dedicated his life to helping others and donated his entire fortune to various philanthropic causes.
Feeney’s remarkable journey began in 1960 when he co-founded the company Duty Free Shoppers (DFS), which went on to become a global empire in the travel retail industry. However, unlike many other billionaires, Feeney had no interest in amassing personal wealth or material possessions. Instead, he made it his mission to give away his fortune to make a positive impact on the world.
Throughout his lifetime, Feeney donated more than $8 billion through his foundation, Atlantic Philanthropies, which supported a wide range of causes, including education, healthcare, human rights, and scientific research. His generosity extended to universities, hospitals, and organizations around the globe, with a particular focus on his alma mater, Cornell University, and his home country, Ireland.
In recognition of his selfless dedication to philanthropy, Feeney was honored with numerous awards and accolades. In 2015, he was inducted into the Bay Area Business Hall of Fame, an event that highlighted his remarkable achievements and celebrated his commitment to making the world a better place.
The exact cause of Chuck Feeney’s death remains unknown at this time. His passing has left a profound void in the philanthropic world, as he was a true inspiration to many other billionaires through his example of giving. Feeney’s legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched and the positive changes he brought about.
As the news of Feeney’s death spreads, tributes and condolences pour in from all corners of the globe, with countless individuals and organizations expressing their gratitude for his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others. The world has lost an extraordinary individual, but his spirit of compassion and philanthropy will continue to inspire generations to come..
Very sad to hear of the passing of Chuck Feeney, the duty free billionaire who gave his fortune to philanthropy and inspired The Giving Pledge. Honored to induct him to the Bay Area Business Hall of Fame in 2015. Watch his induction: https://t.co/tpeUdsHrge
— Bay Area Council (@BayAreaCouncil) October 9, 2023