World News | Antony Blinken's Father, Former Diplomat and Banker, Dies

New York, Sep 23 (AP) 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.

Also Read | India Takes Dig at China at UNSC, Says 'Politics Should Not Prevent Sanctioning of Terrorists'.

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

“A member of the U.S. Army Air Corps, a U.S. 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.

Also Read | EAM S Jaishankar at UNSC: End Conflict in Ukraine, Return to Negotiating Table.

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

“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 U.S. Ambassador to Hungary from 1994 to 1997, during the Clinton administration. (AP)

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)