Billionaire Status: Here Is WNY’s Most Insanely Rich Person
Buffalo and Western New York are pretty much considered working class. There are lots of people in the middle class and many people living in poverty. We definitely aren't the first place you would think of when it comes to people living in the lap of luxury like Beverly Hills in California or Central Park South in New York City. But there are a handful of billionaires who are from or are associated with WNY.
Forbes said in April of 2022 that 107 billionaires live in New York State. Five of those billionaires call Western New York and Buffalo home. Before we get to the richest WNYer, meet the other four WNYers who all are billionaires.
5. Jeffrey Gundlach - $2.2 billion
Jeffrey Gundlach was born in Amherst, New York, on October 30, 1959. He founded the investment firm DoubleLine Capital LP in 2009. While he is from WNY, he currently lives in Los Angeles, California.
4. Jeremy Jacobs Sr. & Family - $4 billion
Jeremy Jacobs was born in Buffalo on January 21, 1940. He is the owner of the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins, as well as holding the title of the chairman of Delaware North, a concessions and hospitality company. Delaware North was started by Jeremy's father Louis Jacobs and Louis' brothers Marvin and Charles in 1915. He owns homes in East Aurora, and Wellington, Florida.
3. Robert Rich Jr. - $5.2 billion
Robert Rich, Jr. was born on January 25, 1941, in Buffalo. His wealth mainly came from his stake in Rich Products. In 2006, he took over the company and became chairman. His father Robert Rich Sr., who passed away that year, started it. The company produces frozen food products such as cakes, meatballs, and pizza dough. Rich currently lives in Islamorada, Florida.
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2. Blase Thomas Golisano - $5.4 billion
On November 14, 1941, Blase Thomas Golisano was born in Rochester. In 1971, at the young age of 30, he founded Paychex. It's a payroll, benefits, and human resources company. He was also the owner of the National Hockey League's Buffalo Sabres until February of 2011 when he sold the franchise to Terry Pegula in February.
The Richest Person In Western New York Is...
1. Terrence Pegula - $6.7 billion
Terrence Pegula, also known as Terry, was born in Carbondale, Pennsylvania on March 27, 1951. Terry is the owner of Pegula Sports and Entertainment. The company owns the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and the National Football Association's Buffalo Bills. Terry's sports portfolio also includes the American Hockey League's Rochester Americans, National Women's Hockey League Buffalo Beauts, and the National Lacrosse League's Buffalo Bandits and Rochester Knighthawks.