Date of Birth: April 23, 1931
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Biography
Chuck Feeney, born Charles Francis Feeney, is an American businessman and philanthropist known for his unparalleled generosity and commitment to giving away his fortune. Feeney was born on April 23, 1931, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to Irish-American parents during the Great Depression. He grew up in a modest household and attended St. Mary of the Assumption High School. After serving in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, he used the G.I. Bill to attend Cornell University, where he graduated from the School of Hotel Administration in 1956. Feeney co-founded Duty Free Shoppers (DFS) Group with Robert Warren Miller in 1960, capitalizing on the growing trend of international travel and duty-free shopping. The business became incredibly successful, making Feeney a billionaire. However, Feeney lived a frugal lifestyle, preferring economy class over private jets and modest accommodations over luxury. In 1982, Feeney secretly transferred his entire stake in DFS to Atlantic Philanthropies, a foundation he created to manage his charitable activities. Over the decades, he donated nearly his entire fortune, amounting to around $8 billion, to various causes, including education, science, healthcare, and human rights. Feeney’s philosophy of “Giving While Living” inspired numerous other philanthropists, including Bill Gates and Warren Buffett. Feeney’s remarkable story was revealed to the public in 1997 and chronicled in the book “The Billionaire Who Wasn’t” by Conor O’Clery.
5 Interesting Facts about Chuck Feeney
1. Chuck Feeney co-founded Duty Free Shoppers (DFS) Group, which became a global empire in duty-free retail.
2. Feeney lived a remarkably modest lifestyle despite his immense wealth, often flying economy class and wearing a $15 watch.
3. He transferred his entire stake in DFS to his foundation, Atlantic Philanthropies, in 1982 without public knowledge.
4. Feeney has donated nearly $8 billion to various causes, including education, healthcare, and human rights.
5. His “Giving While Living” philosophy has inspired other major philanthropists, including Bill Gates and Warren Buffett.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Chuck Feeney
1. “I had one idea that never changed in my mind—that you should use your wealth to help people.”
2. “Giving while dead, you don’t feel anything.”
3. “I see little reason to delay giving when so much good can be achieved through supporting worthwhile causes today.”
4. “Wealth brings responsibility. People must define themselves, or feel a sense of responsibility to society.”
5. “I want the last check I write to bounce.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth Chuck Feeney achieved was approximately $8 billion before he gave most of it away through his philanthropic efforts.
Children
Chuck Feeney has five children: Juliette M. Feeney-Timsit, Caroleen A. Feeney, Leslie D. Feeney Baily, Diane V. Feeney, and Patrick A. Feeney.
Relevant Links
1. [Chuck Feeney – Forbes Profile](https://www.forbes.com/profile/chuck-feeney/
2. [Atlantic Philanthropies – Official Site](https://www.atlanticphilanthropies.org/
4. [Cornell University – Notable Alumni](https://www.cornell.edu/about/notable-alumni.cfm
5. [Duty Free Shoppers (DFS Group – Official Site](https://www.dfs.com/en
