Laurance Spelman Rockefeller

business executive, conservationist
Born: 5/26/1910
Birthplace: New York City

The third of five sons of John D Rockefeller, Jr., he seems to have inherited his grandfather's business acumen. Having emerged from Princeton with a philosophy degree, he co-founded Eastern Airlines (1938), quickly becoming the firm's largest shareholder. After serving in the U.S. Navy in World War II, he invested in a variety of enterprises, including computers, nuclear technologies, and resort hotels. His principal philanthropic interests focus on the environment, having donated some 33,000 acres to the Grand Teton National Park. He was the head of the Citizens Advisory Committee on Environmental Quality (1969–73), and has been active in the Palisades Interstate Park Commission and on the executive committee of the Jackson Hole Wildlife Park.

Died: 2004