Tobacco industry's chief defender dies
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| Sun, 05-02-2004 - 3:04pm |
While I understand that he did do good things, his blindness when it came to the dangers of smoking is what I'll always remember!
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apus_story.asp?category=1110&slug=Obit%20Cullman
Saturday, May 1, 2004 · Last updated 9:38 a.m. PT
Tobacco industry's chief defender dies
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
NEW YORK -- Joseph F. Cullman III, the Philip Morris executive who became the cigarette industry's chief defender against the anti-tobacco movement, has died at the age of 92.
Cullman, who smoked for many years but eventually quit, died Friday at a hospital, relatives said.
Cullman retired as chairman and chief executive in 1978, but for years remained as chairman emeritus, lobbying legislators and defending cigarettes at Congressional hearings.
In 1971, when the government banned cigarette advertising on television, Cullman said in an interview: "I do not believe that cigarettes are hazardous to one's health."
In response to a question about a study that found smoking mothers gave birth to smaller babies than nonsmoking mothers, Cullman said: "Some women would prefer having smaller babies."
Cullman also helped lead the company to become a corporate superpower, acquiring companies like General Foods, Kraft and Nabisco Holdings. Under Cullman, the company also became a large supporter of tennis and the arts.
Cullman was an active conservationist and was commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey from 1976 to 1983.
After attending Yale, he worked at a cigar store in New York and then went to Cuba to work in a cigar factory. He joined Philip Morris as a vice president, and was named president and chief executive in 1957.
Cullman was a tennis enthusiast and helped start a women's pro tour in 1970. He had been president of the Hall of Fame since 1982 and served as chairman from 1985 to 1988. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in as a contributor to the sport.
Cullman is survived by two brothers, a daughter, two grandchildren and three great grandchildren. His wife, Joan, died in March.
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>"Cullman, who smoked for many years but eventually quit"<
92 years old,..... one of the lucky ones that didn't have lung cancer or asthma.