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FUNERAL HOME

Plaza Jewish Community Chapel

630 Amsterdam Avenue

New York, New York

DAVID KLATELL Obituary

KLATELL--David, A., M.S.

August 11, 2016. Beloved husband of Nancy Lauter and brother of Robert Klatell. Extraordinary father to daughters Jenna and Devon; and father-in- law to Andy Miara and Andrew Schoewe. Most devoted grandpa to Clementine, Sean, and Finley. Loving uncle of many. Respected and adored teacher, mentor, and friend to colleagues and students at Columbia Journalism School, and at journalism programs around the world. Memorial service Sunday, August 14, 3:00pm at Plaza Jewish Community Chapel, 630 Amsterdam Ave. In lieu of gifts, please consider donating to a memorial scholarship fund at the Columbia Journalism School (contact Abigail Bedrick at: [email protected]

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

Published by New York Times on Aug. 13, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for DAVID KLATELL

35 Entries

Elisabetta di Cagno

August 7, 2020

My thoughts are with David's family and friends. David's contribution to the J School is unforgettable.

Elisabetta di Cagno

August 7, 2019

It is my hope that in the past few years David's family have found some comfort and solace. David has been on my mind a great deal; he is one person whose counsel and opinion and guidance we could all appreciate during these very difficult times. His wisdom and measured responses were unique and particularly missed. My continued sympathies to David's family, friends and colleagues. Grief does not, in my experience, diminish. It is my hope that David's strength and love have helped his loved ones stay close and strong.

STEVEN PAIKIN

October 25, 2016

I have only just learned of David's passing. How awful. I was about to emcee an event for Boston University here in Toronto (related to the American election) and wanted to tell him all about it.
David was the dean at the School of Public Communication when I attended Boston University in 1981-82. He was simply the best. He gave brilliant advice, was accessible, loved interacting with students, and was so smart and funny.
As I was graduating, I asked him, "what's the best thing I can tell prospective employers when they ask me why they should hire me?" He answered: "Flexibility. Thanks to your training at BU, you can do anything. Tell them that." He was so right. And I've had a chance to do almost everything under the sun in journalism, thanks in large measure to my experience at BU. I graduated into the teeth of the worst recession since the Great Depression and yet with a sense of confidence about the future, no doubt significantly inculcated into me by David Klatell.
Thank you David for all you did for me, and so many others like me.

Robert MacDonakd

September 8, 2016

I reported to David as the Assistant Dean for Admissions & Financial Aid when he was interim Dean and Vice Dean. I smile when I say he was as cantankerous as he was compassionate especially to students but also to faculty and staff as well.
Quick witted, he didn't suffer fools lightly and demanded the best out of students, staff and faculty. He loved his family, usually boasting about one of their accomplishments soon after he heard about them.
My most vivid memory of Dean Klatell was standing in his office with 6-7 other faculty and staff. We were watching a 12 inch color TV screen. It was 9/11 and the World Trade Center Towers we're crumbling to the ground. I could hear most of us in the room were sobbing. I felt terribly sad, confused and alone until someone grabbed my right hand, squeezed it then patted me on the back. It was David showing the fatherly compassion that many of us who knew him will always remember.
He will be missed but his teaching will influence the profession he loved for many years. For me it will be that pat on my back.

Jeffrey Schachner

September 7, 2016

Now that we're a month from their Father's passing (my longtime friend), I want to especially send my heartfelt condolences to the Daughters, Devon and Jenna, whom he loved so much. Jenna (in LA-where I am) if there's absolutely anything I can do in his memory, let me know-JS

Izzy Best

September 3, 2016

I'm still in disbelief to hear of Prof. Klatell's passing. He was my professor during my last semester at the j-school. His Reinventing TV News class was one I looked forward to most. Sitting around the table, discussing ideas and laughing at his jokes, I used to think he missed his calling as a comedian. And he had one of the best offices in the building...filled with so many treasures, a writer's haven with his love for family and friends proudly on display. I enjoyed his class so much, I even offered to be his TA for FREE post-grad and kept in touch asking about his grandchildren and travels. What a great class, what a great professor and person outside of the classroom...and what an awesome legacy and story he leaves behind.

