David Rockefeller, Sr.

$3.30 B

Ranked #581 in World

About David Rockefeller, Sr.

David Rockefeller, an emblematic figure in American banking and philanthropy, passed away in 2017 at the age of 101. Born in New York City as the youngest of John D. Rockefeller Jr. and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller's six children, he carved an illustrious path, graduating cum laude from Harvard, studying economics internationally, and serving as a military intelligence officer during World War II. Rockefeller’s significant contributions to global finance began with his joining Chase National Bank in 1946, eventually becoming its chairman and significantly expanding its international reach, notably opening the first American bank branch in Moscow. Despite facing criticism for his connections with foreign leaders and autocrats to further banking interests, Rockefeller declined political office to focus on economic endeavors. His leadership in founding policy groups and making charitable contributions marked his lasting legacy in economic and cultural sectors, solidifying his place as a key figure in American financial history.

Born

June 12, 1915 in New York City, U.S.

Died

March 20, 2017 (aged 101)

Source Of Wealth

Real Estate, Investments

Industries

Finance And Investments

Citizenship

United States

Education

Bachelor of Arts / Science, Harvard University; Doctorate, University of Chicago

Spouse

Margaret McGrath

Children

David Jr., Abigail, Neva, Margaret, Richard, Eileen

Parent

John D. Rockefeller Jr., Abigail Greene Aldrich

David Rockefeller, born on June 12, 1915, in New York City, was the youngest of six children of John D. Rockefeller Jr. and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller. He attended Lincoln School and graduated cum laude from Harvard University in 1936. Rockefeller then pursued studies in economics at Harvard and the London School of Economics.

David Rockefeller, Sr.: Family

David Rockefeller married Margaret "Peggy" McGrath in 1940, and together they had six children: David Jr., Abby, Neva, Margaret, Eileen, and Richard.

David Rockefeller, Sr.: Career Highlights

Rockefeller's career spanned several decades and included significant achievements in the banking industry and public service. Here are some highlights:

Served as assistant regional director of the U.S. Office of Defense, Health, and Welfare Services during World War II.
Enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in North Africa and France as a military intelligence officer.
Joined Chase National Bank (later Chase Manhattan Bank) in 1946 and rose to become chairman and chief executive.
Expanded Chase's international presence and established the first branch of an American bank in Moscow.
Oversaw the bank's growth and diversification, including its expansion into consumer banking.

David Rockefeller, Sr.: Companies

David Rockefeller was associated with several prominent companies throughout his career, including:

Chase National Bank (later Chase Manhattan Bank)
Rockefeller Center, Inc.
Rockefeller Brothers Fund
Council on Foreign Relations
International Executive Service Corps
Partnership for New York City

David Rockefeller, Sr.: Major Achievements

Rockefeller's major achievements include:

Expanding Chase Manhattan Bank's international presence and establishing the first branch of an American bank in Moscow.
Oversaw the growth and diversification of Chase Manhattan Bank, including its expansion into consumer banking.
Founded the International Executive Service Corps and the Partnership for New York City.
Served as a director of the Council on Foreign Relations and helped establish the Council of the Americas.
Proposed the creation of a "Western Hemisphere free trade area," which became the Free Trade Area of the Americas.

David Rockefeller, Sr.: Awards & Achievements

David Rockefeller received numerous awards and honors throughout his life, including:

Presidential Medal of Freedom
French Legion of Honor
Andrew Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy
Honorary degrees from several universities

David Rockefeller, Sr.: Personal Life & Legacy

David Rockefeller was known for his philanthropy and support of various cultural and educational institutions. He made significant charitable donations to organizations such as Rockefeller University, the Museum of Modern Art, and Harvard University. Rockefeller passed away on March 20, 2017, at the age of 101, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a prominent figure in banking, philanthropy, and public service.

David Rockefeller, Sr.: Trivia

Here are some interesting facts about David Rockefeller:

He was the last surviving grandchild of John D. Rockefeller, the founder of Standard Oil.
Rockefeller was a prolific author and wrote several books on topics such as banking, philanthropy, and international relations.
He was a member of the Bilderberg Group, a secretive annual conference of influential individuals from Europe and North America.
Rockefeller's wealth was estimated to be around $3.3 billion at the time of his death.
He owned a large estate on the French island of Saint Barthélemy, which was a popular vacation spot for celebrities and high-profile individuals.

