Donald Blinken, a financier, patron of the arts and Democratic party donor who became an ambassador to Hungary, helping to inspire the career in politics and diplomacy of his son, Antony, the current U.S. Secretary of State, died on Sept. 22 at his home in East Hampton. He was 96.

Donald Blinken was appointed ambassador to Hungary by President Bill Clinton in 1994. It was not long after the fall of the Soviet Union, and Mr. Blinken promoted democracy, integration with the West, and the construction of a market economy.

Before Mr. Blinken became ambassador, his government postings included membership in a judicial nominating panel named by President Jimmy Carter, and appointments to the State University of New York’s Board of Governors by Gov. Hugh L. Carey and Gov. Mario M. Cuomo.