Charles Feeney, who made a fortune and then gave it away, dies at 92

Charles “Chuck” Feeney, a pioneer of duty-free shops and technology startup investments, passed away at 92 in San Francisco. He is renowned for donating nearly $8 billion fortune to charity, often in a discreet manner. 

Feeney’s life was marked by contrast. He came from a working-class family in New Jersey and served in the Air Force. He pursued hotel management in college and entered the duty-free shopping industry by selling liquor, cigarettes, and perfume to American service members returning from Europe in the 1950s. The duty-free business took off, and he began to amass a fortune.

However, Feeney was uncomfortable with the lavish lifestyle. He distanced himself from wealthy social circles, flew economy class, purchased off-the-rack clothing, and opted for subways or cabs for transportation. More importantly, he committed to donate his wealth anonymously, a choice made by just 1% of American philanthropists, according to experts. Feeney didn’t wait to grant gifts after death or set up a legacy fund that annually tosses pennies at a $10 problem. He hunted for causes where he can have a dramatic impact. 

For more information see Robert D. McFadden “Charles Feeney, who made a fortune and then gave it away, dies at 92” SF Gate, October 9, 2023.

Special thanks to Joel C. Dobris (Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law) for bringing this article to my attention.