Image copyright Reuters Image caption Abe Schumer took control of the firm after his son stepped down from the chairmanship in 2013
Chuck Schumer’s father has died at the age of 98, the New York Democrat has announced.
Abe Schumer served as chairman of his company, ALBA Holdings, from 2003 to 2013 when his son succeeded him as Senate minority leader.
He later served as the state chairman of Barack Obama’s 2008 and 2012 presidential campaigns, and again for Hillary Clinton.
Abe was recognised for his role in establishing “green” communities in Puerto Rico and California.
When presented with the United Nations’ prestigious Green Belt Award in 2009, Abe called his achievements “a miracle”.
Alba Holdings is involved in green energy, biofuels, telecommunications and real estate.
Image copyright Alba Holdings Image caption Senator Schumer’s father helped develop environmentally friendly communities
Abe has been a member of the US House of Representatives since 1970, when he won the first of his two terms as a representative for New York’s ninth district.
In the Senate, Abe’s influence has been felt in his support for the Fair Housing Act, his work on education reform, the development of clean energy initiatives and open space acquisitions.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra, and sons Joseph and Robert.
He died on Saturday at the family’s home in Westchester County, New York.