Tom Benson & family

$3.00 B

Ranked #791 in World

About Tom Benson & family

Thomas Milton Benson, Jr., a renowned American businessman, philanthropist, and owner of major sports franchises, including the NFL's New Orleans Saints and NBA's New Orleans Pelicans, passed away on March 15, 2018, at 90. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on July 12, 1927, Benson's journey from his early education at St. Aloysius to becoming a significant figure in the automobile dealership industry before venturing into sports is a testament to his business acumen. His leadership brought the Saints to a Super Bowl XLIV win in 2009. Despite controversies, such as the post-Hurricane Katrina relocation saga, Benson's contributions to sports and philanthropy, notably in San Antonio and New Orleans, alongside a net worth Forbes estimated at US$2.8 billion in October 2017, underscore his impactful legacy in business and sports. His philanthropic efforts extended to educational and healthcare institutions, significantly influencing various communities.

Born

July 12, 1927 in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.

Died

March 15, 2018 (aged 90)

Source Of Wealth

New Orleans Saints

Industries

Sports

Citizenship

United States

Education

Diploma, High School

Spouse

Shirley Landry, Grace Marie Trudeau, Gayle Benson (nee LaJaunie)

Children

Thomas Milton Benson, Jr. was born on July 12, 1927, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He graduated from St. Aloysius in 1944 and enlisted in the US Navy at the end of World War II in 1945. After serving in the Navy, Benson studied accounting at Loyola University New Orleans before dropping out in 1948.

Tom Benson & family: Family

Benson was married three times. He had three adopted children with his first wife, Shirley Landry. In 2004, he married Gayle Marie LaJaunie Bird. Benson passed away on March 15, 2018, at the age of 90.

Tom Benson & family: Career Highlights

Benson was a successful businessman and sports franchise owner. He owned several automobile dealerships before buying the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL) in 1985 and the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 2012. As Saints owner, he led the team to a Super Bowl XLIV victory in 2009.

Tom Benson & family: Companies

Benson owned several automobile dealerships in the Greater New Orleans and San Antonio areas. He also owned the New Orleans VooDoo of the Arena Football League from 2004 to 2008. In 1996, he sold Benson Financial, a group of small Southern banks, to Norwest Corporation.

Tom Benson & family: Major Achievements

Benson's major achievements include leading the New Orleans Saints to a Super Bowl victory, establishing an endowment fund at Central Catholic High School in San Antonio, and donating to various educational institutions and organizations.

Tom Benson & family: Awards & Achievements

Benson received numerous awards and honors, including being named Super Bowl XLIV Champion as the owner of the New Orleans Saints. He also has several stadiums and facilities named in his honor, including Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, and the Tom Benson School in Kenner, Louisiana.

Tom Benson & family: Personal Life & Legacy

Benson was known for his colorful personality and his commitment to the New Orleans community.

He was a generous philanthropist and supported various educational institutions and organizations. Benson's legacy is one of success in business and sports, as well as a commitment to philanthropy and community service.

Tom Benson & family: Trivia

Benson was involved in a legal dispute with his estranged adopted daughter and grandchildren over control of his companies and assets. The dispute involved accusations of incompetence and mismanagement, and eventually led to a settlement.

Wealth History

Timeline

July 12, 1927

Thomas Milton Benson, Jr. is born in New Orleans, Louisiana.

1944

Graduates from St. Aloysius.

1945

Enlists in the US Navy at the end of World War II.

1948

Drops out of Loyola University New Orleans after studying accounting.

1956

Moves to San Antonio to revive a poorly performing dealership, eventually becoming full owner of Tom Benson Chevrolet.

1985

Purchases the New Orleans Saints from John Mecom to prevent the team from being sold and moved to Jacksonville, Florida.

1992

Attempts to bring a minor league baseball team to New Orleans, but the deal falls through.

1996

Sells Benson Financial to Norwest Corporation.

2004

Owns the New Orleans VooDoo of the Arena Football League.

2005

Temporary relocation of the Saints to San Antonio after Hurricane Katrina.

2009

As Saints owner, leads the team to a Super Bowl XLIV victory.

2010

Returns the Saints to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

2012

Purchases the New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans) from the NBA.

March 15, 2018

Thomas Milton Benson, Jr. passes away at the age of 90.

Tom Benson & family : FAQs

What is Tom Benson's net worth?

As of 2018, Tom Benson's net worth was $3.00 billion.

What are Tom Benson's main sources of wealth?

Tom Benson's main source of income comes from New Orleans Saints.

In which industry does Tom Benson primarily operate?

Tom Benson is primarily involved in the Sports industry.

What is Tom Benson educational background?

Tom Benson holds a Diploma from High School.

Is Tom Benson dead?

Yes, Tom Benson died on March 15, 2018 (aged 90).

How many children does Tom Benson have?

Tom Benson has 3 children.

Who was Thomas Milton Benson Jr.?

Thomas Milton Benson Jr. was an American businessman, philanthropist, and sports franchise owner known for owning the New Orleans Saints of the NFL and the New Orleans Pelicans of the NBA. He was born on July 12, 1927, and passed away on March 15, 2018.

How did Tom Benson start his career before entering the sports industry?

Tom Benson began his career in the automobile industry, working as a car salesman and eventually owning several dealerships. He also invested in local banks, forming Benson Financial, which contributed to his financial success before purchasing sports franchises.

What major achievements did Tom Benson accomplish as the owner of the New Orleans Saints?

As the owner of the New Orleans Saints, Tom Benson led the team to a Super Bowl XLIV victory in 2009, significantly boosting his popularity and the team's success.

How did Tom Benson contribute to his community through philanthropy?

Tom Benson's philanthropic efforts included establishing endowment funds, donating to educational institutions like Loyola University New Orleans and the University of the Incarnate Word, and giving $20 million for cancer care and research.

What were the controversies associated with Tom Benson’s management of the Saints?

Tom Benson faced controversies including attempts to move the Saints to San Antonio after Hurricane Katrina and legal disputes over his assets with his estranged adopted daughter and grandchildren, leading to widespread criticism and legal battles.