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ROBERT DANZIG Obituary

DANZIG--Robert J.

Longtime Head of Hearst Newspapers Dead at 85. Robert J. Danzig, former head of Hearst Newspapers, senior Hearst executive and member of the Company's Board of Directors from 1977 to 1997, died on August 8 on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, after a long illness. He was 85. "Bob Danzig played a pivotal role in the dramatic growth of Hearst's newspaper operations in a career that spanned more than 50 years with the Company," Hearst President and CEO Steven R. Swartz said. "He was the rarest of executive talent, with equal measures of pragmatism and warmth, and his leadership lessons are part of Hearst's DNA." "Bob's contributions to Hearst went beyond the newspaper division," said Frank A. Bennack, Jr., executive vice chairman and former CEO of Hearst. "He mentored and encouraged young talent and created opportunities for all who were lucky enough to be taken under his wing. He was also among my longest serving and most beloved and admired partners. We are grateful for his leadership and friendship both in the Company and on the Hearst Board." Danzig's tenure at Hearst began at the Times Union in Albany, New York, where he worked as a teenage office boy in 1950. He ascended to become publisher of the Times Union and Knickerbocker News 19 years later. In 1977, Danzig was chosen to lead Hearst's 6,000- employee newspaper division as general manager. After service in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, Danzig returned to Albany and the Times Union, this time as an ad salesman with a wife and growing family. He attended Albany's Siena College at night where he contributed to the school's literary journal and earned his degree with honors in 1962. He later received the school's Outstanding Alumni Award; in 1997, the college awarded him an honorary doctorate. During his time at Hearst, Danzig belonged to the Newspaper Association of America, the Newspaper Advertising Bureau, New Directions for News and the American Press Institute. He was known for his innovative marketing leadership. He was also the only business executive ever to be accepted into Stanford University's prestigious journalism fellowship program, and later served on its board. Danzig was a faculty member at the New School University in New York and a force behind the Hearst's Management Institute. Danzig would eventually become an author and motivational speaker, drawing from his childhood experience in foster care. He credited three kind words from a social worker named Mae Morse with buoying him for a lifetime: "You are worthwhile," she told a 12- year-old Danzig, as he wrote later, and "opened [his] life to possibility." In 2007, he was named to the Speaker's Hall of Fame. Danzig is survived by his wife, Dianne, his children, Marybeth Hartfelder and her husband, Ron; Marsha Danzig, Darcy Plunkett and her husband, Gary; Steve Danzig and his wife, Jen and Matt Danzig and his wife, Susie, as well as 10 grandchildren, Charlie, Miles and Jack Hartfelder; Madeleine Rae and RJ Plunkett; Declan, Brogan and Moira Danzig; and Luke and MacKenzie Danzig. Danzig is also survived by his wife's daughters, Lori, Cheryl and Colleen and their children and grandchildren. There will be celebrations of his life in Hyannis, MA; Deerfield Beach, FL; Albany, NY and New York City. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Child Welfare League of America, www.cwla.org

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Aug. 15, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
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Sponsored by Nancy Caruso.

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Nancy Caruso

April 19, 2024

So happy Bob continues to share his messages. What an awesome person. I was very fortunate to have spent time with him on a special project while working for the State of NJ. He continues to be an inspiration.

Marianne Muha

April 18, 2024

I had the pleasure of seeing him speak once at his book signing. He was quite inspiring and said how he loved people and it showed. My brother is an entrepreneur and I bought him Roberts book.. was just looking it up again and discovered he passed.. he was a bright light in the world..

John Amann

January 7, 2020

The world will miss a man who taught us so many things about life business and living. After many dinners and meetings I got to know his spirit and how he could turn things around. We will all miss you and for those who learned from him he made the world a better place

Linda Spears

August 23, 2018

I will miss his kind heart and creative spirit. His love for foster youth, and for the social workers, foster parents, and leaders who worked to improve the lives of children. It was a delight to be in his company and to see his light shine on those in need. To his Diane and family, my deepest condolences for your lost and my gratitude for your willingness to share him with the world.

Christine James-Brown

August 23, 2018

He will live in our hearts forever. He was a real friend and advocate for thousands of children and families in this country who are most vulnerable. He will be missed.

Risa Olinsky

August 19, 2018

A very special person, you always had a kind word and thought for everyone. I'm feel honored to have been a part of your life many years ago. Bob you will be missed. I remember you walking down Wyoming Ave and talking to people along the way - always with great live advice. My thoughts are with your family... Risa O in Maplewood.

Brenda C

August 18, 2018

To a sweet man full of encouragement ! May God bless you

August 18, 2018

Dear Diane & Family,
Hugs coming at you and prayers going up for you all. How we loved that man! Love Bobby & Kyle

Nancy Caruso

August 18, 2018

It was such an honor and blessing to have spent much of 2004 with Bob as he met with child welfare workers in NJ. Bob has truly been a light in the lives of the thousands he has met and with whom he shared his life story. I will never forget our first meeting at Pal's Cabin, favorite of Bob's to talk about how best to share his dream of reaching out to those who touch the lives of foster children every day. Miss you Bob. Your light is shining the brightest in heaven.

Linda Brewer

August 18, 2018

Beyond mastery of connecting the spirit and the intellect in one breathe. Time cannot erase his touch on mankind.
Well lived for now and enternity. Welcome to your forever young healthy world. Keep your angels watching over each of us until we are with you. Thank you for your wisdom and kindness.

Allen White

August 16, 2018

We were so blessed to have known this very special
Man- so kind, so charming, so brilliant,- always interested in you and your accomplishments and dreams . We believe we will always be connected through angel threads
Love Allen and Sharon

Darlene

August 15, 2018

My deepest sympathy to all who loved and will miss Mr. Robert Danzig.

Norene Gachignard

August 15, 2018

Love and a hug to all the Danzig/Hartfelders.

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