Prominent figure in the publishing industry and former editor of the New York Daily News, Ira Ellenthal, passes away at the age of 88.
Ira Ellenthal, Veteran Publishing Executive and Sales Expert, Passes Away at 88
Ira Ellenthal, a renowned figure in the publishing and advertising industries, passed away on July 29, 2025, at the age of 88 in Old Greenwich, Connecticut. Known for his innovative sales strategies and unique sense of humor, Ellenthal left an indelible mark on the media landscape.
Born in 1937 in the Far Rockaway neighborhood of Queens, New York, Ellenthal's career in media began with journalism. He attended New York University and served as assistant sports editor of the student newspaper. His roots in the newspaper industry ran deep, as his father, "Slootie," worked for nearly four decades in the delivery department of the New York Daily News.
Ellenthal transitioned to the business side of publishing, discovering his talent for sales. He held several high-profile leadership roles, including editor and publisher for more than a dozen trade publications across various industries. In the early 1990s, he became president and associate publisher of the New York Daily News, where he introduced creative advertising and promotional campaigns that increased revenue during a challenging period for the paper.
In 1998, Ellenthal was appointed CEO and group publisher, overseeing major titles such as U.S. News & World Report, The Atlantic, and Fast Company. Prior to this, he served as president and publisher of The Atlantic Monthly.
Ellenthal's achievements extend beyond his executive roles. He was an author, publishing two books on sales: Selling Smart (1982) and The Last Book About Selling That You'll Ever Need (2020). He also wrote Slootie's Wars (2003) as a tribute to his father. Until his death, he continued writing with a regular Substack newsletter called The Art of Selling.
Ellenthal shared sixty-three years of marriage with his wife, Judith Ellenthal. He is survived by three sons: Matthew, Jonathan, and Andrew, and eight grandchildren: Zachary, Lex, Alexander, Isabelle, Caroline, Natalie, Samuel, and Benjamin. The family plans to hold a "Celebration of Life" during the month of August.
Remembered for his imaginative and inspired approach to sales, Ellenthal's legacy continues to inspire those in the publishing and advertising industries. His unique sense of humor and innovative strategies will long be remembered as significant contributions to the world of media.
[1] Sources: [Link 1], [Link 2], [Link 3]
[1] Ellenthal's two books, 'Selling Smart' and 'The Last Book About Selling That You'll Ever Need,' acknowledge his extensive knowledge in the sales industry, a key aspect of his career in entertainment and publishing.
[2] His family is planning a 'Celebration of Life' during the month of August, acknowledging the impact of entertainment and media celebrities, such as Ira Ellenthal, who have left a lasting impression on many lives.
