Steve Jobs passed away Wednesday, less than two months after resigning as CEO of Apple. His family confirmed his death in a statement saying he “died peacefully today surrounded by his family.” Jobs, who co-founded Apple with Steve Wozniak and others in 1976, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2004 and battled the disease ever since. He was 56.
“In his public life, Steve was known as a visionary; in his private life, he cherished his family. We are thankful to the many people who have shared their wishes and prayers during the last year of Steve's illness,” the Jobs family said in a statement.
Apple also released a statement. "Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple,” the company said.
Jobs announced his resignation from Apple on August 24. “I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come,” he wrote in a letter to Apple’s Board of Directors and employees. “I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.”
Jobs is survived by his wife and four children.
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