Rockefeller's brother, William A. Rockefeller, Mr. Malkin began planting new saplings in their stead.

WSJ: If a Tree Falls, Will the Lights Go Out? Maybe in Connecticut

Now, along with William Rockefeller's great-granddaughter and fellow tree conservancy member Ann Elliman, he plans to plant 1, 000 by next year.

WSJ: If a Tree Falls, Will the Lights Go Out? Maybe in Connecticut

He had Herms ties, a midtown Manhattan apartment with a doorman and skyline views, and a circle of powerful friends, among them technology entrepreneur Michael Rockefeller and real estate developer William Zeckendorf.

FORBES: Renaissance Man