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Steven Florio Obituary
Florio died Thursday at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia of complications from an earlier heart attack, said Maurie Perl, a spokeswoman for Conde Nast Publications.
Florio was president and chief executive of Conde Nast through 2004, expanding it to the second-biggest magazine publisher in the country while many others were cutting staff and costs.
He managed 16 magazines aimed at well-to-do readers, selling advertising that appealed to their luxury tastes and reaching more than 70 million readers a month.
"I was, after all, Steve Florio, the Godfather, the Samurai, the leader, the warrior," Florio wrote in a 2005 proposal for an autobiography that he decided not to publish.
Under him, Conde Nast included Vogue, Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, as well as Glamour, Architectural Digest, Self, GQ, Gourmet, Bon Appetit, Conde Nast Traveler, Allure, Wired, Lucky and Teen Vogue.
New Yorker editor David Remnick said Florio was "remarkably effective" in using his big, warm personality to achieve his goals. "Steve was the antithesis of a business school-minted android," Remnick said.
Born in the New York borough of Queens, Florio graduated from New York University with a business degree in 1971.
"I was not short on nerve or ego, and I carried a heavy chip on my shoulder," he wrote in the book proposal. "They'll bury me with it, too. I was there to get the job done."
He started his career at Esquire, then became publisher of GQ. Florio was named president of The New Yorker in 1985, when the magazine was purchased by Advance Publications, the Conde Nast parent company owned by the Newhouse family.
S. I. Newhouse Jr., the chairman, issued a statement saying: "Steve was a great executive and a great leader. I'm very glad we had many years together."
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
27 Entries
Joseph Andaloro Sr.
May 6, 2023
Steve T Florio; After the Tragic events during and after 9/11 With our youngest child directly affected as so many sensitive and innocent; we decided to move our family and Production Company Headquarters to the West Coast & South West U.S. thus sadly losing touch with so many good friends and associations of friendships through business etc; such was with Steve and those great alliances built with Condé Nast; Thanks to Steve. I couldn't thank him enough for his support and also his direct involvement with his Appearance executing a wonderful Family Recipe on an episode of our Award Winning PBS Series Dish IT Up Italian Style as well as its Spinoff Programs shot in Italy.
Steve's dedication to preserving the Italian American Culture via its Manificent and Incomparable Cuisine; made a dynamic and flavourful impression through the outstanding Culinary Magazines put forth from Condé Naste and the unprecedented efforts of Steven T. Florida.
I was sad to learn of the loss of a business kinship that developed into a warm and valued friendship.
My warm but Belated and sorrowful expression to Steve's family and close friends... he is and will always fondly be missed yet forever remembered in our hearts. God Bless to Steve's Legacy of Love and Respect. He was a Fine example of Doing things the RIGHT WAY!
Victoria Balsamo- Reinhard
January 5, 2008
To: Marianne and family
I hadn't seen Steve in many, many, years but the friendship we shared in our teenage years will always hold a special place in my heart. I can not begin to imagine the loss you feel right now. Steve was nothing if not vital. May God comfort you all in this very sad time of loss. I am so sorry....
Kenneth Fadner
January 4, 2008
Steve-
I'm shocked you are gone. The world will miss you. I've got some great memories of our time at Esquire. You were a beacon of hope then and always. Mariann, Pam and I send our great regrets.
