Charles Dolan, founder of Cablevision and News 12, has passed away at the age of 98.

Charles Dolan is considered to be a visionary and pioneer of the cable television world. He created HBO, Cablevision, Optimum, AMC, The Sports Channel, and in the mid-1980s launched News 12, the country's first 24-hour local news channel, which now has stations all across the tri-state region.

The 98-year-old and his companies also had a major economic impact. At its peak, Cablevision was the largest employer on Long Island. Dolan started small and built a billion-dollar media conglomerate.

"And eventually it became a company where everybody worked there or knew somebody who worked there,” said Carol Silva, former News 12 anchor.

Silva first met Dolan when she went to work for him in 1983.

In addition to being successful in business, Silva says Dolan was caring and generous and donated to the arts and health causes. Dolan started the Lustgarten Foundation for pancreatic cancer research.

"What you're doing is merciful and compassionate, and I congratulate every single one of you,” Dolan said at a previous Lustgarten Foundation event.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman also issued a statement, calling Dolan a proud Nassau resident who will be missed dearly.

In addition to television, Dolan expanded the family empire to include Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, and Radio City Music Hall.

Silva says Dolan will be remembered for changing the lives of people across the country.

"Everyone knows about Chuck Dolan. How successful he was, how brilliant he was. He was also so generous, and kind, and humble,” Silva said.

A spokesperson for the family says Dolan died of natural causes and was surrounded by loved ones.

AlticeUSA is now the parent company of Optimum and News 12. CEO Dennis Mathew released a statement on Sunday saying, "The Optimum community will forever honor the legacy and profound impact he had on our organization and industry.