American businessman, financier and investor, Thomas H. Lee, passed away on Thursday at the age of 78. Known for his sharp business acumen, his philanthropic efforts, and his unwavering commitment to excellence, Lee was widely admired and respected both within and outside of his industry.
According to the New York Post, Lee was found following a 911 call Thursday morning due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The family has not confirmed a cause of death.
“The family is extremely saddened by Tom’s death. While the world knew him as one of the pioneers in the private equity business and a successful businessman, we knew him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, sibling, friend and philanthropist who always put others’ needs before his own,” Lee family friend and spokesperson Michael Sitrick said in a statement.
Lee began his career at the First National Bank of Boston, but it was in the early 1980s that he truly made his mark, co-founding the private equity firm Thomas H. Lee Partners with his cousin, Frank Lee.
Over the next several decades, Lee and his firm would become synonymous with some of the most successful leveraged buyouts in history, including the acquisition of Snapple in 1992 and the $8.3 billion purchase of Clear Channel Communications in 2008.
But Lee’s contributions went beyond just the business world. He was deeply committed to philanthropy, donating millions to a variety of causes over the years. He served on the board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston and was a trustee of the Massachusetts General Hospital.
In addition, Lee and his wife donated $100 million to Harvard Medical School in 2014, the largest gift in the school’s history.
Throughout his life, Lee was known for his integrity, his work ethic, and his unwavering commitment to excellence. He was a true leader in every sense of the word, and his legacy will continue to inspire and motivate countless others in the years to come.
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