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Chuck Feeney: The Secret Billionaire Who Gave Away His Entire Fortune

Jared Nelson

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Published in The Billionaire Who Wasn T: How Chuck Feeney Secretly Made And Gave Away A Fortune

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Chuck Feeney, the co-founder of Duty Free Shoppers, was once one of the richest men in the world. But unlike most billionaires, Feeney didn't spend his fortune on lavish yachts, private jets, or sprawling mansions. Instead, he gave it all away.

The Billionaire Who Wasn't: How Chuck Feeney Secretly Made and Gave Away a Fortune

by Conor O'Clery

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Feeney's philanthropy was so secretive that few people knew about it until after he had given away most of his wealth. He didn't want any recognition or gratitude for his generosity. He simply wanted to make a difference in the world.

Early Life and Career

Charles Francis Feeney was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, in 1931. His father was a truck driver and his mother was a homemaker. Feeney was a bright student and excelled in school. He attended Fairfield University in Connecticut, where he earned a degree in economics.

After graduating from college, Feeney joined the United States Air Force. He served as a pilot during the Korean War.

After his military service, Feeney returned to the United States and began working as a salesman for Duty Free Shoppers, a company that sold duty-free goods to travelers. In 1960, Feeney and his business partner, Robert Miller, founded their own duty-free company, called Duty Free Shoppers Group.

Under Feeney's leadership, Duty Free Shoppers Group became one of the most successful duty-free companies in the world. By the early 1990s, Feeney was a billionaire.

Philanthropy

Feeney began giving away his fortune in the early 1980s. He established The Atlantic Philanthropies, a charitable foundation that supports a wide range of causes, including education, healthcare, and human rights.

In 2020, Feeney completed his lifelong goal of giving away all of his fortune. He had donated more than $8 billion to charities around the world.

Legacy

Chuck Feeney is one of the most generous philanthropists in history. He gave away his entire fortune to make a difference in the world. His story is an inspiration to us all.

Here are some of the lessons we can learn from Chuck Feeney's life:

It is possible to give away your entire fortune and still live a happy and fulfilling life.
Philanthropy can be a powerful tool for good.
You don't need to be rich to make a difference in the world.

Chuck Feeney is a role model for us all. He shows us that it is possible to live a life of purpose and meaning. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.