Add a Memory
Make a Donation
John Randolph Hearst Jr.
John Randolph Hearst Jr.
Obituary
Guest Book
John Hearst Obituary
Hearst died Friday in New York City, the Hearst Corp. said in a statement on its website. The cause of death was not disclosed.
John R. "Bunky" Hearst spent most of his career at the company his grandfather founded. Besides serving on the board, he was a trustee of The Hearst Family Trust and a director of the Hearst Foundations.
"John was always very devoted to the company founded by his grandfather," said Frank A. Bennack Jr., CEO of Hearst Corp. "Those of us who served with him on the various Hearst Boards remember his great wit and interest in everything the company and Foundations were doing. Bunky will be greatly missed."
He also worked for Hearst publications, including as a news photographer for the New York Daily Mirror in the 1950s and as an editor for Moto r Boating & Sailing magazine.
He suffered a debilitating stroke in 1989, but several months later, he married 50-year-old Barbara Hearst. The marriage lasted until 2004, when Barbara Hearst filed for divorce, accusing him of constructive abandonment and cruel and inhumane treatment.
In 2007, in the midst of legal proceedings, Barbara Hearst asked a state Supreme Court judge to increase her monthly support from $26,000 to $90,000.
But the judge instead reduced it to $20,000, suggesting Bunky Hearst's wife had looted his estate by going on a spending spree with her husband's money and investment accounts. The judge also recounted how, according to court papers, Hearst's wife entered his bedroom with two process servers and told him, "We can do it ugly, or we can do it nice. ... Remember one thing, I'm much smarter than you are."
The New York Post put it on a list of the city's nastiest divorces.
Bunky Hearst was born in New York City on Dec. 8, 1933, to John Randolph Hearst and Gretchen Wilson. He spent his youth at Hearst Castle in San Simeon, Calif. He said his nickname came from a character in one of his grandfather's newspapers, the New York Journal-American. He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Hearst Hagerman, and three grandchildren.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
31 Entries
Helen Downey
December 10, 2023
We spent many fun times together with his childhood friend & my husband Sean Morton Downey Jr Time passes so quickly & all we have are our great memories
Mine with Bunker were always Special we were so young
May God are for you in . Heaven Bunky Warm Love & Prayers
Marina Van
June 18, 2019
I miss you Bunky. Marina
November 9, 2018
I've known Bunky since I was a child. He was best buddies with my Uncle, Jack Haley Jr. I have wonderful memories with Bunky. He was hysterical and a wonderful man. RIP Big Boy. Love, BARRY BREGMAN
Charlene Goggin
February 6, 2012
How I wish I had visited you one last time so that you could meet my husband and children. I'll always remember your wit and optimism...we never did get to go tuna fishing on the Millicent but I know you're catching all the fish you can dream of now. It has been a privilege....Fondly, Charlene (Hannon) Goggin, PT
How you can show support
Tamara Carousos
November 30, 2011
Rest in peace Mr. Hearst...your family was very generous and you will be missed!
Leslie Howard Gargan
November 27, 2011
Bunky,I have a picture of the "group," taken years ago, mounted in my den. On the lawn of Mimi Hutson's house on N. Alpine Dr., BH. You and I are squatting on our haunches, next to each other. Standing in the b.g. is Mimi, Judy Lewis & Jack Haley, Jr. I'm the sole survivor; but without you and the rest it's a bleak world. You left us in style, main sail & spinnaker puffed out as the wind carried you to the horizon and beyond.
November 10, 2011
I wish you good sailing, Bunky Baby.
Have a wonderful trip.
Gigi
November 10, 2011
We'll miss you, 'Spunky Bunky'!
Always jovial & optomistic - you were always a pleasure!
A Great man loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him - Will be much missed!
Dorcie L. Lacy
November 9, 2011
I worked for Hearst at the Buena Park office ...had to have an armed guard on duty .... Sorry that so many in this family have had to go through great hardships ... Their family will live on forever ....
D. Lacy (Mitchell, Fleming)
Helen Downey
November 9, 2011
"Bunky"What fun.we all had Sean is waiting for you to continue never forget the. Vangie days + the trip home to Rye Great Memories my darling friend God. Bless !
November 9, 2011
Our prayers and thoughts are with the Hearst Family. Just visited the Hearst Castle this past summer! May God bring peace and comfort to the family! Carol Swaney and Family.Kelseyville, Calif
November 9, 2011
My condolences to the family, I was born and raised in California and have been to the Heast Castle several times and loved it, it has always fasinated me, would love to have free run of the place just to look, my senior paper was on William Randolph Heast, so I've been a follower for many years. God Bless.
Vivian Rowe
Bakersfield, CA
James Millsaps
November 9, 2011
My condolences to the Hearst family on the recent loss of one of their beloved. May God give you his comfort and peace during this most difficult time. RIP, Mr. John Hearst, Jr.
julie mcconnell
November 8, 2011
bunky sweetie, save a seat for me. Just saying your name makes me smile.
julie mcconnell
Agnes Smith
November 8, 2011
To the family of John Hearst. My condolences.
Andrew Borg-Agius
November 8, 2011
Rest In Peace
Larry Boyd
November 8, 2011
Thank you Mr. Hearst and family for donating the "Hearst Castle" at San Simeon to the State of California to be a park open to the public. Beloved wife and I got to visit there last year. It was a highlight of our travels. We hope to return someday. May God bless the Hearst family at this time and always.
Victoria&Andrew VZJ
November 7, 2011
GodBless you
In memory of
JohnRandolph Hearst Jr.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mary Patterson
November 7, 2011
Rest in peace,Mr.Hearst Jr.
Karen Caldwell
November 7, 2011
To the family of John Hearst Jr.,
It is with deep regret on the passing of John Hearst Jr. I realize that the death of a friend and family member is an irreparable loss to you. Those we love left us with gifts in the form of memories that no one can take away. They gave us wisdom that we can still recall, companionship when we were alone, comfort when we needed it.
May the tender mercy that God has always shown me be with your family now so that you will know that you are not alone, and may the prayers of other help in some small way to bring you strength, comfort and courage each day.
Many words will be expressed, yet we know God can express and provide to you and your family everything that is needed to care and sustain your hearts. Isaiah 46:1 will offer you some comfort , but the loss of a love one is more direct and personal. So wanted to send you these words of sincere sympathy upon the death of a loyal friend and trusted family member. My prayers will be with you and your family.
Jim Flynn
November 7, 2011
John, For all that you have done for mankind, may you rest in peace.
aidan kingsly
November 7, 2011
may you rest in peace mr hearst, i may not have known you but i am good friends with one of your grand childeren. your family is in my thoughts and prayers. condolences from kinglsy corp . aidan kingsly
steven stancia
November 7, 2011
R.I.P.
November 7, 2011
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY--
B. Hunt
November 7, 2011
San Simeon is one of the wonders of the world in my opinion. The Hearsts have given alot to the community
Kathy Baptista
November 7, 2011
Rest in Peace Mr. Hearst and God Bless you. Several times I would look from the beach at The Beautiful Castle it was like a Fairy Tale.
November 7, 2011
May God hold him in the palm of his hand and bless the entire Hearst family for all of their philanthropy throughout the years.
Vicki Caraffi
YMCA of Greater Cleveland
Jeannette
November 7, 2011
Rest in peace.
Leroy Bigboy
November 7, 2011
a candle will light.
Sherry Hiler
November 7, 2011
R.I.P.
Paul Gabbert
November 7, 2011
You could not have met a nicer man or a kinder human being. He will be sorely missed.
Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results
Make a Donation
in John Hearst's name
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Hearst's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored