Retired ad exec Richard Newman, 73, dies

Richard "Dick" Newman spent many years as an advertising executive for Long Island and regional radio stations and other communications companies, where he grew with the technology over three decades.

Newman, 73, a Westhampton resident until he moved to Florida in 2004, died Sept. 3 at his home in Royal Palm Beach.

David Feinblatt, president and general manager of WLNY/10 in Melville, knew him for many years and worked with him at WRCN/103.9 FM in Ronkonkoma.

"Dick was a very unique individual who brought old-world skills, charm, and style of selling to the modern-day world of spot sales," Feinblatt said. "He was one of the few 'old school guys' who successfully transitioned into the world of new technology with his laptop, using email and every other available online tool for selling advertising."

He was well known, particularly in the 1990s and early 2000s, to Long Island auto dealers, advertising agencies, club owners and other retailers, as well as New York City companies, Feinblatt said.

Born in Norwich, Conn., Newman grew up in upstate Troy and attended Ithaca College. After graduating in 1960 with a degree in communications, he began working in media sales as an account executive for several companies before his first major management position at the former WPIX/101.9 FM in 1972, where he rose to general sales manager.

In the late 1970s and '80s, he held executive positions with MCA, John Blair and Co., and RKO Radio Sales. In the '90s, Newman worked at WRCN/103.9 FM-WRHD/94.3 FM radio as local sales manager before he moved to Florida, where he continued to do some media-management work and consult.

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He is survived by his wife, Carol Newman, of Royal Palm Beach; a son, Steven Newman, of Mamaroneck; two daughters, Susan Gagliardi, of Spring Hill, Tenn., and Stacey Egan, of Rye; and seven grandchildren.