Lawrence D. Chilnick

CRANFORD, N.J. - Lawrence D. Chilnick, author, editor and publisher, died on Dec. 18, 2013, after a long illness.Over a 30-year career devoted to making medical information understandable for consumers, Chilnick authored, edited and published more than 30 books, including the multimillion bestseller "The Pill Book," a consumer's guide to prescription drugs, which revolutionized the way drug information is presented to the general public.In addition to his distinguished career in publishing, Mr. Chilnick taught introductory and advanced publishing courses, most notably at The New York University School of Continuing and Professional Education, where he taught The Capstone/Thesis Course for Master in Publishing candidates. He loved mentoring budding writers, and several of his students have gone on to publishing careers of their own.Mr. Chilnick was born in Savannah but grew up in Marblehead. He took great pride in being from New England and especially from Marblehead, which he considered one of the most beautiful places in the country, and where he hoped to eventually return.He is survived by his daughter, Susanna B. Chilnick of Salem; his son, Jeremy H. Chilnick of New York, N.Y.; and his sister, Judy Chilnick of Los Angeles, Calif.Service information: A private service will be held at a later date.