From US Marine to business tycoon: who was Millwall owner John Berylson and how did he make his wealth?

The football was rocked by the news of John Berylson's sudden death as PeopleWorld looks closer at who he was
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The owner and chairman of London-based football club Millwall has died following a 'tragic accident'. The club made the announcement on July 4 of John Berylson's death but further details on his tragic death have not been released.

The American businessman, who died aged 70, first got involved with Millwall in 2006 and in 2007, he became the majority shareholder of the club after he led a consortium that invested in the team while it was in League One.

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A statement from the Championship club read: "He was a person of such remarkable generosity, warmth, and kindness.

"He lived a storied life, one full of colour and joy, and was infinitely thoughtful of others with an endless desire to share his immense knowledge and experiences to help people."

As coverage around Mr Berylson's death continues, PeopleWorld looks into how he made his wealth and his background.

Who was John Berylson and how was he able to afford Millwall?

John Berylson, a Harvard graduate and former US Marine, is said to have pumped at least £100 million into the club during his time in charge.

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Most of that wealth is thought to have come from his telecommunications and financial services business 'Chestnut Hill Ventures'. The private equity firm considers investments in the following areas: consumer products, business services, financial services, media and entertainment, and telecommunications.

An article in The Telegraph highlights how Berylson has knowledge of how the Queen had 20 death threats while refinancing banks in Rhode Island. It also mentions how Berylson previously had an interest in buying Liverpool FC and Leeds United.

Supporters can write in a book of condolences at the club's The Den stadium on Wednesday from 11:00 BST, or online.

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