Sidney Harman

Made his fortune in the '50s as an audio pioneer whose company Harman/Kardon put out the first stereo receiver, helping make high quality hi-fi a mass phenomenon, he was also seen as an early example of how big business could thrive while creating good conditions for factory. In 1977, he went to work in the Carter administration as the deputy secretary of Commerce, meeting his wife in Washington, and continuing to champion policies that were in line with his pro-worker, business-friendly ethos. The couple went on to have two children, in addition to the four from both of their previous marriages. In 1998, according to the Post, Sidney paid for “most of” Jane’s “unsuccessful $16 million race for governor.” The couple now shares homes in Venice, California, Aspen, Colorado, and Washington, D.C. Both Harmans are near fanatical about staying in shape (in addition to exercising constantly, Sidney is said to be at work on a book on golf as a metaphor for life) and also have in common something of a centrist political streak. One of nine children, including a twin sister, he grew up in New York City. He graduated from the City University of New York in 1939 and received a doctorate from Cincinnati's Union Institute and University. Harman is survived by his wife; four children from his first marriage, Lynn, Gina, Barbara and Paul; two children from his second marriage, Daniel and Justine; two stepchildren, Brian Frank and Hilary Peck; and 10 grandchildren.