Eugênio Bucci

September 2, 2016

We met David in 2010, when down here in Brazil a group of Journalism professors were trying to put together a graduate program with a focus on newsroom management for mid-career professionals. David reviewed carefully our project, each syllabus of each course, talked a lot with us and advised us wisely. Thanks to him, we corrected many faults and improved a lot the whole thing. Meanwhile, he gave lectures at ESPM, the school we worked for, and witnessed the installation of our first class. Later, when we launched the Brazilian edition of CJR, David became our special columnist under the banner Direct from Columbia, with news of projects at his university that could be of interest to Brazilians. His articles brought both prestige and enlightenment to our quarterly. He welcomed some of us when visiting New York. His kindness, amiability, permanent enthusiasm and positive attitude towards life and good ideas impressed us all. He became a true reference to Brazilian journalists interested in an academic approach to our profession. His knowledge of journalism, his impassionate love for teaching and, maybe, above all this, his warmth and solidarity as a friend are unforgettable. David's multiculturalism and appreciation for human differences distinguished him as few. He was able to deeply understand them and always tried to build bridges to approach different people towards common goals and under permanent and solid ethical principles. Columbia loses a lot. His friends and family, much more. In Brazil, he will always be remembered respectfully and tenderly.
Carlos Eduardo Lins da Silva e Eugênio Bucci

Graduate - Class of '03

September 2, 2016

Brilliant, warm and wise. I was not even his student, but his insight and kindness made an unforgettable impression on me. Journalism has lost a great champion for truth.

David Houze

September 1, 2016

One of my fondest memories of Prof. Klatell during my time at the J-School, was the kindness he extended to me when I found myself without money to buy food to sustain myself. Prof. Klatell sensed that I was in trouble. He summoned me to his office, and after hearing my story, reached into his wallet and handed over $60 to me. I believe I was almost on the verge of tears at this point, but he told me to go get some food, get myself together, and focus on completing my Master's project. I will never forget Prof. Klatell's singular act of kindness. He was not only a superb journalist and administrator, but also a sincere and genuine human being. I will never forget him.

David Houze '01
Cape Town, South Africa

Bill/Carol Kirtz

September 1, 2016

Very sad to hear the news. Dave was a tennis friend when he was at Boston U. and we admired his achievements at Columbia. Our condolences to his wife and family.
Bill/Carol Kirtz

Elisabetta di Cagno

September 1, 2016

In shock: my deepest condolences to David's family.I had a lovely friendship with David. Just terribly sorry.

Dina Weinstein

September 1, 2016

He was a great teacher at Columbia J school. I will always remember him for teaching RW1 with E.R. Shipp. Dina Weinstein Columbia J school class of 1997.

Amina Mujtaba

September 1, 2016

Professor Klatell, you'll be missed. Columbia won't be the same without you ...

Leopoldo Abad

September 1, 2016

What a sad news! I met the prof. Klatell in Madrid on one of his visits. I remember his magnificent speech at the graduation ceremony for students of journalism at the University of San Pablo CEU. It is a great loss to the University and Journalism. My sincerest condolences to his family. RIP.

Martí Parellada

August 31, 2016

I've known through the friend Manuel Hurtado of the death of David Klatell. I met David as director of the center for continuing education at the University of Barcelona (Les Heures). Thank him, Manuel and Paul McNeil developed several programs that are still in operation today . Terrible loss. My most sincere condolences to his family .

Jane Greaves

August 31, 2016

Very sad news. I was fortunate to be Professor Klatell's student last year in his Reinventing TV News class (unique and special experience of my J-school year). We had a few meetings at his upstairs office, which was filled with family photos, books and mementos from his extensive travels abroad. He loved his family and wanted to eventually move closer to his children and grandchildren. He was curious and kind; apart from being an awesome forward-thinking professor, he was a great human being! I will miss him. Thank you, Professor Klatell.

Manuel Hurtado

August 30, 2016

All of our support for Nancy and the entire family. David was a unique friend and colleague. We never could develop new opportunities for young talented students and faculty of journalism in Spain without his support and commitment. His proactivity and vision impacted hundreds of students abroad after more than 20 years since we opened together the first abroad program in Spain. Stay in peace my friend, it has been a privilege to be honored by your friendship and had the chance to share so many good moments with you and Nancy. Again our love to her and the entire family.

Bruce Drucker

August 29, 2016

I've known David 45 years.
There were no bad days....

Robert Wagner

August 26, 2016

Dean Klatell was my Master's Project advisor. This afforded me many opportunities for one-on-one time, and I came to appreciate his sound judgment and dry wit. The first time I walked into his office, I was apprehensive. I left that first meeting feeling like I'd made a new friend. Not that our sessions were always comfortable - Dean Klatell pushed me to make my project ever better. But he always did so with elan, and I came to relish our time together. I'm sorry I haven't spoken to him recently. And I'm sorry for the School's, and his family's, collective loss. You are missed, Dean Klatell.

Mohammed Shariff

August 25, 2016

I'm saddened by this news. Professor Klatell was an amazing person who I had the pleasure of studying under. I will always cherish our witty banter.

