Donald Mayer Blinken was an American businessman and diplomat. He served as the United States Ambassador to Hungary from 1994 to 1997. His son, Anthony Blinken, is the incumbent Secretary of State of the United States in the presidency of Joe Biden.
He was a co-founder of the investment banking firm EM Warburg, Pincus, and CO, and was president of the Mark Rothko Foundation from 1976-1989. He also chaired the Board of Trustees of the State University of New York, the nation’s largest institution of higher education, from 1978-1990.
Ambassador, Financier, and Art Patron, Donald Blinken, Dies at 96
Donald Blinken, a prominent figure in the worlds of diplomacy, finance, and art, passed away at the age of 96 on Tuesday night. The news of his death was confirmed by his son, Anthony Blinken, who is currently serving as the United States Secretary of State.
In a heartfelt tweet, Secretary Blinken paid tribute to his father, describing him as a source of love and inspiration. He credited his father with inspiring him to pursue a career in public service and praised his decency, dignity, and modesty. Secretary Blinken also expressed his deep love for his father and thanked him for building a wonderful life and giving him a wonderful wife.
Donald Blinken’s legacy extends far beyond his family, however. Throughout his life, he made significant contributions to many different fields, leaving a lasting impact on the worlds of diplomacy, finance, and art.
As a diplomat, Blinken served as the United States Ambassador to Hungary from 1994 to 1998, playing a key role in promoting democracy and economic development in the country. He also served as a member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, where he worked to ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust were never forgotten.
In the world of finance, Blinken was a pioneer in the field of venture capital, helping to finance many successful start-up companies in Silicon Valley during the 1960s and 1970s. He also served as the chairman of the board of trustees of the State University of New York, where he oversaw a major expansion of the university’s research and educational programs.
Donald Blinken Life Fueled by Family Heritage, From his Parents to GrandParents
Donald Blinken, a prominent American diplomat, businessman, and philanthropist, was born on November 11, 1925, in the bustling city of Yonkers, New York. He was the son of Maurice and Ethel Blinken, both of whom hailed from Kyiv, Ukraine. The family had a rich cultural heritage, and Donald’s grandfather, Meir Blinken, was a renowned author.
Growing up, Donald had two brothers, Alan and Robert, and they spent their formative years between New York City and Yonkers. As a young man, Donald attended the prestigious Horace Mann School, where he excelled academically and developed a passion for learning.
After completing high school, Donald enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, where he served his country with distinction during World War II. Following the war, he enrolled at Harvard University, where he pursued a degree in Economics. During his time at Harvard, Donald distinguished himself as a top student, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1948.
Donald Blinken Career of Leadership and Achievement in Finance, Art, Diplomacy, and Global Cooperation
Blinken co-founded E.M. Warburg Pincus and Company, a reputable investment bank in New York, in 1966. He served as a director of the company and went on to become its Chairman of the Board of Directors. Under his leadership, the firm grew to become a leading player in the financial sector, with an extensive portfolio of successful investments.
Beyond his accomplishments in finance, Blinken was also a passionate collector of art. He served as the President of the Mark Rothko Foundation from 1976 to 1989, where he oversaw the distribution of over 1,000 art pieces to museums worldwide, including the prestigious National Gallery of Art. Blinken’s contributions to the art world were crucial in promoting the works of emerging artists and preserving the legacy of established masters.
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During the Carter administration, he was appointed to a special nomination panel for the US Court of Appeals. In 1994, President Bill Clinton nominated Blinken to be the United States Ambassador to Hungary, a role he held with distinction until 1997. His diplomatic work strengthened the relationship between the United States and Hungary and contributed to the advancement of democracy and human rights in the region.
Furthermore, Blinken was an advocate for global cooperation and served as the Secretary-General of the World Federation of United Nations Associations from 2000 to 2004. His leadership in this position helped promote the mission of the United Nations, including the promotion of international peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights.
Donald Blinken wife Vera Ermer is not only who Donald Married
Donald Blinken, a prominent American businessman and diplomat, has had an eventful and fascinating personal life marked by two marriages to remarkable women. His first marriage was to Judith Frehm in 1958, but unfortunately, the union came to an end in 1971.
However, Donald found love again and married Vera Ermer in 1975. Vera’s life story is nothing short of incredible – she survived the horrors of the Holocaust in Hungary during World War II. Her experiences during this time shaped her outlook on life and inspired her to become an advocate for human rights and justice.
In 2009, the couple published a memoir titled “Vera and the Ambassador: Escape and Return” that chronicles Vera’s escape from Communist Hungary and their return to Hungary during Donald’s term as the US Ambassador. The memoir provides a rare glimpse into the personal lives of a power couple and their experiences navigating politics, diplomacy, and personal relationships.
Donald Blinken’s son Antony Blinken is the current Secretary of State of the United States
Antony Blinken, the current Secretary of State of the United States, is the son of a man whose life has been defined by his service to his country, his commitment to human rights, and his unwavering devotion to family.
Born on April 16, 1952, in New York City, Antony John Blinken is the eldest son of Judith Frehm and Antony Blinken Sr. His father, who served as the United States Ambassador to Hungary from 1994 to 1997, has led an extraordinary life that is deeply rooted in the values of integrity, empathy, and compassion.
After graduating from Harvard University in 1978, Antony Blinken Jr. embarked on a career in public service that would take him to the highest levels of government. He served as a member of the National Security Council staff in the Clinton administration, where he helped to shape U.S. policy on issues ranging from the Balkans to Africa to the Middle East.
In 2009, Antony Blinken Sr. and his wife, Vera Ermer, published a memoir entitled “Vera and the Ambassador: Escape and Return,” which chronicles their experiences in Hungary during and after World War II. The book is a testament to the resilience and courage of those who survived the horrors of the Holocaust, as well as a tribute to the power of love and the human spirit.
Throughout his life, Antony Blinken Sr. has remained committed to the values that have defined his career in public service. He has been a vocal advocate for human rights and has worked tirelessly to promote democracy, freedom, and justice around the world.
His son, Antony Blinken Jr., has followed in his father’s footsteps, dedicating his own career to public service and the pursuit of justice.
