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.