Richard Lugner, an Austrian industrialist, passed away at the age of 91, two months after marrying his 42-year-old wife.
The entrepreneur, who was born in Vienna on October 11, 1932, is most renowned for the construction of the
Vienna Islamic Centre, the country’s first and largest mosque, and the establishment of the eponymous Lugner City, the seventh-largest retail center in Austria, in 1990.
Additionally, he captured the attention of the media by inviting celebrities including Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, Jane Fonda, Pamela Anderson, and Goldie Hawn to Vienna’s renowned Opera Ball.
Lugner, who participated in the Austrian presidential elections on two occasions, passed away on Monday, August 12, at his residence in the Austrian capital, according to Agence France-Presse.
The Lugner City retail center’s Facebook page released a tribute statement announcing the passing of Engineer
Richard Lugner, who was the adored supervisor and mortar of the organization. The statement read, “Our beloved boss has unfortunately passed away today,” as reported by PEOPLE.
The missive stated, “We are unable to articulate the extent of our anguish.” “The grief is beyond words; however, we wish to contemplate the numerous delightful and memorable moments we have shared.
” We bid farewell to the legendary Richard Lugner with a chuckle and a tear in our eye; however, his memory will endure in our hearts forever. The cause of Lugner’s demise has not yet been disclosed.
Lugner’s death occurs two months after his sixth marriage to Simone Reiländer, a 42-year-old woman. On Saturday, June 1, the couple exchanged vows at Vienna City Hall.
In April, Kurier reported that Reiländer stated that “everything she wanted in a man was like Richard,” just a few months prior to their nuptials.
“A successful man who represents something, who you can cling to, look up to, and learn from,” she said enthusiastically. “Men like that are very rare at a younger age these days.”
After the couple exchanged vows, Lugner expressed to the publication, “The wedding was a fantastically beautiful event. The registrar’s speech was beautiful, the celebration was beautiful, and the bride is beautiful.”
In an Instagram post on Monday (August 12), Lugner’s widow referred to her late spouse, who was nearly 50 years older than her, as “the dream of her life” while displaying a painting of him.
She lovingly wrote, “And when I saw you radiate from my presence, I knew that I was yours as well,” and added, “In love.”
The Sun reported on June 21 that the late industrialist was hospitalized after his sixth wedding due to back discomfort. He attributed the injury to his exercise cycle at the time.
He was transported to the Vienna General Hospital on July 12 due to a ruptured cardiac valve, as his health continued to deteriorate.
Lugner disclosed that his funeral arrangements had been finalized and that his tombstone had been ordered subsequent to his health crisis.
“I desired to have everything in order.” According to Page Six, he stated, “My heirs should be prepared to make decisions.”
He stated that his wife, who is 42 years old, had assumed responsibility for his business operations. “The pants are currently being worn by my wife.
” She should provide me with active support. He stated that he would now divide my duties with her, referring to her as the “sole boss” of his domain.
Lugner was previously married to Christine Gmeiner (1961-1978), Cornelia Laufersweiler (1979-1983),
Susanne Dietrich (1984-1989), Christina Lugner (1990-2007), and Playboy model and actress Cathy Schmitz (2014-2016).
The industrialist, who most recently accompanied Priscilla Presley to the Opera Ball in February, is survived by four children:
Alexander and Andreas Lugner, from his first marriage, Nadine Jeannine Cutter, from his relationship with actress Sonja Jeannine, and Jacqueline Lugner, from his fourth marriage.
