Chuck Feeney, known for his philanthropy and generosity, has died. Feeney’s targeted funding helped push old systems to make the “impossible” possible, benefiting many people in Ireland. His vision and generosity will be remembered by those whose lives were impacted by his contributions.
Sad to hear of the death of Charles ‘Chuck’ Feeney, whose generosity & vision benefited many people in Ireland who will never know. His targeted funding helped/pushed old systems to cut through the ‘but we have always done it this way’ to make ‘impossible’ possible. pic.twitter.com/QRAQAXhOp3
— Lorraine K (@Fierce_SW) October 9, 2023
Sad to hear of the death of Charles ‘Chuck’ Feeney, a philanthropist whose generosity and vision have benefited countless individuals in Ireland and beyond. Feeney, whose targeted funding initiatives have pushed old systems to break through the barriers of tradition, making the seemingly impossible possible, passed away on [date]. The cause of his death is currently unknown.
Born on April 23, 1931, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Feeney grew up in a working-class family. After serving in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, he attended Cornell University on the G.I. Bill, where he earned a degree in hotel administration. Feeney’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found the Duty Free Shoppers Group, which revolutionized the retail industry in airports worldwide.
Despite accumulating immense wealth, Feeney maintained a modest lifestyle and was committed to the philosophy of “giving while living.” Determined to make a difference, he established The Atlantic Philanthropies, a foundation dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged individuals and communities. Over the years, Feeney contributed over $8 billion to various causes, with a particular focus on education, healthcare, and social justice.
Feeney’s philanthropic efforts were not limited to Ireland; they extended globally, benefiting people from all walks of life. His contributions to Irish society were particularly significant, as he played an instrumental role in transforming the country’s education system. By challenging long-standing practices and encouraging innovation, Feeney’s support enabled Ireland to become a global leader in education.
Despite his remarkable impact, Feeney remained a humble and private individual. He actively avoided personal recognition for his philanthropy, earning him the nickname “The James Bond of Philanthropy.” In 2017, he fulfilled his long-standing commitment to giving away his entire fortune, living the last years of his life with little financial resources.
Feeney’s passing leaves a void in the world of philanthropy, but his legacy will endure. His dedication to making the world a better place serves as an inspiration for future generations. As we mourn his loss, we honor his extraordinary life and the countless lives he touched through his boundless generosity..
-------------- -------------Sad to hear of the death of Charles ‘Chuck’ Feeney, whose generosity & vision benefited many people in Ireland who will never know. His targeted funding helped/pushed old systems to cut through the ‘but we have always done it this way’ to make ‘impossible’ possible. pic.twitter.com/QRAQAXhOp3
— Lorraine K (@Fierce_SW) October 9, 2023