KALMAN B. DRUCK

Kalman B. Druck, known as the “one of the fathers of Public Relations” died on March 26, 2006. He was 91 years old and lived in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

Mr. Druck was born in 1914 in Scranton, PA to Jacob Druck, publisher of the Carbondale Leader and Mabelle Breschel. It was from his father that he discovered his love of Journalism and decided to make that his career. After graduating from High School, Mr. Druck went on to Syracuse University where as a Journalism major he made his mark. His love of journalism got him involved in the Syracuse University Daily Orange Newspaper where he eventually rose to Editor-In-Chief. It was as a freshman at Syracuse he met Pearl Spiro, Women’s editor of the Daily Orange. She was a smart, beautiful, savvy, politically oriented woman who was a perfect match for Mr. Druck. One afternoon after dating for a while, Mr. Druck said to his future bride, “Stick with me Spiro and I’ll put a gold spoon in your kisser!” Married on November 26, 1936, their courtship spurred almost 70 years of marriage!

Upon graduation, Mr. Druck began his career in ad sales with Hearst Publications publishing the “Advertising Almanac”. His career blossomed as he was on the team that planned and launched “Father’s Day” as a holiday for dads around the world and started to get him noticed. In 1939, Mr. Druck applied for a job with Carl Byoir Associates one of the few Public Relation firms at the time and that relationship lasted for over 20 years. It was through this experience he learned how to organize and implement programs to motivate public opinion. In 1939, Mr. Druck was also asked to develop an evening course to be taught at City College of New York on the topic of Public Relations, creating the first accredited program in the field. He leaped at this chance to develop and intensive one-semester course as there was no such course being taught anywhere in the country. He taught his course, plus courses in advertising, marketing and copywriting for 16 years and as they grew he enlisted the talents of industry bigwigs. He aligned himself with industry leaders such as Harold Burson and Henry Rogers and forged friendships that lasted a lifetime.

In 1942, the Drucks made their home in Larchmont, NY. With their two daughters, they became pillars of the community helping to found the Larchmont Temple where Mr. Druck served as President. They also became active members of Quaker Ridge Country Club. At this time, Mr. Druck’s career was soaring. In 1948, Mr. Druck became a founding member of the Public Relations Society of America and later in 1951 was made the New York Chapter’s President. In 1960 he set out to open his own business and it was there that Kalman B. Druck, Inc. Public Relations opened shop. On July 1, 1961, Mr. Druck joined forces with Morry Rotman and formed Harshe-Rottman & Druck. HR&D became the sixth largest Public Relations firm in the country with major clients such as Mattel, Hertz, “21” Brands, New York Times and West Point to name a few.

One of the greatest blessings in Mr. Druck’s life was his incredible wife, Pearl. She was a tremendous social asset and stood by his side as he forged friendships with clients and industry leaders. Her wit and charm was an integral part of his career.

In 1971, Mr. Druck was inaugurated as the National President of the Public Relations Society of America, and was honored in Washington, DC. Following he was asked to join the Union of American Hebrew Congregations Board of Directors and was active there for fifteen years. From these relationships, he was asked to run the Public Relations business for United Jewish Appeal (UJA), which he happily did for ten years. It was an organization he supported whole-heartedly and was thrilled to be so involved.

The New York Times was always an important part of Mr. Druck’s life. He started reading it in his freshman year of college and not a day has gone by that he hasn’t read or completed the crossword, and in felt tip pen, no less! He eventually became an advisor to the New York Times to help them better sort out labor relations.

Through his experience, he spent some 50 years in and out of Washington, DC meeting with political players, Presidents and the heads of major corporations PR departments. After several years of advisory services, Mr. Druck was asked to join an Advisory Committee to the United States Information Agency. A testament to his relationships was his 70th birthday party, at Quaker Ridge, where his major competitors came and paid tribute -- including Harold Burson of Burson-Marstellar, Leut Velmans, then chairman of Hill & Knowlton, the then head of Ogilvy PR. Gerry Meyers and his wife flew in from Detroit, Kerrin King, VP for PR of Texaco -- and several more. Leut Velmans said, "Only Kal Druck could get this gang of competitors together in one room!"

In 1971, serendipity happened again, as the Druck’s found themselves making several trips to Florida for business meetings. A friend offered them his apartment on the beach in Palm Beach and simultaneously, they purchased their dream house in Larchmont. Commuting back and forth to New York, Mr. Druck brought his grandchildren back and forth with him between New York and Florida. It was a matter of time before Mr. Druck got involved in his new Palm Beach community. He was elected to the Board of his building, the Civic Association of Palm Beach and The Committee for Good Government. Mr. Druck was an active member of Banyan Country Club as well.

Mr. Druck was a true patriarch of his family. He’s been a rock and hero to his family who will miss him terribly. A giant in life, career, presence and in personality, Mr. Druck will fondly be remembered by all whose lives he touched.

Mr. Druck is survived by his loving, doting wife, Pearl Spiro Druck; his two daughters Ellen Mirtz (and son-in-law John Mirtz) of Palm Beach Gardens, FL and Nancy Brassem of Mamaroneck, NY; four grandchildren who he adored, Karen Wassong Hios (Anton Hios) of Rye, NY, Kevin Wassong (Tami Wassong) of Larchmont, NY, Julie Brassem Hurwitz (Michael Hurwitz) of Brooklyn, NY and Dan Brassem of New York, NY; and four great-grand children who lit up his life as he did theirs, Alexis Brooke Hios, Sara Paige Hios, Matthew Bryan Wassong and Luke Alexander Wassong.

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