John Kluge: The benevolent billionaire goes out in style
n a life that continued for two and a half decades past his obituary interview with the New York Times, media-shy billionaire John Kluge would endure controversy in the form of a socialite ex-wife and an illegal hunting operation; and even his grandest business deal would incite some ire. But for the past 20 years, the biggest headlines John Werner Kluge made were the ones noting his eye-popping donations.
The billionaire whose TV stations became the Fox network and whose money helped shape Albemarle County, died peacefully on the night of Tuesday, September 7, two weeks shy of his 96th birthday, sources say. At the time of his death, Forbes listed Kluge as the 35th-richest American, with a total fortune–- even after hundreds of millions in donations–- of $6.5 billion.
"He was a wonderful man," says brother-in-law Ludwig Kuttner. "He had a great career. He was very charitable. He was great to the community and to education."
Education would shape Kluge's life. That, and deal-making.
4Better Or Worse
Essays
Question of the Week
Real Estate
Real Estate - On the Block
Movie Reviews
On Architecture
Downtown attire: Demo makes way for Waterhouse
Where we once got down–- Club 216–- will be coming down this week. PHOTO BY DAVE MCNAIR Itââ?¬â?¢s a momentous week for architect Bill Atwood.
The Brazen Careerist
Full Stories List for September 16th, 2010 issue #0937
4Better Or Worse
On Architecture
News
Photophile
Cartoons
Corrections
Cover Stories
Essays
Movie Reviews
Question of the Week
Real Estate
Real Estate - On the Block
