Intel recently announced on its website, the passing of former CEO and Chairman, Andrew S Grove. He passed away at the age of 79 and leaves behind, his wife, two daughters and eight grandchildren.

Grove played a critical role in the decision to move Intel’s focus from memory chips to microprocessors and led the firm’s transformation into a widely recognized consumer brand. Under his leadership, Intel produced the chips, including the 386 and Pentium, that helped usher in the PC era.

Intel Chairman Andy Bryant, commented on the passing: “Andy approached corporate strategy and leadership in ways that continue to influence prominent thinkers and companies around the world. He combined the analytic approach of a scientist with an ability to engage others in honest and deep conversation, which sustained Intel’s success over a period that saw the rise of the personal computer, the Internet and Silicon Valley.”

Besides leading Intel, Grove was active in philanthropy and public advocacy for issues deeply personal to him. Diagnosed with prostate cancer, he authored a 1996 cover story in Fortune that explained his decision to undergo an unconventional, but ultimately successful treatment. He provided $26 million to the City College of New York to help establish the Grove School of Engineering, and made countless generous gifts to a wide variety of charitable causes.

Our deepest condolences goes out to Grove’s family on this difficult time. Rest In Peace.