Ken Fadner
Denise-Denison Erkeneff
January 3, 2008
Steve, You were a great friend and inspiration to me when I launched a publication in the down years. Well, we have been friends and stayed good friends for over 20 years and I was heartbroken for your family when my family heard of this during the holiday season. I am grateful you were able to see the weddings of your daughter and son, and know that this brought you great joy when you were struggling with your health. I wish your family reads this message and knows how very much you loved them, even during those times when you were on the "treadmill" and it may have seemed you didn't notice, but you did. You payed great attention to everything and people who mattered and that will be missed greatly... You were one of my best buddies, I will always love you dearly am thankful for your friendship and support and our Erkeneff family will think of you and yours and wish them to cherish the great times they enjoyed with such a great father, mentor and character - Love your friend and buddy always, DD and Rick, Lulu and Emma
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Denise-Denison Erkeneff
January 3, 2008
Steve, You were a great friend and inspiration to me when I launched a publication in the down years. Well, we have been friends and stayed good friends for over 20 years and I was heartbroken for your family when my family heard of this during the holiday season. I am grateful you were able to see the weddings of your daughter and son, and know that this brought you great joy when you were struggling with your health. I wish your family reads this message and knows how very much you loved them, even during those times when you were on the "treadmill" and it may have seemed you didn't notice, but you did. You payed great attention to everything and people who mattered and that will be missed greatly... You were one of my best buddies, I will always love you dearly am thankful for your friendship and support and our Erkeneff family will think of you and yours - Love your friend and buddy always, DD and Rick, Lulu and Emma
Denise-Denison Erkeneff
January 3, 2008
Steve, You were a great friend and inspiration to me when I launched a publication in the down years. Well, we have been friends and stayed good friends for over 20 years and I was heartbroken for your family when my family heard of this during the holiday season. I am grateful you were able to see the weddings of your daughter and son, and know that this brought you great joy when you were struggling with your health. I wish your family reads this message and knows how very much you loved them, even during those times when you were on the "treadmill" and it may have seemed you didn't notice, but you did. You payed great attention to everything and people who mattered and that will be missed greatly... You were one of my best buddies, I will always love you dearly am thankful for your friendship and support and our Erkeneff family will think of you and yours so and Rick, Lulu and Emma
Denise-Denison Erkeneff
January 3, 2008
Steve, You were a great friend and inspiration to me when I launched a publication in the down years. Well, we have been friends and stayed good friends for over 20 years and I was heartbroken for your family when my family heard of this during the holiday season. I am grateful you were able to see the weddings of your daughter and son, and know that this brought you great joy. I wish your family knows how much you loved them, even during those times you seemed too busy to notice, you really did and payed great attention... You were one of my best buddies and I will always love you dearly and think of you so fondly always, Love, your buddy DD and Rick Lulu and Emma
Carol Ann (Florio) Franciosi
January 3, 2008
It's been many years since I've seen you my dear cousin, but I'll always be your biggest fan. I've been reading about you for many years, and I'm so proud of you! Find peace in heaven, and may God bless your family, and help them deal with their great loss. I love you, and miss you very much!
Kathleen Caught
December 30, 2007
With our hearts open and finding the bread crumbs that Steve has left for us to follow. Following our passion and seeking higher ground, however we interpret that will place our minds in a Creative and Loving place. Thank you Steven for opening the doors for us to see. With profound peace extended to Mariann, Steven and Kelly.
geraldine velasquez
December 30, 2007
A Great man; gone too soon.
Sheila Smith
December 30, 2007
Rest in Peace Steven.
Nancy Ramsteck-Williams
December 30, 2007
What a loss for so many who were touched by Steve in their lives.
I knew Steve from Wantagh High School, where many happy memories were made with so many of his friends. Steve, you will always be remembered with loving thoughts.
My prayers are extended to his family, his wife, Mariann, and their two children.
You danced through life, and God has a special place waiting for you, Steve.
Grace Cotter Regan
December 30, 2007
Mariann, Steven and Kel,
I think Florio and I think Holy Cross. I have wonderful memories of our HC time together with Fr. Reedy. Steve was a great champion for HC and I feel honored to have been a part of the HC Florio history. I just had an e-mail from Tom Ryan this afternoon. I can't get to the City tomorrow, but please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Your dad was so proud of you! Mariann, I just sent you a card last week. Will be in touch.
Cyber hug to all,
Grace
Grace Cotter Regan
Daniel M. Zangara
December 30, 2007
Another great Italian-American has left his mark on the world! Sorry you had to leave so soon. Enjoy the greatness of heaven, and rest in peace+
Jane Hilligas
December 29, 2007
We met early in our publishing careers. Through the years, running into each other at various functions and street corners. Sweet, funny... a gentleman. My heart breaks for his family.
Jackie Clark
December 29, 2007
I did not know Mr. Florio, but I felt compelled to express my condolenses for your lost. God promises that one day soon he will wipe every tear from our eyes..death, sickness, or pain will be gone. This is the New Heaven & Earth that will be ruled by Jesus in perfect rightousness. ( Rev.21:1-4, Dan. 2:44)
Robert Schienberg
December 29, 2007
The greatest mentor and good friend.
Larry Oliver
December 29, 2007
I did business with Steve in the early 1980's and have fond memories of how much fun he was to be around. A true professional who made it to the top of his game but never forgot where he came from.
Manhattan Limousine
December 29, 2007
We have missed you..abd will continue to miss you...
ray interlandi
December 29, 2007
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
Marylou Ponzi Kay
December 29, 2007
My sympathies to Mariann and her children.
Marylou Ponzi Kay
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
December 29, 2007
My heartfelt sympathy to the Florio family in the loss of Steven.
December 28, 2007
Many condolences to the family of Mr. Florio. Many times when we lose those we care for, we weep with tears of great sorrow, but it is comforting to know that one day things like these will be in the past.-Matthew 6:9,10
D.L. ZIMMERMAN
December 28, 2007
REST IN PEACE, STEVEN T. FLORIO
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