Chuck Feeney, an Irish-American philanthropist, has passed away. His generosity greatly contributed to the growth and expansion of the Irish Gerontological Society, turning it into a far-reaching interdisciplinary society. The news was shared on Twitter by JO’Keeffe, expressing condolences..
We are saddened to hear of the death of Irish-American philanthropist Chuck Feeney, whose tremendous generosity supported the growth and expansion of the @irishgerontsoc into the wonderful far reaching interdisciplinary society it is today.
Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam dílis pic.twitter.com/SWT3vWse5Z— JO’Keeffe (@jokeeffe16) October 11, 2023
Obituary – Death News : Irish-American philanthropist Chuck Feeney, whose immense generosity has played a pivotal role in the growth and expansion of the Irish Gerontological Society, has tragically passed away. His remarkable contributions have shaped the society into the wonderful, far-reaching interdisciplinary organization it is today. Feeney’s death is a significant loss, leaving behind a profound void in the philanthropic community.
Chuck Feeney was widely renowned for his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on society. Born in the United States to Irish immigrant parents, he grew up with a deep appreciation for his roots and a strong desire to give back. Feeney’s philanthropic journey began in the 1980s when he co-founded the Duty Free Shoppers (DFS) Group, a business venture that rapidly flourished. However, unlike many successful entrepreneurs, Feeney chose to lead a modest life, embodying the values of humility and selflessness.
Feeney’s philanthropic philosophy was guided by the belief that wealth should be utilized for the greater good. He embraced the concept of “giving while living” and dedicated his life to disbursing his fortune to various causes. Inspired by the teachings of Andrew Carnegie and the Giving Pledge movement, Feeney committed to donating the majority of his wealth during his lifetime.
Through his foundation, The Atlantic Philanthropies, Feeney directed billions of dollars towards initiatives and organizations aimed at improving healthcare, education, and social justice around the world. His contributions have transformed countless lives, enabling access to quality education, funding critical medical research, and supporting disadvantaged communities.
Feeney’s impact on the Irish Gerontological Society cannot be overstated. His unwavering support has propelled the society’s growth, allowing it to become a leading platform for interdisciplinary collaboration and advancements in gerontology. The organization has played a crucial role in improving the lives of older adults in Ireland, advocating for their rights, and fostering innovative approaches to aging.
Beyond his philanthropic endeavors, Chuck Feeney was admired for his humility and commitment to privacy. Often referred to as the “James Bond of Philanthropy,” he operated anonymously for many years, preferring to direct attention towards the causes he supported rather than himself. Feeney’s dedication to making a difference, coupled with his modesty, has left an indelible mark on the philanthropic landscape.
The legacy of Chuck Feeney will be remembered as a testament to the power of giving. His selfless acts of kindness and unwavering commitment to improving society have set an example for future generations. As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate his extraordinary life and the profound impact he has made on the world. May his soul rest in peace.
Tributes
This is the way people responded to this story on social media.
@jokeeffe16 wrote
We are saddened to hear of the death of Irish-American philanthropist Chuck Feeney, whose tremendous generosity supported the growth and expansion of the @irishgerontsoc into the wonderful far reaching interdisciplinary society it is today. Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam dílis