Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Thursday that his father, a former diplomat, banker, and World War II veteran, has died at the age of 96.
Donald Blinken served as the U.S. ambassador to Hungary during the Clinton administration, from 1994 to 1997. His son credits his father as being the inspiration for him to become a public servant. Donald Blinken’s death comes as the secretary of state is attending the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York.
PUTIN MOVING RUSSIANS INTO UKRAINIAN REGIONS BEFORE SHAM VOTE, BLINKEN SAYS
“My family lost a parent and grandparent, a source of love and inspiration — my father Donald Blinken. A member of the U.S. Army Air Corps, a U.S. Ambassador, president of the Mark Rothko Foundation, chair of the State University of New York dad served his city, state and country,” Blinken said on Twitter.
My family lost a parent and grandparent, a source of love and inspiration — my father Donald Blinken. A member of the U.S. Army Air Corps, a U.S. Ambassador, president of the Mark Rothko Foundation, chair of the State University of New York dad served his city, state and country.
— Antony Blinken (@ABlinken) September 23, 2022
“Dad inspired me to public service. He lived with decency, dignity and modesty. He loved his wife Vera and his family. He built a wonderful life and gave me a wonderful life. I love you dad,” he added.
The secretary of state canceled several events he was slated to attend at the U.N. General Assembly on Thursday, and his Friday schedule at the annual gathering of world leaders will be adjusted to accommodate family commitments, the Associated Press reported.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
A New York native, Donald Blinken served in the Army Air Corps in World War II before graduating from Harvard University. He went on to become the co-founder of investment banking firm EM Warburg Pincus in 1966. He was also awarded the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service and received Hungary’s highest civilian honor as ambassador to the former Soviet state.
He died peacefully at his Long Island home, a State Department official said, according to the Associated Press.
