April 17

Born Marcel Bloch, he adopted the name Dassault after World War II. He led the transformation of his company into a global leader in military and business aircraft. Under his vision, Dassault Aviation developed iconic jets like the Mirage fighter series and the Falcon business jets. His innovations revolutionized aeronautics in France and around the world. Dassault also served in the French Resistance during WWII and was imprisoned by the Nazis. After the war, he held various political roles and helped shape France's aerospace policies. His legacy endures in modern aviation and France's status as an aerospace power.

As chairman of the International Publishing Corporation (IPC), King oversaw a vast empire of newspapers and magazines including the Daily Mirror. He became one of Britain's most influential media barons during the 1950s and 1960s. King's tenure was marked by aggressive expansion and modernization of IPC's titles. He played a behind-the-scenes role in political and economic affairs, shaping public opinion through his publications. Despite his success, his career ended in controversy over an alleged coup plot against the British government. King retired to Ireland and focused on art collecting and philanthropy. His impact on modern journalism and publishing remains significant.

Born in 1932 in Genoa, Italy, John Paul Getty Jr. was heir to the Getty oil fortune. He survived a high-profile kidnapping at age 16 and later inherited his father's wealth. Known for his extensive art collection, he donated masterpieces to the National Gallery and the British Museum. In 1986 he was granted British citizenship and acquired the title Baron Getty. He established the J. Paul Getty Jr. Charitable Trust, supporting arts, education, and humanitarian causes. Getty passed away in 2003, leaving a lasting philanthropic legacy.

Born in 1910 on the island of Icaria, Yiannis Latsis started his career with a single tramp steamer. He expanded into oil tankers and pipelines, founding one of Greece's largest shipping companies. Latsis diversified into banking, real estate, and energy, becoming one of the world's wealthiest individuals. Through the Latsis Foundation, he funded education, scientific research, and cultural projects internationally. He passed away in 2003, remembered for his entrepreneurial vision and charitable contributions.

Scotty Probasco was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1928 into a family with deep roots in finance and community service. He rose to become chairman of a local bank, guiding its growth and stability for decades. Beyond banking, Probasco was a dedicated philanthropist, donating millions to support education, healthcare, and the arts. He established scholarships at regional universities and funded community centers and cultural landmarks. His leadership extended to nonprofit boards, where he championed urban revitalization and social welfare programs. Probasco received numerous awards for his civic leadership and humanitarian work. He passed away on April 17, 2015, leaving a legacy of generosity and profound community impact.

A. Alfred Taubman was born in 1924 in Pontiac, Michigan, and became a pioneer in the development of upscale retail shopping centers. He founded Taubman Centers, which grew into a major public company managing malls across the United States and Asia. Renowned for innovative mall design and marketing strategies, he transformed the retail real estate industry. Beyond business, Taubman was a generous patron of the arts and education, contributing substantial funds to museums, universities, and research institutions. His gifts supported expansions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and endowed scholarship and medical research programs. Despite facing controversies later in life, his impact on urban development and cultural institutions remained significant. Taubman passed away on April 17, 2015, leaving a lasting mark on commerce and philanthropy.