India, June 22 -- Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan, once celebrated as a maestro for steering a thriving economy, later faced criticism for his role in the housing collapse and financial crisis that followed his departure from office. He has passed away, as confirmed by his wife, Andrea Mitchell. He was 100 years old.

Greenspan held the position of Fed chairman for five terms under four different presidents, beginning with Ronald Reagan, who appointed him in 1987. His tenure under George W. Bush concluded in 2006. His eighteen-and-a-half years in this role is the second longest in the history of the nation's central bank.

The announcement of his death was made in a statement by Mitchell, a correspondent for NBC News and hi...