Several dozen participants of a secretive group thought to rule the world gathered in suburban Virginia last week, talked for three days and then departed.

David Rockefeller, the only surviving son of John D. Rockefeller Jr., has raised his family to carry on the Rockefeller tradition of involvement in the arts and philanthropy.

Brooke Astor’s son, Anthony D. Marshall, was indicted today on charges of pilfering money from his mother’s estate, valued at nearly $200 million.

Although the church wasn’t as full as many would have predicted, New York bluebloods turned out in force Friday to remember the late Brooke Astor, the 105-year-old widow of Vincent Astor.

Pallbearers were members of the U.S. Marine Corps. The ushers and the speakers held the positions of honor at the funeral, which took place at St. Thomas Church, at Fifth Avenue and 53rd Street.

Ushers included New York Public Library president Paul LeClerk and TV talk show host Charlie Rose.

The family name has stood money and power since John D. Rockefeller built one of America’s great fortunes with Standard Oil Co. Subsequent generations have continued to hold sway in politics, finance and philanthropy.