Abe Mandell

MANDELL--Abe, 89, Pioneer of Television Syndication Business, on March 5, 2009. Abe Mandell was President of ITC Entertainment for over 25 years. He is credited with being the man who brought The Muppets to television and movie audiences all over the world through the widely successful "The Muppet Show," and Muppet movies. Mandell enjoyed an incredibly successful and diverse career in the entertainment industry. His company launched over 35 major motion pictures, as well as some of the world's most popular television shows, including such classics as "The Muppet Show," "Space: 1999," "The Prisoner," "The Saint," and "Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers." Born in Covington, KY, October 4th 1919 to Jacob and Ester Mandell, he went on to attend the University of Cincinnati. After serving in the Army in the Pacific Theater of WWII, Mandell returned with his new wife, Bernice, to Manila in 1947, where he opened international markets for the American motion picture industry, and often traveled vast distances with a canister of film under his arm. Moving to New York City in 1957, he became head of international sales for ZIV Television, then hired by Lord Lew Grade to handle sales for ITC Entertainment, and eventually Mandell became the president of the company. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Bernice, his three children, Judy, Robert, and Henry, and his three grandchildren, Sarah, Olinde, and Graham. Funeral Service Today 12 noon at Larchmont Temple in Larchmont, NY. Interment at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Hasting-on-Hudson, NY. For information call Fox Funeral Home (914) 834-0144.