David Rockefeller Sr
USA- Early Life and Education
- Military Service and Early Career
- Chase Manhattan Bank
- International Banking and Diplomacy
- Later Career and Legacy
- Personal Life
- Death and Impact
Early Life and Education
David Rockefeller was born in New York City on June 12, 1915, to John Davison Rockefeller Jr. and Abigail Greene "Abby" Aldrich Rockefeller. He was the sixth of six children, with five older brothers and sisters. Rockefeller received his secondary education at the prestigious New Lincoln School before attending Harvard University, where he graduated summa cum laude in 1936. He also studied economics at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Military Service and Early Career
In 1940, Rockefeller earned a doctorate in economics from the University of Chicago. The same year, he began his first public service role as secretary to New York City Mayor Fiorello La Guardia. During World War II, he served in military intelligence and the U.S. Embassy in Paris from 1942 to 1945, rising to the rank of captain.
Chase Manhattan Bank
In 1946, Rockefeller joined the family business by taking a position at Chase National Bank. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming vice president in 1949 and senior vice president in 1952. In 1955, Chase National merged with the Manhattan Bank, creating Chase Manhattan Bank, one of the world's largest financial institutions. Rockefeller became president of Chase Manhattan Bank in 1961 and chairman of the board of directors in 1969.
International Banking and Diplomacy
Under Rockefeller's leadership, Chase Manhattan Bank expanded its operations worldwide. He was instrumental in arranging a major Soviet grain purchase in 1971 and the opening of a Chase Manhattan branch in Moscow in 1973. Rockefeller himself made several personal visits to the Soviet Union and met with renowned leaders like Nikita Khrushchev, Alexei Kosygin, and Mikhail Gorbachev.
Later Career and Legacy
Rockefeller retired as CEO of Chase Manhattan Bank in 1980 and as chairman in 1981, reaching the mandatory retirement age for that position. He continued to be active in politics, philanthropy, and education, serving as chairman of the International Advisory Committee of Chase Manhattan Bank and as a member of the Art Committee.
Personal Life
Rockefeller was married to Margaret "Peggy" McGrath from 1940 until her death in 1996. They had six children: David Rockefeller Jr., Abigail Aldrich Rockefeller, Niva Rockefeller Goodwin, Margaret "Peggy" Dulany Rockefeller, Richard Gilder Rockefeller, and Eileen Rockefeller Growald.
Death and Impact
David Rockefeller passed away in his home on March 20, 2017, at the age of 101. He was known as a leading figure in the banking industry, a globalist, and a generous philanthropist. His legacy continues through the numerous institutions and organizations he supported, including the Rockefeller Foundation, the Council on Foreign Relations, and the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies at Harvard University.
