Maurice Tempelsman

Belgian-American financier, an unprepossessing diamond merchant who shared an erudite love of the arts with his longtime companion, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the 35th First Lady of the United States. A deeply private, cultured international figure with a twinkle in his eyes, the charming quality of showing interest in others and a great smile, he was a haven for Jackie, giving her understanding, stability and serenity. They met in the late '50s and grew close after her second husband Ari Onassis' death in 1975.

Tempelsman left his wife in 1984 and moved nearby to Jackie, moving in with her finally in 1988. Never legally divorced, he and his wife had a "get," a Jewish orthodox declaration of separation. They remained friends and he kept his relationship intact with his kids and grandkids.

In 1940, Tempelsman left Antwerp, fleeing the Third Reich to live in Manhattan. He married Lilly in the late '40s and they had three kids; Rena, Leon and Marcy in the following decade. He joined his dad in the diamond business and in the years ahead became a major player in the world's diamond market. His dad died in 1955.

He and Jackie shared common interests and worldly experience and he helped her with her financial affairs. He was always proud of her and a devoted companion, rarely leaving her side during her last days. On 19 May 1994, Jackie died of cancer, surrounded by her beloved books and family, including Tempelsman, the man with whom she had a deep spiritual bond and a love that lasted to the end of her life.

Maurice Tempelsman died on 23 August 2025, three days before his 96th birthday.