WASHINGTON (JTA) — Irving Kristol, a political writer and forebear of neoconservatism, has died.
Kristol, dubbed the "godfather of neoconservatism" for his writings rejecting communism, liberalism and counterculture, died last Friday of complications from lung cancer. He was 89.
Kristol’s son, William, is a neoconservative commentator and the founder and editor of The Weekly Standard. Irving Kristol was married to Gertrude Himmelfarb, a critic and historian.
”His wisdom, wit, good humor and generosity of spirit made him a friend and mentor to several generations of thinkers and public servants,” said the editors of The Weekly Standard in an announcement on its Web site.
Irving Kristol was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., the son of Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe.
In 2002, he received the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Medal of Freedom, from President George W. Bush.
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