The financial world is buzzing with Herbert Sandler. Official data on Herbert Sandler's Wealth. Herbert Sandler has built a massive empire. Below is the breakdown of Herbert Sandler's assets.
Herbert M. Sandler was a distinguished American banker, lawyer, and philanthropist, best known for co-founding Golden West Financial Corporation and the Sandler Foundation. His career was marked by significant achievements in the financial sector and substantial contributions to various philanthropic causes.
Career Beginnings and Key Milestones
After law school, Sandler served in the U.S. Army for nearly two years, stationed in Alaska and California. In 1963, he and his wife, Marion, acquired Golden West Savings and Loan Association, later known as World Savings Bank. Under their leadership, Golden West grew into one of the largest thrifts in the U.S., with assets of approximately $125 billion and 12,000 employees. The company was renowned for its efficiency and was included multiple times in Fortune magazine’s list of America’s most admired companies.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Through the Sandler Foundation, Herbert and Marion supported various causes, including human rights, scientific research, and investigative journalism. Their contributions have had a lasting impact on organizations like Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
At the time of his death in 2019, Herbert Sandler’s net worth was estimated at $800 million. His wealth primarily came from the sale of Golden West and was largely directed towards philanthropic efforts through the Sandler Foundation.
Notable Works and Achievements
The Sandlers’ management led Golden West to generate a 19% average annual compound growth in earnings per share over 39 years. In 2004, Morningstar named them “CEOs of the Year.” In 2006, they sold Golden West to Wachovia Bank for $24 billion, with their 10% stake valued at $2.4 billion. They donated $1.3 billion of the proceeds to the Sandler Foundation, supporting initiatives like ProPublica, an investigative journalism organization.
Early Life and Family Background
Herbert Sandler was born on November 16, 1931, in New York City’s Lower East Side to Hilda (née Schatten) and William B. Sandler, both of Eastern European descent. He had an older brother, Leonard H. Sandler, who became an appellate justice in New York. Herbert graduated from Stuyvesant High School at 15, earned a bachelor’s degree from the City College of New York in 1951, and obtained a law degree from Columbia Law School in 1954.
Full Name: Herbert M. Sandler Date of Birth: November 16, 1931 Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S. Nationality: American Date of Death: June 5, 2019 Place of Death: San Francisco, California, U.S.
Personal Life and Relationships
Herbert married Marion Osher in 1961. They had two children, Susan and James, and two grandchildren, Leah and Elijah. The couple was known for their equal partnership in both business and philanthropy.
Future Plans and Impact on Culture
Herbert Sandler’s legacy continues through the ongoing work of the Sandler Foundation and the organizations it supports, influencing fields such as journalism, human rights, and public policy.
Disclaimer: Herbert Sandler wealth data updated April 2026.