A BILLIONAIRE philanthropist who helped save the Cutty Sark has died, weeks before a £35m museum building in his name was due to open.

Sammy Ofer, 89, died at his Tel Aviv home on June 3 following a serious illness.

Mr Ofer, an Israeli shipping magnate who served in the Royal Navy, contributed £3.3m to plug a funding gap in the Cutty Sark’s restoration following its devastating 2007 fire.

And he donated £20m towards the National Maritime Museum’s new Sammy Ofer Wing, set to open this month and featuring a special exhibitions gallery and state-of-the-art library.

Greenwich Conservatives’ spokesman on heritage issues Councillor Nigel Fletcher said: “I think Greenwich owes him debt of gratitude. The new wing at the museum will be a lasting memorial to what he has done for the borough.

“I think also that his stepping in to help save the Cutty Sark is something which we should be very grateful for.

“When he gave the money to the project it was having real financial problems. We shouldn’t forget that he has done a lot for that as well.”

Cutty Sark Trust chief executive Richard Doughty said: “We’ve known for a long time that he’s been seriously ill but we’re all hugely distressed that he’s not actually going to be able to come back in person and see what he’s helped us achieve.

“We’re saddened by his death and wish to offer our condolences to his family and friends.”

He added: “The great thing is both in the wonderful new extension to the National Maritime Museum and the Cutty Sark, there will be fitting memorials to a man who has given so much to the maritime world.”

Leader of Greenwich Council Councillor Chris Roberts said: “His commitment and support to the Maritime Heritage of Greenwich is almost unsurpassed.

“The National Maritime Museum expansion simply could not have taken place without his generous support and the iconic interpretation of the Cutty Sark would also not have been possible without him.”

The Queen awarded Mr Ofer an honorary knighthood in 2008 for his contribution to British maritime heritage.

He is survived by wife Aviva, sons Eyal and Idan and eight grandchildren.