Benjamin Duke Holloway's Obituary
HOLLOWAY, BENJAMIN DUKE passed away on December 29 in Miami, Florida, at the age of 88. He was a descendant of the founding family of Duke University, of which he was a dedicated trustee for several decades. Born in Durham, N.C., Holloway spent his early life there and in Washington, DC, where he graduated from high school in 1943. Immediately afterward he joined the Naval Reserves and served as a Naval Aviator until 1947. Upon returning home, he attended Duke University, and graduated in 1950 with a degree in Economics. He began his professional work in real estate as an appraiser-trainee with the FHA. In 1951, he joined the Washington DC regional real estate office of Equitable Life Assurance Society, now AXA Equitable, to start a 40 year career with that Company. Moving to the NY Home Office in 1979, he became Vice-Chairman of the Board and Director of the Equitable Life Assurance Society, and President and Chief Executive Officer of the Equitable Investment Corporation, responsible for all investment areas, in 1987. Throughout his career, Holloway felt that in addition to responsibilities for wise financial management, large corporations also had obligations to support constructive improvement in their communities. Due to his vision and leadership, Equitable's portfolio of real estate investments, both as owner and lender, expanded greatly and contributed importantly to the growth and resurgence of many of the country's cities. In the late 1970's, while exploring South Florida real estate opportunities, Holloway developed a strong attachment to the area, and had been at least a part-time resident of Coconut Grove since then. Holloway is survived by his wife of thirty-one years, the former Rita DiGiallonardo, and by children Peter Eric, Sherry Elizabeth, Paul Buchanan, Anne Duke and Virginia Leigh, whose mother is former spouse Joan Briggs. Visitation will be at the Van-Orsdel Funeral Home at 3333 NE 2nd Avenue on Thursday, January 2 from 4-6 pm. Final services and burial will be at a later date in his Durham birthplace. It is requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Duke University Libraries - in memory of Benjamin Holloway - Box 90581, Durham, N.C., 27708.
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