Mr. Feeney reversed his extravagant lifestyle, quitting wealthy social groups, flying economy class, buying his clothing off the rack and giving up fancy restaurants.
He sold his limousines and took subways or cabs.
He also resolved to give his money away anonymously, a course followed by only 1 percent of American givers, experts say.
It was in 1982 that Mr. Feeney established in Bermuda the foundation that would become Atlantic Philanthropies.
In 1984, he transferred to the foundation his 38.75 percent stake in the company he had co-founded, Duty Free Shoppers.
Since there was no sale, the company’s value was speculative, but some estimates said it may have exceeded $500 million.
He gave $1 billion to Cornell, including $350 million for an affiliated technology institute in New York City. »
