George J. Simko, 74, passed away at home, surrounded by family, on Dec. 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 1970s 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.
Husband of Mary. Father of Caroline and Christopher. Father-in-law of Hans Olsen. Brother of Ed, Barbara and Raymond. Uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. Arrangements were made by the Oyster Bay Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Dominic’s RC Chapel. Interment at Locust Valley Cemetery.
