Honor David Rockefeller’s Legacy

Senate Resolution No. 1179 BY: Senator MURPHY MOURNING the death of David Rockefeller, generous philanthropist, businessman, and devoted member of his community WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay proper tribute to individuals of great character whose lives exemplify the highest ideals of humanity; and WHEREAS, With deep regret this Legislative Body records the passing of David Rockefeller, on Monday, March 20, 2017, at the age of 101, noting the loss of a citizen whose purposeful life and endeavors contributed so much to the quality of life in his community; and WHEREAS, David Rockefeller was born on June 12, 1915, to John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller; his father was the only son of Standard Oil Company founder John D. Rockefeller, and his brother was Nelson Rockefeller, four-time Governor of New York and former Vice President of the United States; and WHEREAS, David Rockefeller attended Lincoln School, and earned his bachelor's degree from Harvard University before studying for one year at the London School of Economics; he was also awarded a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Chicago; and WHEREAS, From 1942-1945, David Rockefeller proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army in North Africa and France during World War II; and WHEREAS, After his discharge, David Rockefeller began his career in banking in 1946, as an Assistant Manager with Chase National Bank, which became Chase Manhattan after merging with the Bank of Manhattan Company in 1955; and WHEREAS, David Rockefeller rose through the ranks, holding the titles of President and co-Chief Executive of Chase by 1961; eight years later, he became Chairman and sole Chief Executive, a position he held until 1981; and WHEREAS, David Rockefeller worked to expand Chase internationally, meeting with world leaders from around the globe; he was also concerned with domestic matters as he was instrumental in the development of an economic plan which helped bring New York out of a financial crisis in the 1970s; and WHEREAS, A proud New Yorker, David Rockefeller was both Founder and Chairman of the Downtown-Lower Manhattan Association; in this capacity, he was the driving force behind the building of the World Trade Center; and WHEREAS, David Rockefeller also served as Chairman of the New York City Partnership, fostering innovation in public schools, and the development of thousands of apartments for low-income and middle-class families; and WHEREAS, A great patron of the arts, David Rockefeller held the position of Chairman of the Museum of Modern Art for many years, and generously donated a significant amount of money to the Museum of Art, Harvard University, and the Rockefeller University; and WHEREAS, A talented writer, David Rockefeller published his book entitled Memoirs in 2002; and WHEREAS, Predeceased by his wife of 56 years, the former Margaret "Peggy" McGrath, David Rockefeller is survived by his two sons, David, Jr. and Richard; and his four daughters, Abby, Neva, Margaret, and Eileen; and WHEREAS, A devoted husband and father, David Rockefeller's name is synonymous with character, dignity, intellect, depth, and humor, qualities evident to his family and to all those who were fortunate enough to have known him; he will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of David Rockefeller, generous philanthropist, businessman, and devoted member of his community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of David Rockefeller.