Lionel Brossi

August 25, 2016

We are deeply saddened by the news of Professor David Klatell passing. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and colleagues.

michael meyer

August 24, 2016

David wrote the academic program for a new journalism school in Nairobi -- the Aga Khan University Graduate ~School of Media and Communications. Thanks to him, we got off to a flying start. He went on to do something similar in India. It's never easy translating a bold idea into reality. David was among the few who could do it, with style and effectiveness.

Michael Meyer, Dean

HELENE LAUTER

August 19, 2016

so shocked to learn of david's passing. he was a special man with great intelligence and a wonderful sense of humor. rip and love to the family. Helene lauter

Annette Freeman

August 18, 2016

My heart is broken. David Klatell was my dean and journalism professor at Columbia University Graduate School of journalism. I loved this man! When I first went to journalism school, I had just gotten divorced and was single mother of a five year old son and if it wasn't for David Klatell, I don't know if I would have graduated. He was a mentor, a friend, a confidant, and a wonderful wonderful wonderful man. While I was at NBC, he hired me to be an adjunct professor which allowed me to stretch and grow. He cared about my well being, he cared about my son, he cared about my family, he cared about my career. Bottom line, he cared about me when I needed it most. I'm going to miss him so much. I'm so sad. Rest in Peace. ❤
Annette '00

Kodi Barth

August 18, 2016

When I came to Columbia JSchool in the summer of 2002, David Klatell was made Acting Dean. I studied under his able stewardship. His enthusiasm for international journalism practice, even in far flung regions of the world like my hometown Nairobi where he helped write the curriculum for a new graduate program, stayed with me. David continued to check in with me from time to time and we remained friends on fb and networked in LinkedIn. The news of David's death has come as a great shock. Wherever you are, David, light some candles with your joy. Back here where we run on borrowed time, we'll keep writing a little faster. Amen. Kodi Barth, J'03

Ernest Sotomayor

August 18, 2016

When I was hired at Columbia by Dean Nick Lemman to create and build an Office of Career Services, my immediate superviser was David Klatell. We'd meet weekly and we'd discuss progress. He'd ask questions. He'd make suggestions. He'd offer advice. He'd make me laugh with his wit. What never did was create an impediment to my success, and instead, he provide me one of the most important tools I could ask for: his trust. Totally, and he provided free rein to do what I needed, and the his confidence. It was a gift I'd never had in any other job, and won't ever again. That I will cherish, and always appreciate. I miss him deeply.

Bob Rosenberg

August 15, 2016

Dave was a dear friend of my older brother's from his days at WCVB in Boston. His name was always accompanied by a warm smile. And our entire family felt the same way. Much love to Nancy and all Dave's family and friends.

Lisa Cox

August 15, 2016

God Bless you, Professor Klatell. You were an amazing force in my JSchool years and beyond. Thank You!
Rest in Peace.-Lisa D. Cox c/o '92

Kathy Palagonia

August 14, 2016

I worked in the admissions office with Dean Klatell. I thought I was toiling unnoticed--but would seek out my opinion and thanked me often for my work. When I put in my resignation--he was genuinely sad that I was leaving and thrilled that I was "taking on new adventures." He made brave about taking that leap and for that I will always be grateful. My condolences to his family and to all the students and faculty and lives he improved by being such a wonderful mentor, colleague and friend.

Jean Rosenberg

August 14, 2016

DAK was a close friend of my brother, John Rosenberg. I will always remember Dave's wit & how much John enjoyed his company with Nancy. The Rosenberg family sends the Klatell extended family our sincere condolences.

David Abbey

August 14, 2016

The shock of David's passing has sent a wave of sadness through classmates and friends from Forest Road Elementary and VS South High School. Those of us who grew up with David viewed him as a great guy/friend with a boatload of talent and a wonderful sense of humor. As an adult he was always there for a friend dealing with a personal or professional problem. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family at this most difficult of times.

Mareike Schomerus

August 14, 2016

David was a truly influential presence in my life. He had two unique talents in his teaching: He was able to push every student to her best while absolutely making sure that she would find their own path and not bow to standards that were not their own. I owe him on both counts.

A. David

August 13, 2016

I'm a former journalism student that was lucky enough to study under David Klatell. What a wonderful professor and mentor, he was. I'm indebted to him for all those days he spent telling me riveting stories in his office, for caring about my work, but caring MORE about my well-being, and for reminding me that there was a great, big world outside of Columbia's journalism school that needed me. He absolutely left a lasting impression on my experience there. And for that, I will be eternally grateful. Hope it provides the family solace knowing that he was respected, and appreciated beyond words. And he will undoubtedly be missed.

August 13, 2016

DAK-lead the way to a more informed, ethical, and benighted school of Journalism throughout our World. Even more, The Prof was a devoted father grandfather husband and lifetime friend-RIP

August 13, 2016

May the love of friends and family be there for each other during this time of grieving.

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