William Alfred Newsom III, the father of California Governor Gavin Newsom, was a respected American state appeals court judge, administrator of the Getty family trust, and legal advisor. At the time of his death in 2018, his estimated net worth was around $5 million. Throughout his career, Newsom demonstrated a remarkable versatility, excelling in various fields, most notably law. His wealth was largely accumulated through his career as a judge and legal consultant, as well as through his involvement with the Getty family.
William Newsom’s Net Worth at Death
At the time of his passing in December 2018, William Newsom’s net worth was estimated at $5 million. His wealth was built over several decades, primarily through his role as a judge and his involvement in legal matters related to the Getty family. Newsom’s career spanned multiple roles, including tax attorney, legal advisor, and judge. His service on the bench and his association with prominent business ventures contributed significantly to his financial standing.
Career Highlights and Accomplishments
Newsom’s career included a variety of roles that placed him in the legal, business, and political spheres. Early on, he worked as a legal adviser for Getty Oil’s Italian division before becoming a tax attorney for the Getty family. In this capacity, he was involved in a high-profile case where he helped deliver the ransom money for the release of John Paul Getty III.
His legal career took off when Governor Jerry Brown appointed him to the Superior Court bench in 1975, a position he held until he was elevated to the state Court of Appeal in San Francisco. His work as a judge earned him respect, and he presided over several high-profile cases, such as decisions related to HIV patient privacy, player injury liability for the San Francisco 49ers, and the hiring policies of the prestigious Bohemian Club. Notably, Newsom was part of the panel of judges who decided that the perpetrators of the 1976 Chowchilla kidnapping could be eligible for parole.
Other Ventures
In addition to his legal work, Newsom was involved in a variety of business ventures, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s. He was affiliated with Trans-International Computer Investment Corporation (TCI), a company that handled classified government contracts, where he held a National Security Clearance. However, TCI declared bankruptcy in 1971 after a massive stock fraud scandal involving several high-profile figures, including some members of Governor Ronald Reagan’s Kitchen Cabinet.
During his career, Newsom also worked on importing wine from Argentina, a business endeavor that his son, Gavin Newsom, would later pursue in his own right.
Personal Life
Marriage and Family
William Newsom married Tessa Menzies in 1967. The couple had two children, including Gavin Newsom, who would go on to become the 40th Governor of California. William and Tessa divorced in 1972 after five years of marriage. Tessa Menzies was known for her work as a businesswoman, knitter, and as the mother of Gavin Newsom. She passed away in 2002 at the age of 55 after a battle with breast cancer.
Parents and Early Life
William Newsom was born in San Francisco, California, to Christine Anne and William A. Newsom II. His family had strong political ties, with his father running Pat Brown’s campaign for District Attorney of San Francisco. Newsom’s sister, Barbara, was married to Ron Pelosi, the brother-in-law of Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi. Newsom himself was a close friend of Gordon Getty, the son of oil tycoon J. Paul Getty.
He attended the University of San Francisco before going on to study at Stanford Law School, where he earned his law degree. He was admitted to the California Bar in 1962, marking the beginning of his long and successful legal career.
William Newsom’s Cause of Death
William Newsom passed away on December 12, 2018, at the age of 84 from complications related to ulcerative colitis. His death occurred just weeks before his son, Gavin, was set to take office as Governor of California, marking the end of a notable life that spanned both legal and business circles.
William Newsom led a distinguished life, with an extensive career as a judge and legal adviser, which contributed to his $5 million net worth at the time of his death. His legacy lives on through his son, Gavin Newsom, and his influence in both the legal and political spheres. Despite the controversies surrounding some of his business ventures, William Newsom’s impact on California’s legal and political landscape remains significant.