Long Island Press Publisher John Kominicki, whose career in journalism took him around the world before he made his mark on Long Island, died Tuesday night following a brief battle with stomach cancer. He was 62.
Kominicki was previously the publisher of Long Island Business News for 15 years and the head of national editorial operations for LIBN’s then-corporate parent, the 60-paper Dolan Media chain. After he left LIBN, he founded Innovate Long Island, a digital and events platform focused on the region’s entrepreneur and research sectors. He was hired in July to lead the recently relaunched print edition of the Press.
“His passing was peaceful, smooth, and – true to form – full of humor till the end,” his wife, Marie, and daughter, Anya, wrote on his Facebook page. “Thanks to all for the kind words and remembrances we’ve been receiving. There will be a memorial celebration after the holidays.”
Kominicki was a veteran journalist who has worked as a reporter and editor at a variety of weeklies, dailies and niche publications, including Europe-based Stars & Stripes, USA Today, The New York Times and the Dallas Morning News. He was inducted into the Press Club of Long Island’s Hall of Fame in 2014.
“My company, myself and my partner, Joshua Schneps, will be eternally grateful for working with John to create the new Long Island Press,” said Victoria Schneps-Yunis, whose company, Schneps Communications, acquired the Press in April. “He was a brilliant writer, thinker and creator. And he will be dearly missed.”
Joshua added: “He was an electric personality that lit up the room and was well known and respected by all.”
His loss was felt across Long Island.
“John Kominicki was a friend and mentor to me and so many others,” said LIBN Publisher Scott Schoen. “Journalism and the entire Long Island community have suffered a huge loss. He will be sorely missed.”
