The famous hotelier, Barron Hilton, died on Thursday. The reason for his death was natural causes. Hilton died in his residence in Los Angeles. The news was confirmed by his family’s Conrad Hilton Foundation in a press release. Hilton lost his life at the age of 91.
Chairman of the board at the foundation and Barron Hilton’s son, Steve Hilton addressed the media. He said that the whole if the Hilton family mourns at the death of the “a remarkable man.”
Hilton remembered his father as a loving husband, wonderful role model to the eight children, a loyal and generous friend, a visionary businessman, a respected leader and a passionate sportsman. “He lived a life of great adventure and exceptional accomplishment”, he added.
Before joining the family business in 1954 as a vice president, Barron Hilton had served navy and then had worked as an entrepreneur for 20 years.
It was only in 1966 when he took over as the chairman, president and CEO of the leading Hilton Hotels Corporation. Barron Hilton had greatly expanded the hotel chain which was started by his father with a lucrative series of real-estate acquisitions and mergers.
Born in 1927, Hilton was also the founding owner of NFL American League which was originally based in Los Angeles but now is in San Diego before he sold the team in 1966.
He also had donated $1.2 billion in 2007 from the proceeds of the sale of Hilton Hotels Corporation and Harrah’s Entertainment to his father’s eponymous foundation. The mission of the foundation is to relive the suffering, distressed and destitute.
In that year he had also indicated to donate the 97% of his net worth to non-profits.
Barron Hilton is survived by his eight children, 15 grandchildren, and his four great-grandchildren.