Property Manager leaves $14million to her dog

Published: 18 November 2007.

By AP for The Sydney Morning Herald

Leona Helmsley's dog will continue to live an opulent life, and then be buried alongside her in a mausoleum. But two of Helmsley's grandchildren got nothing from the late luxury hotelier and real estate billionaire's estate.

Helmsley left her beloved white Maltese, named Trouble, a $US12 million ($A14.77 million) trust fund, according to her will, which was made public on Wednesday in court.

She also left millions for her brother, Alvin Rosenthal, who was named to care for Trouble in her absence, as well as two of four grandchildren from her late son Jay Panzirer - so long as they visit their father's grave site once each calendar year.

Otherwise, she wrote, neither would get a penny of the $US5 million ($A6.15 million) she left for each.

Helmsley left nothing to two of Jay Panzirer's other children - Craig and Meegan Panzirer - for "reasons that are known to them", she wrote.

But no one made out better than Trouble, who once appeared in ads for the Helmsley Hotels, and lived up to her name by biting a housekeeper.

"I direct that when my dog, Trouble, dies, her remains shall be buried next to my remains in the Helmsley mausoleum," Helmsley wrote in her will.

The mausoleum, she ordered, must be "washed or steam-cleaned at least once a year." She left behind $US3 million ($A3.69 million) for the upkeep of her final resting place in Westchester County, where she is buried with her husband, Harry Helmsley.

She also left her chauffeur, Nicholas Celea, $US100,000 ($A123,100).

She ordered that cash from sales of the Helmsley's residences and belongings, reported to be worth billions, be sold and that the money be given to the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.

Her longtime spokesman, Howard Rubenstein, had no comment.

Helmsley died earlier this month at her Connecticut home. She became known as a symbol of 1980s greed and earned the nickname "the Queen of Mean" after her 1988 indictment and subsequent conviction for tax evasion. One employee had quoted her as snarling, "Only the little people pay taxes".

Reply from: yo bubba

8:34am Thursday, 25 October 2007

what a tight fisted old battle axe she must have been.

Reply from: Peter Nissen

1:44pm Sunday, 18 November 2007

One may well have earned the name "The Queen Of Mean".......but for Leona and Harry, they not only rode the stairway to heaven, but trod right through the mire getting there.

Power to them both, a mighty effort for somebody who came from the wrong side of the tracks.

Pity there were not more people who deserve to be where they are for their sheer hard work, determination, and the willingness to go the "extra mile".

Its easy to knock Leona and Harry, but I dare say getting where they did in business was a better longer term work effect then your average 9 to 5 person.

Great work Leona, you will not only be missed but I am sure saluted for your efforts.

Few could or would match you and Harry today.

RIP.....your the Queen .........you may not have been the "Only Queen To stand Guard in The Palace"........there are still a few around in Paradise.!

Reply from: Nick

18 November 2007

I totally agree Peter. Like them or love them, you can't deny them the respect of earning every penny. It isn't easy getting filthy rich. Probably not a bad thing either, imagine the inflation rate if it was? Besides, anyone who loves their dog that much can't be all mean, right?

Reply from: Peter Nissen

8:27pm Sunday, 18 November 2007

thanks Nick, how kind to even receive a reply, your right, even earning a $ these days let alone in those days, dealing with the tripe, and general public, not to mention dealing in New York, no doubt quite similar to Surfers Paradise, its not easy, take it from an old time veteran like I am, its tough, tough,tough.all the way to the bank.......and half way round the table.......I been there..both sides.still going strong, but the steam only runs out towards the end.....Leona.had enough puff to go on forever.......