Obituary of George J. Simko

George J. Simko, 74, passed away at home, surrounded by family, on December 30, 2009. George enjoyed a successful 43-year career in the advertising and marketing communications industry. Starting in the mailroom of Kenyon & Eckhart, Inc. in 1953, he rose through the ranks of K&E, and then D'Arcy, Masius, Benton & Bowles, Inc., where he spent 36 years. During his career George served in a wide variety of executive positions. He was Director of Media Management at DMB&B in the 1970's when the department was regarded as the leading media and programming operation in the industry. He then was named President of the Diversified Communications Division of DMB&B, overseeing its public relations, sales promotion, direct marketing and health care companies. George finished his career as President of the European and Middle Eastern operations of DMB&B based in London, and Chairman of the Executive Committee of DMB&B, retiring in 1996. George served as a Director of the Muscular Dystrophy Association for 10 years, using his media and programming expertise to help build the 24-hour Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon into one of the most successful fundraising endeavors in television history. He also spent a decade serving on the Board of Directors of the media industry's Audit Bureau of Circulations. Beloved husband of Mary, cherished father of Caroline and Christopher, admired father-in-law of Hans Olsen, honored brother of Ed, Barbara and Raymond, and loving uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation on Tuesday, January 5 from 2-5pm and 7-9pm at Oyster Bay Funeral Home, 261 South Street, Oyster Bay, NY. Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, January 6 at St. Dominic R.C. Chapel, 93 Anstice Street, Oyster Bay, NY. Interment at Locust Valley Cemetery, Ryefield Road, Locust Valley, NY.