Obituary

US secretary of state’s father, former diplomat Donald Blinken, dies at 96

Antony Blinken says his father — ex-envoy to Hungary, investment banker and modern art collector — inspired him to public service

By AP 23 September 2022, 8:13 am 1 Edit

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks about the launch initiative to support Afghan women during the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Sept. 20, 2022. (David Dee Delgado/Pool Photo via AP)

NEW YORK — Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s father, Donald, a former US diplomat, investment banker and modern art collector, died on Thursday.

He was 96.

Blinken announced his father’s passing in a series of tweets while he was attending the annual UN General Assembly.

“My family lost a parent and grandparent, a source of love and inspiration — my father Donald Blinken,” he wrote.

“A member of the US Army Air Corps, a US ambassador, president of the Mark Rothko Foundation, (chairman of the board) of the State University of New York, dad served his city, state and country,” Blinken said.

Donald Blinken died peacefully at his home in East Hampton, Long Island, a State Department official said.

Donald Blinken (US State Department)

“Dad inspired me to public service,” Blinken wrote. “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.”

Antony Blinken canceled several events he was to attend at the UN General Assembly on Thursday evening due to his father’s deteriorating medical condition and his schedule there on Friday will be adjusted to account for family commitments, the State Department official said.

Donald Blinken served as the chairman of the State University of New York system from 1978 to 1990 and was US Ambassador to Hungary from 1994 to 1997, during the Clinton administration.