Apple director Jerome York passes away

York, the chairman, president and CEO of Harwinton Capital, joined Apple’s Board of Directors in 1997. He was the former CFO of IBM and Chrysler, and former vice chairman of Tracinda. He is widely acknowledged for his contributions at both companies during their turnarounds.

“Jerry joined Apple’s Board in 1997 when most doubted the company’s future. He has been a pillar of financial and business expertise and insight on our Board for over a dozen years,” said Apple chief executive Steve Jobs. “It’s been a privilege to know and work with Jerry, and I’m going to miss him a lot.”

York was born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1938. He graduated from the United States Military Academy, and received an MS from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an MBA from the University of Michigan. Trained as an engineer, York worked his way up through Chrysler to become CFO.

According to his wife Eilene, York collapsed at his Rochester, Michigan home Tuesday night and was transferred to Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital by emergency services.

Doctors attending to the 71-year old Michigan-native said he suffered a massive cerebral hemorrhage.

"With deep sadness we announce the loss of a member of our corporate family and dear friend, Jerry York," Apple says in a tribute posted to its home page. "Jerry courageously joined Apple's Board of Directors in 1997, when many doubted the company's future, and contributed his extraordinary character, business expertise, and leadership to help guide Apple for over a decade. Jerry was one of kind — and we're going to miss him dearly."