Jacques E. Lennon Obituary

Jacques E. Lennon Obituary

To an old friend.

LENNON--Jacques E. 92, died of pneumonia, on June 22, 2015. Born in Luxembourg on January 15, 1923, he began a career in business--spanning more than 70 years--at S.A. des Minerais. In 1939 he emigrated to the U.S. and joined Continental Ore Corporation (COC), the North American office of Minerais, making it possible for him to bring his parents and sisters out of harm's way during the war. He served with distinction in the U.S. Army in the Psychological Warfare Branch in North Africa, Italy, and Austria. Following his military service, he rejoined COC in 1946, becoming executive vice president in 1962. COC became one of the most highly respected international marketing companies of industrial raw materials, with over 30 offices and subsidiaries throughout the world. COC was acquired by International Minerals & Chemicals (IMC) in 1968. IMC (now Mosaic), the world's leading independent producer of fertilizers, acquired COC in order to broaden its international presence and diversify into some of COC's areas of expertise. In 1974, together with his two partners, Louis Lipton and Eric Lomnitz, he started Continental Resources Inc. (CRI), serving as president until the present day. Jacques is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Donatella, who took remarkable care of him during his last years; his cherished daughter, Linda, son-in-law Stuart Baskin, granddaughter Rebecca, and nephews Robert and Mark Wolff, and their families. His self-taught appreciation for art resulted in the eclectic collections in his homes in New York and Rome. His generous philanthropic endeavors characterize his diverse interests and humanistic approach to life. He never forgot his Luxembourg roots, serving as chairman of the Luxembourg America Chamber of Commerce for many years, as well as Luxembourg's Honorary Consul, in New York. Jacques was the family patriarch, never too busy to make himself available. His joie de vivre, irrepressible smile, and twinkling blue eyes can never be matched. He made it great for us all. A Memorial Service celebrating Jacques' life will be held at a later time.