Chuck Feeney, the billionaire who gave away his billions, and who was a pivotal figure in Irish America's effort to draw the U.S. into the quest for peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland has died at the age of 92.
Feeney, a native of Elizabeth, New Jersey, died peacefully at his home in San Francisco on Monday, October 9
Through the organisation he founded, Atlantic Philanthropies, Mr. Feeney made grants totaling over $8 billion across five continents.
He took a particular interest in Ireland and spent much of his fortune developing civil society and peace initiatives on the island, this according to the Irish Times. The daily, in an obituary, described Mr. Feeney as a man who lived more like a Benedictine monk than a billionaire.
In a statement, President Michael D Higgins said: May I, as President of Ireland, join with all those who have paid tribute to the passing of a great friend of Ireland and its people, the late Chuck Feeney.
"So much of what has been achieved in Irish third level education owes so much to his generous gifts to so many institutions. Through his selfless commitment to so many important causes, Chuck Feeney’s work was founded on the core principles of inclusivity, participation and fairness. He has left a deep and lasting effect on the lives of so many people in our country, providing opportunities for participation and improving conditions within our society.
"Through the Atlantic Philanthropies Foundation, his donations to education in Ireland in particular helped empower children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, thus playing an innovative role in the shaping of the more equal and just Ireland of today.
"It is important too that we recognise the contribution made by Chuck Feeney in the long journey towards peace and reconciliation on our island. The Irish people will remain deeply appreciative of his quiet and generous work in moving the process forward, while also providing funding for important reconciliation and regeneration projects.
"I had the honour of presenting Chuck Feeney, who remained proud of his Fermanagh roots, with the Presidential Distinguished Service Award in 2012, in recognition of his extraordinary commitment to the education sector and to the wider spheres of research and civil society throughout the island of Ireland.
"I also fondly recall meeting with him during my official visit to the West Coast of the United States in October 2015, where we joined in paying tribute at the Martin Luther King Civic Centre to those Irish students who tragically lost their lives in the Berkeley tragedy.
"May I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Helga, to his children and extended family, and to all his many friends and colleagues.”
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of Mr. Feeney’s death.
“Through Atlantic Philanthropies, Chuck’s vision, generosity and selfless leadership transformed the lives of people on the island of Ireland, north and south, young and old, through investment in education and community.”
Mr. Martin said Mr. Feeney was “a pioneer in the world of philanthropy. Ní bheidh do leithéad arís ann.”
In a statement, Atlantic Philanthropies said: "Charles Francis 'Chuck”Feeney, an Irish American businessman and philanthropist who devoted his entire personal fortune to global philanthropy in his lifetime, died peacefully on October 9 in San Francisco. He was 92.
"Chuck Feeney’s philanthropic organizations, The Atlantic Philanthropies, made grants totaling more than $8 billion, much of it anonymously, to causes on five continents. Bill Gates called him the 'ultimate example of Giving While Living.' In his biography, The Billionaire Who Wasn’t, Feeney said, 'I had one idea that never changed in my mind—that you should use your wealth to help people. Try it, you’ll like it,' he said. Besides, 'it’s much more fun to give while you are alive than to give when you are dead.'
"A native of Elizabeth, New Jersey, he travelled incessantly until recent years, spending substantial time in San Francisco, New York, London, Brisbane, Bangkok and Dublin with his wife, Helga, in pursuit of business opportunities and, ultimately, opportunities to make lasting improvements in the lives of others.
“'Chuck was as passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of others as he was about being successful at business,' said Christopher G. Oechsli, President and CEO of Atlantic and long-time adviser to Mr. Feeney. 'He cared more about being effective at what he did than about amassing wealth or collecting awards. In philanthropy, that meant being present and engaged in an unassuming manner with the people and their work who, with his support, could improve the lives of others in meaningful and lasting ways.'"
Added the Atlantic Philanthropies statement: "Feeney was born during the Great Depression to Irish American parents who worked hard to make a good life for their family. He inherited their values and diligence and never forgot his roots, despite his great success in business.
"He was a private man who, following the creation of the Atlantic Foundation, chose to live frugally. He was well known for his signature $15 watch, plastic bags for a briefcase and his preference for flying economy. 'Flying in the front of the plane doesn’t get you there any sooner,' he said. In the last three decades, he did not own a car or home, preferring to stay in modest rented apartments."
Reacting to news of Mr. Feeney's passing, former Sinn Féin president, Gerry Adams, expressed his deep sadness and sense of personal loss.
Mr. Adams said: “I am deeply saddened at the news of the death of my good friend Chuck Feeney. I want to extend my sincerest condolences and solidarity to Helga his wife and the Feeney family.
"Chuck was an extraordinary human being whose kindness and vision brought hope and joy to millions. Through Atlantic Philanthropies he gave away billions to those working in the field of civil liberties, health, community development and education.
"Along with the late Bill Flynn, Bruce Morrison, Joe Jamison, and Niall O’Dowd, he was part of the Connolly House group which played a pivotal role in creating the conditions for the peace process. In the decades since then Chuck has remained steadfast and committed to the Irish peace process.
"Chuck was one of the most remarkable men I have ever met. A very private man who has always shunned the spotlight and who was totally committed to our efforts to build peace.
"Chuck’s philosophy was straightforward – if you give while living you get to see the results. It’s about making real and tangible change in peoples’ lives.
Chuck’s efforts, his generosity and solidarity over many years, touched many millions and will continue to do so into the future. Tá sé at slí an fhirinne anios.”
