David Rockefeller

Date of Birth: June 12, 1915

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: March 20, 2017

Biography

David Rockefeller was an American banker and philanthropist who played a crucial role in the financial world and international diplomacy. Born into the prominent Rockefeller family, he was the youngest son of John D. Rockefeller Jr. and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller. David graduated from Harvard University in 1936 and earned a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Chicago in 1940. During World War II, he served as an officer in the U.S. Army and later joined the family business, becoming a leading figure in the Chase Manhattan Bank, where he served as chairman and CEO. Beyond his banking career, Rockefeller was deeply involved in various philanthropic efforts, supporting causes in education, arts, and international relations.

5 Interesting Facts about David Rockefeller

1. David Rockefeller was the last surviving grandchild of Standard Oil founder John D. Rockefeller.

2. He was deeply involved in international affairs, meeting with more than 200 heads of state during his lifetime.

3. Rockefeller was instrumental in the construction of the World Trade Center in New York City.

4. He founded the Trilateral Commission, an organization aimed at fostering cooperation among the U.S., Europe, and Japan.

5. David Rockefeller donated nearly $2 billion to various charitable causes over his lifetime.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from David Rockefeller

1. “Success in business requires training and discipline and hard work.”

2. “Philanthropy is involved with basic innovations that transform society, not simply maintaining the status quo or filling basic social needs that were formerly the province of the public sector.”

3. “The role of a trustee is to support the management in their efforts to grow the organization, and to provide oversight and guidance when necessary.”

4. “The secret to success is to own nothing, but control everything.”

5. “It is essential that there should be organization of labor. This is an era of organization. Capital organizes and therefore labor must organize.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his financial career, David Rockefeller’s net worth was estimated to be around $3.3 billion.

Children

David Rockefeller had six children with his wife, Margaret McGrath: David Rockefeller Jr., Abby Rockefeller, Neva Rockefeller, Peggy Dulany, Richard Rockefeller, and Eileen Rockefeller.