George J. Maloof, Sr.

George Joseph Maloof Sr. (April 11, 1923 – November 29, 1980) was an American heir and businessman of Lebanese descent.

Biography

Early life George Joseph Maloof Sr. was born on April 11, 1923, in Las Vegas, New Mexico. His father, Joseph Maloof (1903–1957), an immigrant from Lebanon, was a Coors beer distributor in New Mexico.

Career Taking over after his father suffered a heart attack in 1944, Maloof expanded the family's business into hotels, trucking and banking. He later became the owner of the Houston Rockets.

Personal life He married Colleen Maloof. They had five children:

Joe Maloof (born November 15, 1955) Gavin Maloof (born October 9, 1956) Adrienne Maloof (born September 4, 1961) George J. Maloof Jr. (born September 2, 1964) Phillip Maloof (born May 16, 1967).

Death He died on November 29, 1980, at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico. After his death, his sisters sued to force a liquidation of the family's holdings. Business Week estimated the family's net worth in 2000 to be more than $1 billion.