Phil Ritzenberg
1931 – 2022
The Society is saddened to share that Phil Ritzenberg passed away Thursday, May 26, 2022, surrounded by family. Among many things, Phil was a consummate newspaper man, from his early days in print shops, to his tenure as a renowned expert. He was a co-founder of the Society, and is the only person to ever hold the office of SND’s president twice. He was also very generous with his time. He will be sorely missed. We send our thoughts and deepest condolences to his wife Edna, and sons, Jeremy and John.
“Phil and Richard Curtis, who passed away earlier this year, created this organization where visual journalists could come together and share ideas, grow in our craft and feel a sense of community,” said SND Interim Executive Director and past president, Paige K. Connor. “It is hard to imagine where so many visual designers would be without Phil, his generosity and his vision for our industry and craft.”
In 2008, Ritzenberg received SND’s Lifetime Achievement Award for 50-plus years of service to the design industry. Ritzenberg was honored as an innovator and a tireless volunteer for the Society and designers. He has been a behind-the-scenes leader, helping found SND 40 years ago, and served as president from 1980 to 1982. Phil rose from a copy boy for the Cleveland Press in the early 1950s to be Assistant Managing Editor for Design at the New York Daily News, one of the first such management roles at a major U.S. newspaper.
SND Postings Related to Phil Ritzenberg
Happy 90th! Phil Ritzenberg
Design Journal Reprint: Phil Ritzenberg on Louis Silverstein
Phillip Ritzenberg on SND’s History (and Its Future)
Remembrances
Many people associated with SND have reacted to the sad news of Phil’s passing.
Phil was a journalist, designer, AME at the Daily News, publisher of a Jewish newspaper in NYC and an artist. He made wonderful collages. Recently I was the recipient of a fine collage made from his collection of old wood typefaces. Most of all, Phil was a Mensch. Which means a good human being — an upstanding member of society who leads an ethical life.
Phil was the first AME of design at the New York Daily News. He was part of the initiative of the migration from hot type to cold. He left The Daily News in 1982. As SND’s second President his editorial and organizational skills insured SND’s growth while gaining respect from the journalistic community.
While I was at the Morning Call I invited Phil and Nigel Holmes to gave presentations on design and new technologies to the staff. Phil gave a presentation to layout editors, reporters, graphic artists and at his insistence to folks in the paste-up department and composing room. We are fortunate to have had Phil as our colleague, guide and friend.
Robert Lockwood
SND past president (1979)
If you were to meet Phil for the first time, he could be intimidating. His voice was seemingly harsh and you might assume he had no time for you. In fact, it was just the opposite.
Phil was totally accessible. All you had to do was ask.
When I was president of SND in 1999, Phil was the first person I would go to for problem solving. He was an old war horse who had seen it all and was therefore the perfect brain to tap. And he never once hesitated to give of his valuable time.
And on the flip side, if he sensed insincerity he would dismiss you in a flash.
A great man and friend who advanced the cause of visual journalism while remaining a humble servant to the cause.
Ed Kohorst
SND past president (1999)
Phil was a person of intense intelligence, generous spirit, unbending work ethic – and just a hell of a nice colleague. Somehow, our conversations always raised me up to his level. What a full life. I feel lucky to have known him through SND.
Neal Pattison
SND past president (1997)
Phil was such an amazing person. Every time I saw Phil, he was truly a gentleman — and he engaged us all in the craft we all practiced of explaining and presenting the news to people.
Phil was one of my favorite hallway conversations at SND workshops. I’d often be late for the next session just chatting away with Phil. The man was incredibly engaging.
Matt Mansfield
SND past president (2009)
The thing most notable about Phil Ritzenberg (aside from his pride in our shared hometown of Cleveland, of course) was the leadership example he set. He spent a lifetime of service to SND, first as its only two-term president, but also as a mentor and pathfinder for the thousands of visual storytellers who followed. Long after many of his SND contemporaries had moved up or on to other things, Phil was there, leading by example, giving advice, mentoring, using his eloquence to champion and encourage. So many of SND’s best leaders share that passion, but it all can be traced back to the tone first struck by Phillip Ritzenberg. Rest In Peace, my friend. And cheers to a life well lived.
David Kordalski
SND past president (2014)