As the New York Mets baseball team owner for over 30 years, bruce wilpon wife built a successful business empire with his wife Irene at his side. This article examines their careers and marriage through the decades.

Meeting and Early Years Together

Bruce Wilpon was born in Brooklyn in 1946 and attended the University of Michigan, where he studied business. In 1966, he met his future wife, Irene, who was originally from Montreal and studying communications. They bonded over their shared love of sports and competitiveness. After graduating in 1968, they married and settled in New York City.

bruce wilpon wife worked at Maxwell House coffee company while attending Fordham Law School at night, while Irene worked in publishing. 1971, their first son, Jeff, was born, followed by brother Fred in 1974. Despite busy careers and starting a family, the Wilpons remained deeply in love and supported one another’s ambitions.

Wilpon Takes the Reins of Sterling Equities

In 1980, Bruce’s father-in-law, Fred Wilpon, owned a small real estate firm, Sterling Equities. He offered Bruce a job, and over time, bruce wilpon wife proved himself to be a talented dealmaker, expanding Sterling’s portfolio. When Fred retired in 2002, Bruce took over as CEO. Some key events:

• Acquired ownership of Shea Stadium and surrounding land in 1980
• Purchased the Newasset Group in 1986, growing Sterling’s wealth
• Secured financing to build Citi Field, new Mets home opened in 2009

During these formative business years, Irene played a crucial role behind the scenes as a trusted advisor to her husband. Her influence and negotiating skills were instrumental in closing many deals, making her an integral part of the Wilpon’s business success.

Sterling Equities Acquires Majority Share of Mets

In 2002, Fred Wilpon, bwruce ilpon wife, and Fred Wilpon Jr. formed a group to purchase the New York Mets baseball team out of bankruptcy for $391 million. This was a testament to the Wilpons’ deep-rooted passion for the sport and their unwavering commitment to the team and its fans.

Irene’s passion for the Mets was as strong as her family’s. Over the years, she attended numerous games, passionately cheering her team to victory. Irene’s joy knew no bounds when the Mets clinched the 2015 World Series, their first championship in 30 years.

Under Bruce’s leadership, the Mets enjoyed two decades of success, making the playoffs seven times. However, economic troubles in the late 2000s stemming from bad real estate investments impacted the franchise’s finances for years. Yet, the Wilpons remained resilient, navigating these challenges with determination and a commitment to the team and its fans.

Legal Troubles and Ownership Transition

In late 2020, the Wilpons announced they would sell up to 80% of the team to billionaire hedge fund manager Steve Cohen. This followed revelations that Sterling Equities and the Wilpons had been sued in December 2011 by the trustee recovering funds for Bernie Madoff’s collapsed Ponzi scheme.

The lawsuit claimed the Wilpons should have detected the massive fraud earlier, and they received over $300 million in profits from their Madoff accounts. 2012, the Wilpons settled for $162 million while denying wrongdoing or failing diligence.

Bruce and Irene formally stepped down as Mets controlling owners after the 2021 season, but bruce wilpon wife remains on the team’s board. The transition ended a family dynasty spanning over 30 years at the helm of their hometown team.

Irene Wilpon’s Career and Philanthropic Legacy

While supporting Bruce ventures, Irene also pursued her fulfilling career path. After briefly working in magazine publishing, she joined the American Jewish Committee in 1974. Over four decades, Irene became a respected leader in the nonprofit, focusing on governmental relations in Washington, D.C.

Some notable career highlights for Irene:

• Advocated for Soviet Jewry rights and Jewish refugee causes in the 1970s/1980s
• Helped shape U.S. policy on Holocaust restitution and Jewish heritage protection
• Received numerous awards for her public service and community leadership

Additionally, Irene has been deeply involved with charities close to her heart, like UJA-Federation of New York, where she sits on the board of directors. She remains actively committed to issues of education, healthcare access, and preserving Jewish history and culture.

Together, Bruce and Irene have made significant contributions to hospitals, schools, and the arts. Their philanthropic spirit has positively impacted numerous lives and communities, leaving a lasting legacy of generosity.

A Remarkable Love Story

Bruce and Irene Wilpon’s bond has remained strong through over 50 years of marriage, numerous successes, and some challenges. They support each other through adversity, co-parent three sons, and share a passion for community service.

The Wilpons set a remarkable example of a power couple equally dedicated to business, family, and philanthropic causes. Even after retiring, their mark on New York City through the Mets, real estate development, and charitable endeavors will endure for generations. Through it all, Irene has been bruce wilpon wife constant source of love, guidance, and companionship. Their love story stands as an inspiration.