Peter Flanigan
Peter Magnus Flanigan | |
|---|---|
| Born | 21 June 1923 Manhattan, New York City, U.S. |
| Died | 29 July 2013 (aged 90) near Salzburg, Austria |
| Occupation(s) | Investment banker, political advisor |
| Years active | 1940s–2013 |
| Known for | Advisor and fundraiser for President Richard M. Nixon |
Peter Magnus Flanigan (June 21, 1923 – July 29, 2013) was a prominent American investment banker who played a key role as an advisor and fundraiser for President Richard M. Nixon.
Life
Born in Manhattan to Horace "Hap" Flanigan, a banker, and Aimee (née Magnus) Flanigan—who was a granddaughter of Adolphus Busch, one of the founders of Anheuser-Busch—Peter Flanigan was raised in the Catholic faith. During World War II, he served as a carrier pilot in the U.S. Navy. He graduated with highest honors (summa cum laude) from Princeton University before embarking on a career at the investment firm Dillon, Read & Company.
Politics
As a dedicated member of the Republican Party, Flanigan backed Nixon against John F. Kennedy in the 1960 presidential race and later became Nixon’s deputy campaign manager in 1968. He held the position of presidential assistant until 1972. Due to his significant sway among corporate leaders, critics such as Ralph Nader referred to him as the "mini-president." Flanigan left the Nixon administration in June 1974.
Diplomacy
In September 1974, President Gerald Ford nominated Flanigan to serve as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Spain. However, his nomination was delayed by the Senate, and he ultimately never received official confirmation.
Philanthropy
Flanigan established Student Sponsor Partners in 1986, an organization dedicated to offering private education, mentorship, and support services to underprivileged youth.
Family
His first wife, Brigid (née Snow), passed away in 2006. Together they had five children, including Sister Louise Marie Flanigan, a Roman Catholic nun. In 2008, Flanigan married Dorothea von Oswald from Austria. The couple divided their time between homes located in Wildenhag, Oberösterreich, Austria, and Purchase, New York.
Death
At the age of 90, Flanigan died in a hospital near Salzburg, Austria; the cause of death was not disclosed.