Summary
Raymond G. Perelman (August 22, 1917 – January 14, 2019) was an American businessman, investor, and philanthropist who served as the founder, chairman and CEO of RGP Holdings. He was the father of Ronald Perelman and Jeffrey E. Perelman. He was known for his philanthropy and charitable giving, as well as his close ties with the city of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania.
Raymond G. Perelman | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 22, 1917 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | January 14, 2019 (aged 101) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, investor, philanthropist |
| Employer | RGP Holdings |
| Title | Founder, chair, and CEO of RGP Holdings |
| Children | Ronald Perelman Jeffrey E. Perelman |
Early life edit
Raymond Perelman grew up in the Olney and Feltonville neighborhoods of Philadelphia.[1]
Education edit
Raymond Perelman studied business and finance at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.[2] He graduated from Wharton in 1940, and began his career in investing and philanthropy.
Career edit
His early career was spent working at his father's family business, American Paper Products Company. He remained there for 50 years. In 1960, Perelman bought the company Belmont Iron Works, "the largest steel fabricator in the Northeast, which provided structural steel for the construction industry."[3]
Raymond Perelman, through RGP Holdings, owned significant interests in financial, manufacturing and mining companies. He was a Trustee of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman Education Foundation.[citation needed]
Raymond Perelman was the Chairman and CEO of Belmont Holdings Corporation from 1994 onward. He also served as President and CEO of Champion Parts, as well as the Chairman of Grefco Minerals and additional companies.[4]
According to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, Raymond and Ruth Perelman donated hundreds of millions to various organizations, with the University of Pennsylvania being the largest benefactor. In 2011 alone, they donated over $227 million, with $225 million going to the University of Pennsylvania.[5]
Personal edit
Raymond Perelman has been in legal disputes with his son, Jeffrey Perelman.[6][7] He was Jewish.[8] He turned 100 in August 2017.[9] Raymond Perelman died on January 14, 2019, at age 101.[10]
References edit
- ^ Karen Heller (September 9, 2007). "Ruth and Raymond G. Perelman: 'A fabulous duo,' giving back". Philadelphia Daily News. Retrieved January 31, 2019.
- ^ "About the Perelmans". University of Pennsylvania. September 14, 2008.
- ^ Philadelphia, The Children's Hospital of. "About Raymond G. Perelman". chop.edu. Retrieved March 26, 2020.
- ^ "Executive Profile: Raymond G. Perelman". Bloomberg Businessweek. October 21, 2013.
- ^ "Philanthropy: Raymond G. and Ruth C. Perelman". The Chronicle of Philanthropy. February 6, 2012.
- ^ "Perelmans at War". Philadelphia Magazine. February 23, 2010.
- ^ "Perelman Family Conflict Grows as Son Sues Father, Brother". Philadelphia Daily News. November 4, 2010.
- ^ Abigail Pogrebin, Stars of David: Prominent Jews Talk About Being Jewish, (Broadway 2007)
- ^ "The Pennsylvania Gazette » Ray Perelman: An Outstanding Penn Citizen Turns 100". August 22, 2017.
- ^ DiStefano, Joseph M. (January 15, 2019). "Raymond G. Perelman, master investor and philanthropist, dies at 101". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved January 16, 2019.