Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller (July 8, 1908 — January 26, 1979) was an American businessman, philanthropist, public servant, and politician. He served as the 41st Vice President of the United States (1974--1977) under President Gerald Ford, and as the 49th Governor of New York (1959--1973). He also served in the administrations of Presidents Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower in a variety of positions. A member of the wealthy Rockefeller family.