Fitz Eugene Dixon Jr.
Fitz Eugene Dixon Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 14, 1923 |
| Died | August 2, 2006 (aged 82) Abington, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Educator, sports executive, benefactor |
| Known for | Ownership of Philadelphia 76ers; chairman of Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission; philanthropy in Philadelphia |
Fitz Eugene Dixon Jr. (August 14, 1923 – August 2, 2006) was a prominent American educator, sports enthusiast, and benefactor.
Early life
Born to banker Fitz Eugene Dixon Sr. and Eleanor Widener Dixon, a scion of Philadelphia’s affluent Widener lineage, Dixon Jr. was raised at "Ronaele Manor," an Elizabethan-style estate located in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania.
He completed his education at the Episcopal Academy in Philadelphia and later graduated from Harvard University. Afterward, he returned to the Episcopal Academy as a faculty member, teaching English, French, and Health. Additionally, he coached squash, tennis, and lightweight football (120-pound division), while fulfilling roles as director of athletics and assistant to the headmaster.
Career
In 1971, upon the passing of his uncle George Dunton Widener Jr., who had no heirs, Fitz Eugene Dixon Jr. inherited his uncle’s entire fortune, which included the Erdenheim Farm situated in Whitemarsh Township, Pennsylvania. He also assumed leadership of the Widener Foundation. The Widener wealth originated from ventures in meat-packing and streetcar enterprises, ranking Dixon among Forbes Magazine’s 400 Richest Americans in the years 1985, 1991, and 1995.
At Erdenheim Farm, Dixon engaged in breeding thoroughbred racehorses and held the position of Chairman of the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission. His involvement extended to supporting equestrian show jumping; he owned distinguished horses such as Jet Run and Rhum IV that competed on an international stage.
Professional sports
Dixon made investments in several Philadelphia professional sports teams including the Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, and Wings. His most notable acquisition was the purchase of the Philadelphia 76ers from Irv Kosloff on May 28, 1976, for $8 million. Soon after acquiring the team, he signed Julius "Dr. J." Erving for $6.6 million. During his tenure as owner, the franchise reached two NBA finals but did not secure a championship title. In 1981, Dixon sold the team to Harold Katz. Furthermore, he served as vice chairman of the Flyers during their Stanley Cup victories in 1974 and 1975.
Philanthropy
Among his philanthropic contributions, Dixon is recognized for acquiring the renowned Love sculpture in 1976 for $35,000 and gifting it to the city of Philadelphia. This donation led to the establishment of the widely visited LOVE Park located in Center City.
He participated on various civic boards and often held leadership positions including chairmanships at the Fairmount Park Commission, Philadelphia Art Commission, and Delaware River Port Authority.
In higher education governance, Dixon served on boards at institutions such as Widener University, Lafayette College, Philadelphia College of Art, and Temple University. His generosity facilitated construction projects like Dixon Halls at Widener University and Temple University’s Ambler campus. Additionally, a residence hall at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania carries his name. In 1982, he was appointed founding chairman of the State System of Higher Education board of governors; subsequently, its headquarters was named the Dixon University Center to honor him. The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference annually awards the Dixon Trophy to its leading athletic program.
Personal life
In 1952, Dixon wed Edith Bruen Robb, who was the daughter of David B. Robb. The couple had two children together. Dixon passed away due to melanoma on August 2, 2006, in Abington, Pennsylvania, close to Philadelphia. He was laid to rest at Saint Thomas' Church Cemetery located in Whitemarsh.
External links
- Obituary published by the Chestnut Hill Local
- Obituary available at 6abc.com
- Obituary featured by Temple University
- Obituary from the New York Times
- Pages with script errors
- Articles with short description
- Articles with hCards
- No local image but image on Wikidata
- 1923 births
- 2006 deaths
- Harvard University alumni
- NBA executives
- Philadelphia 76ers owners
- National Hockey League executives
- National Hockey League owners
- Philadelphia Flyers executives
- Philadelphia Flyers owners
- People from Hancock County, Maine
- Stanley Cup champions
- Widener family
- Members of the Philadelphia Club
- People from Cheltenham, Pennsylvania
- Deaths from cancer in Pennsylvania
- Deaths from melanoma in the United States
- People associated with the Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Philadelphia Eagles owners