Wealth History

Timeline

1915

David Rockefeller is born in New York City, the youngest of six children of John D. Rockefeller Jr. and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller.

1936

Attends Lincoln School and graduates cum laude from Harvard University.

1937

Studies economics at Harvard and the London School of Economics.

1940

Marries Margaret "Peggy" McGrath and has six children.

1942

Serves as assistant regional director of the U.S. Office of Defense, Health and Welfare Services during World War II.

1943

Enlists in the U.S. Army and serves in North Africa and France as a military intelligence officer.

1946

Joins Chase National Bank (later Chase Manhattan Bank) and rises to become chairman and chief executive.

1953

Publishes "Those Rockefeller Brothers: An Informal Biography of Five Extraordinary Young Men".

1960

Expands Chase's international presence and establishes the first branch of an American bank in Moscow.

1976

Publishes "The Rockefellers: An American Dynasty".

1980

Publishes "The American Establishment".

1982

Publishes "Interlock: The untold story of American banks, oil interests, the Shah's money, debts, and the astounding connections between them" and "The Money Lenders: Bankers and a World in Turmoil".

1983

Publishes "Financier: The Biography of André Meyer; A Story of Money, Power, and the Reshaping of American Business".

1986

Publishes "The Chase: The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., 1945–1985".

1988

Publishes "The Rich and the Super-Rich: A Study in the Power of Money Today".

1989

Publishes "The Shah's Last Ride".

1991

Publishes "American Hegemony and the Trilateral Commission".

1992

Publishes "The Chairman: John J. McCloy – The Making of the American Establishment".

1993

Publishes "Abby Aldrich Rockefeller: The Woman in the Family".

1995

Publishes "Wriston: Walter Wriston, Citibank, and the Rise and Fall of American Financial Supremacy" and "Cloak of Green: The Links between Key Environmental Groups, Government and Big Business".

1996

Publishes "Continuing the Inquiry: The Council on Foreign Relations from 1921 to 1996".

1999

Publishes "Divided We Stand: A Biography of New York City's World Trade Center".

2004

Publishes "Imperial Brain Trust: The Council on Foreign Relations and United States Foreign Policy" and "Paul Volcker: The Making of a Financial Legend".

2017

David Rockefeller dies at the age of 101.

David Rockefeller, Sr. : FAQs

What is David Rockefeller, Sr.'s net worth?

As of 2017, David Rockefeller, Sr.'s net worth was $3.30 billion.

What are David Rockefeller, Sr.'s main sources of wealth?

David Rockefeller, Sr.'s main source of income comes from Real Estate, Investments.

In which industry does David Rockefeller, Sr. primarily operate?

David Rockefeller, Sr. is primarily involved in the Finance And Investments industry.

What is David Rockefeller, Sr. educational background?

David Rockefeller, Sr. holds a Bachelor of Arts / Science from Harvard University and a Doctorate from the University of Chicago.

Is David Rockefeller, Sr. dead?

Yes, David Rockefeller, Sr. died on March 20, 2017 (aged 101).

How many children does David Rockefeller, Sr. have?

David Rockefeller, Sr. has 6 children.

Who was David Rockefeller and how did he impact the banking industry?

David Rockefeller was a prominent banker who rose to become chairman and chief executive of Chase Manhattan Bank. He significantly expanded the bank's international presence, including establishing the first American bank branch in Moscow, and oversaw its growth into consumer banking, shaping the global banking industry.

What were some of David Rockefeller's major contributions to policy groups and public service?

Rockefeller founded the International Executive Service Corps and the Partnership for New York City, served as a director of the Council on Foreign Relations, and helped establish the Council of the Americas. He also proposed creating a Western Hemisphere free trade area, showing his commitment to public service and policy development.

How did David Rockefeller's connections with U.S. presidents and foreign leaders influence his career?

His widespread travel and meetings with leaders like Dwight D. Eisenhower and Mikhail Gorbachev, along with controversial figures such as Saddam Hussein and Fidel Castro, allowed Rockefeller to use his political connections to expand Chase's interests globally, although it also led to criticism for befriending foreign autocrats.

What legacy did David Rockefeller leave behind through his charitable donations and personal interests?

David Rockefeller left a significant legacy through his charitable donations to institutions like Rockefeller University, the Museum of Modern Art, and Harvard University. Additionally, his interests led to the accumulation and maintenance of a significant art collection, contributing to his estimated $3.3 billion net worth at the time of his death.