Who Is Nelson Rockefeller? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Nelson Rockefeller was born on July 8, 1908, and served as Vice President of the United States from 1974 to 1977 under President Gerald Ford. A member of the prominent Rockefeller family, he was known for his dynamic influence in American politics and philanthropy. In 2025, Nelson Rockefeller's enduring legacy continues to be a subject of interest for historians and political enthusiasts alike.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 8, 1908 |
| Age | 70 Years |
| Birth Place | Bar Harbor, Maine, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 26 January, 1979 |
| Died Place | New York City, New York, U.S. |
Popularity
Nelson Rockefeller's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific height and weight records pertaining to Nelson Rockefeller's later years are not widely documented, it is known that during his active years, he maintained a stately presence. Typically, he was around 6 feet tall and had a robust build, reflecting his active lifestyle in business and politics.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Nelson Rockefeller was married to Margaretta "Happy" Murphy from 1930 until her passing in 1976. The couple had five children together. After his wife's death, he had several notable relationships, but the most significant remained his marriage. He often emphasized the importance of family values, which played a crucial role throughout his life, even beyond his political career.
Named Nelson Aldrich after his maternal grandfather Nelson W. Aldrich, he was the second son and third child of financier and philanthropist John Davison Rockefeller Jr. and philanthropist and socialite Abigail "Abby" Aldrich. He had two older siblings—Abby and John III—as well as three younger brothers: Laurance, Winthrop, and David.
His father, John Jr., was the only son of Standard Oil co-founder John D. Rockefeller and schoolteacher Laura Spelman. His mother, Abby, was a daughter of Senator Nelson Wilmarth Aldrich and Abigail P. Greene.
Net Worth and Salary
At the height of his career, Nelson Rockefeller's net worth was estimated to be in the millions, primarily due to his family's wealth originating from the oil industry. In 2025, even years after his passing (he died in 1979), his estate continues to be a focal point for discussions about wealth and philanthropic efforts, with an estimated net worth in the range of $3 billion attributed to his legacy.
Rockefeller resigned from the federal government in 1956 to focus on New York State and on national politics. From September 1956 to April 1958, he chaired the Temporary State Commission on the Constitutional Convention.
That was followed by his chairmanship of the Special Legislative Committee on the Revision and Simplification of the Constitution. In the 1958 New York state election, he was elected governor of New York by over 570,000 votes, defeating incumbent W. Averell Harriman, even though 1958 was a banner year for Democrats elsewhere in the nation.
Rockefeller was re-elected in the three subsequent elections in 1962, 1966, and 1970, increasing the state's role in education, environmental protection, transportation, housing, welfare, medical aid, civil rights, and the arts.
To pay for the increased government spending, Rockefeller increased taxation; for example, a sales tax was introduced in New York in 1965. He resigned three years into his fourth term and began to work at the Commission on Critical Choices for Americans.
Career, Business and Investments
Nelson Rockefeller's career was as varied as it was influential. He served as governor of New York before becoming Vice President. His business ventures included investments in multiple sectors, including real estate and finance. As a philanthropist, he was heavily involved in arts and education, founding numerous institutions and supporting social initiatives. His role in post-World War II politics, coupled with entrepreneurial endeavors, positioned him as a formidable figure in American history.
After unsuccessfully seeking the Republican presidential nomination in 1960, 1964, and 1968, Rockefeller was appointed vice president of the United States by President Gerald Ford in December 1974. Rockefeller was the second vice president appointed to the position under the 25th Amendment, following Ford himself.
Rockefeller did not seek a full term in the 1976 election with Ford, who named Kansas Senator Bob Dole as his running mate instead of Rockefeller that year. Rockefeller retired from politics in 1977 and died two years later.
Social Network
Though digital social media platforms did not exist during Rockefeller's lifetime, his legacy is celebrated on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, where historical accounts and discussions about his impact on politics and philanthropy are shared. Organizations and foundations established in his name actively engage with the public on social media, reminding followers of his contributions.
A later investigation showed all but three of the deaths were caused by the gunfire of the National Guard and police. The other three were inmates killed by other inmates at the beginning of the riot.
Opponents blamed Rockefeller for these deaths in part because of his refusal to go to the prison and negotiate with the inmates, while his supporters, including many conservatives who had often vocally differed with him in the past, defended his actions as being necessary to the preservation of law and order.
Rockefeller later said: "I was trying to do the best I could to save the hostages, save the prisoners, restore order, and preserve our system without undertaking actions which could set a precedent which would go across this country like wildfire." In a telephone call with President Nixon, Rockefeller explained the deaths by saying "that's life".
Education
Nelson Rockefeller graduated from Dartmouth College in 1930 with a degree in economics. His academic background laid the foundation for his future business ventures and political strategies. The philosophy and education he received helped influence his career, shaping him into a leader capable of bridging the gap between business and government.
In conclusion, Nelson Rockefeller remains a pivotal figure in American history as his life and work continue to inspire new generations. Whether through his influence in politics, his wealth and philanthropy, or the impacts of his investments in society, his legacy is felt well into 2025 and beyond.
After graduating from Dartmouth College in 1930, Rockefeller worked at various businesses connected to his family. He served as assistant secretary of State for American Republic Affairs for Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman (1944–1945), and as Undersecretary of Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) under Dwight D.
Eisenhower from 1953 to 1954. He was first elected governor of New York in 1958, and was re-elected in 1962, 1966, and 1970.
As governor of New York, Rockefeller's achievements included the expansion of the State University of New York (SUNY), efforts to protect the environment, the construction of the Empire State Plaza in Albany, increased facilities and personnel for medical care, and the creation of the New York State Council on the Arts.
Rockefeller was often considered to be liberal, progressive, or moderate. In an agreement that was termed the Treaty of Fifth Avenue, he persuaded Richard Nixon to alter the Republican Party platform just before the 1960 Republican National Convention. In his time, liberals in the Republican Party were called "Rockefeller Republicans".
