RICHARD SECLOW

SECLOW--Richard S. Ad man, husband, father, grandfather, civic participant and friend to many, Richard "Dick" Seclow died at 95 in his Easton, CT home on November 24. Dick lived a full, rich and loving life and remained his sharp and curious self right up to the end. With a well-furnished mind, he was a natural conversationalist and storyteller, enlightening and entertaining those around him. Born in 1930, Dick grew up in Bayonne, NJ where he was taught from a young age at an educational laboratory school conducted at the local state teacher's college. He attributed this -- along with his Rutger's University experience, attending classes side- by-side with GI Bill veterans -- to his lifelong love of learning and civic engagement. He was a member of Cap and Skull at Rutgers and remained an active alum over the years, advocating strongly for public education. After college, Dick entered the advertising business long before agency execs earned the nickname "Mad Men." He worked as David Ogilvy's chief of staff, joined Carl Ally, Inc. as executive vice president, and in 1970 became president of Geer DuBois, known for campaigns such as "Peek Freans, a very, very serious cookie" and "Who's behind those Foster Grants?" He helped lead the industry's shift from pricey Madison Avenue to "Madison Avenue South" (downtown) well before it was fashionable. After retiring from advertising in 1984, Dick found a calling in civic duty. He applied his business skills to public service, volunteering with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to assist small businesses in Russia and Lithuania as they transitioned to a market economy. He went on to serve on the Westport Planning & Zoning Commission; the Westport Library Board, where he was President; The Hall- Brooke Hospital Board; and the board of The Jewish Home (now Mosaic Senior Services). He taught English as a Second Language (ESL) and mentored immigrants in Bridgeport. His membership in the Y's Men of Westport fulfilled his need for intellectual engagement and camaraderie. Dick was a devoted family man and leaves a deep hole in the hearts of his loving family: Rita, his wife of 71 years; children Theresa (David), Tom (Ann); and grandchildren Jonathan (Isabella), Alexandra, Cal and Julian. Dick stayed active through fishing, travel, tennis, squash and by nurturing the many relationships he forged over his vibrant life. He credited his 95 years to his strong, independent mind and spirit. Donations may be made to Mosaic Senior Services or Easton EMS.