George Joseph Maloof Sr. (April 11, 1923 – November 29, 1980) was an American heir and businessman of Lebanese descent.

Biography

Early life

George Joseph Maloof Sr. was born on April 11, 1923, in Las Vegas, New Mexico. His father, Joseph Maloof (1903–1957), an immigrant from Lebanon, was a Coors beer distributor in New Mexico.

Career

Taking over after his father suffered a heart attack in 1944, Maloof expanded the family's business into hotels, trucking and banking. He later became the owner of the Houston Rockets.

Personal life

He married Colleen Maloof. They had five children:

Death

He died on November 29, 1980, at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico. After his death, his sisters sued to force a liquidation of the family's holdings. Business Week estimated the family's net worth in 2000 to be more than $1 billion.