PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Larry Weinberg, one of the founders and original owners of the Portland Trail Blazers, has died at the age of 92.

Weinberg’s death was announced Wednesday by the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee.

KATU reports that Weinberg was one of three partners who got the franchise started as an NBA expansion team in 1970 to the tune of $3.7 million.

Weinberg, a veteran of World War II, real estate developer, and a pro-Israel activist, sold the team to the late Paul Allen in 1988 for $70 million. In a tweet the Trail Blazers said the team “was saddened to hear of the passing of our original owner.”

Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden said via Twitter that Winberg was “a true mensch…and like many, I will mourn his passing.”