Longtime and beloved NYFWA member George Auerbach passed away on July 31, 2016. As one of the NYFWA’s most active members for several decades –having participated in the Financial Follies for 55 consecutive shows before hanging up his hat (or tights) and having served on the board for several decades, George’s absence will be felt within our organization. In honor of his devotion to the NYFWA and the mark he left on our organization a scholarship has been established in his name. Not surprisingly, countless NYFWA members have noted that he will be missed, but never forgotten.
Following is a note from NYFWA member and former president Myron Kandel, a former colleague and a longtime friend of George’s:
The passing of George Auerbach is a blow to all those of us who loved and worked with him. He was truly one of a kind.
In addition to being the beloved husband of Dolly for 67 years and the father of their two daughters, Karen and Debbie, he was a dedicated journalist and staunch defender of the integrity of our profession, both as a newsman and public relations professional.
His contributions to the New York Financial Writers’ Association were amazing. He was a long-serving board member; perhaps the longest member of the Financial Follies cast; the keeper of the bylaws and traditions, and a friend and mentor of younger journalists. He helped lead the way in admitting women as members, among his many other accomplishments. And for someone who self-admittedly could not act, sing or dance, he was a treasured fixture on stage for more than half a century.
He joined the NYFWA while working as a financial reporter and editor for The New York Times and continued actively when he went into PR, where for many years he headed his own firm. Members of the media who dealt with him always knew they could depend on his honesty and integrity.
George served with distinction as a combat infantryman in France and Germany during World War II, but rarely spoke of his extraordinary exploits. He was so active and exuberant that even close friends weren’t aware of his real age. He died at 93 years young.
We’ll miss him, but it was a joy to know him.
Sadly,
Myron (Mike) Kandel
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