CEO's Family Shocked To Learn Who He Left His Inheritance To

CEO's Family Shocked To Learn Who He Left His Inheritance To


November 15, 2021 | Eul Basa

CEO's Family Shocked To Learn Who He Left His Inheritance To


This might just be the ultimate act of betrayal ever. Dick Robinson Jr., the late CEO of Scholastic publishing, made headlines when he decided to leave the company and all of his personal possessions to his chief strategy officer, Iole Lucchese. While the move was certainly unexpected to his family, some of Robinson's employees say they saw it coming, stating that the 84-year-old mogul had been romantically linked to Lucchese for quite some time.

According to PEOPLE.com, a source close to Robinson and  Lucchese recalls the two being "very open" about their affair in the workplace. Lucchese, who had served as the company's chair of the board and executive vice president, was highly respected for her professional work and achievements. One former employee even praised Lucchese in the Wall Street Journal, saying that she "spoke freely and candidly" during important meetings and encouraged other women in the office to do the same.

That said, many staffers already had an inkling that she would eventually inherit the company from Robinson, given her 30-year seniority and, of course, her close relationship with Robinson. In 2018, Robinson drafted a will that would give Lucchese full control over the business, which is now worth $1.2 billion.

The Dick Robinson ScandalFlickr

Naturally, Robinson's family was completely blindsided by the move. The entire situation impacted his ex-wife the most since she had been incredibly loyal to the company for decades. Helen Benham had been with Scholastic for over 30 years (more than Lucchese) and she even served on the board at one point. She even stated that her relationship with Robinson grew close even after their divorce in 2003, so it threw her off-guard to find out that neither she nor their sons were included in his will.

"I lived and breathed Scholastic while also raising our two children. Dick told me on more than one occasion, 'You care more about Scholastic than I do.' … I was shocked and we were not expecting this," she said.

Still, her sons hope that their father's decision doesn't take away from his achievements as a parent. According to Reece, his youngest son, Robinson was a regular part of his life and he was a great father overall, despite everything that is going on.

"You might think from the will that he didn't see his sons. That's not true," Reece told the WSJ. "For the last two years, I saw him multiple times a week."

Robinson passed away on June 5, 2021, after a 46-year career with Scholastic. He leaves behind an incredible legacy that includes memorable launches such as Harry Potter and The Hunger Games.

 

 


READ MORE

Popular Grocery Items That Have Gotten So Overpriced People Stopped Buying Them

The grocery list didn’t change overnight. A skipped item here, a second thought there—and suddenly, the usuals don’t feel so automatic. That quiet pullback? It’s more common than most people realize.
July 11, 2025 Peter Kinney
Untitled Design

Important Tax Deductions For Seniors To Know About In 2025

Nobody talks about the perks of growing older. Sure, there are challenges, but some things actually get better. Tax season becomes less painful when you know what advantages come your way.
July 11, 2025 Jane O'Shea
intro

We Traced The Beginnings Of The World's Biggest Banking Families

Banking started out on dusty trade routes and bets on markets nobody else dared to touch. Let’s break down the evolution of the most notable banks in the world.
July 10, 2025 Miles Brucker

I rented out my house on Airbnb while I was travelling and came back to $10,000 in damages. Can I hold the guests accountable?

You just walked through your front door after a relaxing trip abroad, only to find your house in a state of disarray. You followed Airbnb’s guidelines, and are wondering how you can hold your guests accountable.
July 10, 2025 Penelope Singh

My dad added me as a joint owner on his bank account. Now my siblings are saying I stole his money after he passed. What do I do?

Your dad added you to his bank account—but now he’s gone, and the family is divided. Suspicion swirls, and emotions are louder than reason. You can’t rewrite the past, but you can choose how to respond to it. These steps will help you protect yourself and move forward clearly.
July 9, 2025 Peter Kinney

If you own a one-million-dollar home, this is how much it will be worth in 10 years (in each state).

Property Investment Map Your million-dollar home could appreciate anywhere from 2 to 6 percent annually through 2035. These projections, based on FHFA's current market forecasts, state economic data, and regional trends, are subject to change. However, location makes all the difference.
July 8, 2025 Peter Kinney


Disclaimer

The information on MoneyMade.com is intended to support financial literacy and should not be considered tax or legal advice. It is not meant to serve as a forecast, research report, or investment recommendation, nor should it be taken as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or adopt any particular investment strategy. All financial, tax, and legal decisions should be made with the help of a qualified professional. We do not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, or outcomes associated with the use of this content.





Dear reader,


It’s true what they say: money makes the world go round. In order to succeed in this life, you need to have a good grasp of key financial concepts. That’s where Moneymade comes in. Our mission is to provide you with the best financial advice and information to help you navigate this ever-changing world. Sometimes, generating wealth just requires common sense. Don’t max out your credit card if you can’t afford the interest payments. Don’t overspend on Christmas shopping. When ordering gifts on Amazon, make sure you factor in taxes and shipping costs. If you need a new car, consider a model that’s easy to repair instead of an expensive BMW or Mercedes. Sometimes you dream vacation to Hawaii or the Bahamas just isn’t in the budget, but there may be more affordable all-inclusive hotels if you know where to look.


Looking for a new home? Make sure you get a mortgage rate that works for you. That means understanding the difference between fixed and variable interest rates. Whether you’re looking to learn how to make money, save money, or invest your money, our well-researched and insightful content will set you on the path to financial success. Passionate about mortgage rates, real estate, investing, saving, or anything money-related? Looking to learn how to generate wealth? Improve your life today with Moneymade. If you have any feedback for the MoneyMade team, please reach out to [email protected]. Thanks for your help!


Warmest regards,

The Moneymade team