Preston Robert Tisch

Preston Robert Tisch was a prominent American businessman, philanthropist, and co-owner of the National Football League's New York Giants. Alongside his older brother Laurence, he transformed a small New Jersey hotel into the diversified conglomerate Loews Corporation, with major holdings in insurance, tobacco, and hospitality. His civic leadership extended to significant roles such as Postmaster General and chairman of the New York City Convention and Visitors Bureau, while his philanthropy profoundly impacted education, healthcare, and the arts in New York City.

Early life and education

He was born in Brooklyn to a Jewish family, the sons of Al and Sadye Tisch. He attended Buckley School in Manhattan before enrolling at DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx. His higher education was interrupted by service in the United States Army during World War II. Following the war, he completed his degree in economics at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, graduating in 1948.

Business career

In 1946, he and his brother Laurence began their business venture by purchasing the Laurel-in-the-Pines hotel in Lakewood, New Jersey. This acquisition formed the foundation of their hotel chain, which they expanded and eventually renamed Loews Hotels. Their corporate entity, Loews Corporation, diversified aggressively under their leadership, acquiring controlling interests in the CNA Financial insurance company and the Lorillard tobacco company. He served as the company's president and co-chief executive officer, focusing on operations and expansion, while his brother handled finance and strategy, building Loews into a Fortune 500 powerhouse.

New York Giants ownership

In 1991, he and his brother purchased a fifty percent stake in the New York Giants from Tim Mara, joining the Mara family as equal partners. His involvement brought a sharp business acumen to the franchise's operations. He served as the team's treasurer and was instrumental in negotiations that led to the construction of MetLife Stadium in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Under the joint ownership of the Tisch and Mara families, the Giants won Super Bowl XXV and Super Bowl XLII, cementing his legacy in National Football League history.

Philanthropy and civic engagement

His philanthropic efforts were wide-ranging and centered largely on New York City. He and his wife endowed the Preston Robert Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism, and Sports Management at New York University. He also served as the chairman of the New York University Board of Trustees. In 1986, he was appointed Postmaster General of the United States by President Ronald Reagan, serving until 1988. He was a leading force in the city's tourism recovery after the September 11 attacks as chairman of the New York City Convention and Visitors Bureau. Other major beneficiaries of his support included the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the United Jewish Appeal, and Columbia University.

Personal life and death

He married Joan Hyman in 1948, and the couple had four children: Steve, Laurie, Jonathan, and Daniel. His sons Steve Tisch and Jonathan Tisch became prominent figures in film production and business, respectively, while his daughter Laurie Tisch became a noted philanthropist. He maintained residences in Manhattan, Greenwich, and Southampton. He died in 2005 at his home in Manhattan from cancer. His funeral was held at Temple Emanu-El, and he was interred at Beth David Cemetery in Elmont. Category:1926 births Category:2005 deaths Category:American business executives Category:New York Giants executives Category:American philanthropists