Obituary: George Vonder Linden
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December 29, 1941 – January 1, 2024
George Vonder Linden passed away peacefully on January 1, 2024 surrounded by family. He approached life and work with passion, wit and integrity.
George is predeceased by his parents George and Ida Vonder Linden. He is survived by his loving and caring family, Kathleen (Ryan), his children Jonathan Vonder Linden, Jennifer Bruno, Stephanie McShea and his grandchildren Kylie, Lindsay and Jack McShea and Alessandro and Edoardo Bruno.
George was born on December 29, 1941 in West New York, New Jersey. After graduating from Union High School in 1959, he continued his studies at Newark College of Engineering and Pace University. He served in the US Marine Corps.
George spent his entire career at Smith Barney, starting in the Operations Department in 1960 and retiring as President and Chief Executive Officer in 1988.
His career achievements include serving on the Board of NASDAQ and the New York Stock Exchange. He was a Governor of the American Stock Exchange, a Board Member of the Securities Industry Association, and a Director of the National Securities Clearing Corporation.
George was the first American appointed to the Board of the Prince’s Trust charity founded by King Charles III. New York Foundling Hospital awarded him the Humanitarian of the Year in 1988. George served on the Vail Valley Medical Center Board for 13 years.
After Wall Street, George put his considerable energy towards an active and inspiring retirement. He moved to Vail, CO in 1988. He loved skiing, hiking, and golfing with friends and family. Kathy and George spent the off seasons traveling the world. George’s love of wine, cuisine and conversation created lasting memories, experiences, and friendships.
Golf was one of his great passions. It wasn’t unusual for him to golf two high speed rounds a day, exhausting caddies, friends and family along the way. His love of golf led him to become a founding member of Eagle Springs Golf Club in Wolcott. Eventually, Kathy and George became members of El Dorado Golf Club in Indian Wells, CA. They enjoyed special times with friends and family in the desert.
George loved watching his five grandchildren play soccer. He shared Wall Street stories, gave as much advice as possible and talked politics, even to five year olds. You were never too young.
George bled Ranger blue and spent much time in his favorite seats at Madison Square Garden with his best friend Paul and son Jonathan. He rejoiced when they finally won the Stanley Cup in 1994.
He never forgot his roots and made a point to treat every person he met with equal respect, kindness and consideration. His humor, character, and sense of fairness were guides for him socially and professionally. His directness was searing but honest and true. He wore many titles: husband, father, grandfather, CEO,mentor, dog owner, sports fan, poker player, golfer and friend. He will be dearly missed.
A celebration of life will be held at a later time.
Should one choose, in lieu of flowers, donations to Leukemia Fighters would be greatly appreciated. Leukemia Fights ℅ Dr Gail Roboz, 520 E 70th St, Box 403, NY, NY 10021
https://www.nyp.org/cancer/blood-cancer/leukemia-fighters
