SEATTLE (AP) — Jack Benaroya, the philanthropist and developer for whom Seattle’s symphony hall was named, has died at age 90.
Benaroya is known as a businessman with impeccable timing and a quiet generosity.
He and his wife, Becky, have been major benefactors in the region. In 1993, they provided the $15 million seed money to help launch the Seattle Symphony’s home, Benaroya Hall. They also have supported the Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, as well as other hospitals and arts organizations.
The Seattle Times (http://is.gd/V625TT ) reports Benaroya was born in Alabama but grew up in Seattle and after a stint in the Navy become a developer. He first built and leased post offices, then turning to office parks and other commercial development.
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Information from: The Seattle Times, http://www.seattletimes.com
