Kevin M. Hurley, manufacturing director for Penske Media Corp., dad or mum of WWD, died on Wednesday at his dwelling in Cornwall, N.Y., after a 14-month battle with pancreatic most cancers. He was 54.
Hurley was born within the Bronx, N.Y., and attended Washingtonville Excessive College adopted by Manhattan School, the place he graduated in 1991.
His first job was at Fairchild Publications in 1992 the place he labored in manufacturing, as a supervisor, director or senior director for a number of of the publications within the PMC portfolio together with WWD, Footwear Information, Magnificence Inc., Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter and Rivet.
“Manufacturing by no means will get the credit score it deserves since, at its greatest, it’s invisible,” mentioned James Fallon, editorial director of Fairchild Media Group. “The publication simply seems as if by magic. And Kevin was the consummate magician. Regardless of the scale of the difficulty, or the challenges concerned in getting it from level A to level B, Kevin effortlessly and diligently carried out miracles. There was no drama, no grievance and no unhealthy mood, irrespective of how late editorial obtained the tales and images to the plant — and so they have been nearly all the time late. Keep till 3 a.m. to verify the problems obtained out OK? Certain. Wrestle with the printer to stretch the deadline as late as potential? No downside. Drive via a snowstorm to New Jersey to make sure the problems of WWD have been distributed? Completely.
“To say he was skilled is like saying the solar comes up every day. He was a paragon of dependability and good humor, and he can be immensely missed.”
Peter Sadera, editor of Sourcing Journal, one other Fairchild publication, mentioned, “Wanting again on the greater than 20 years I labored with Kevin, it’s onerous to image any interplay and not using a smile on his face. Within the time earlier than 24-hour connectivity, he was one of many few on name at 4 a.m. on a Sunday to troubleshoot the newest difficulty, and he all the time got here via. Simple to speak to, straightforward to work with and one among a sort. His passing leaves a unhappiness for a lot of.”
Joni Antonacci, vp of manufacturing operations for PMC, mentioned, “Kevin’s professionalism, nice eye for element and his out-of-the-box method to fixing issues made him the primary individual to pop to thoughts when there was a disaster. There was by no means a job or request too small for Kevin. In case you felt nervous and wanted assist, he had the flexibility to stroll right into a room and speak to you want he’d all the time recognized you. He put you comfortable, earned your respect and have become a pal that you just by no means anticipated. His smile, his horrible and fantastic puns, and his laughter can be drastically missed.”
Hurley met his spouse, Liz, at Manhattan School; they have been married for 26 years and lived within the Bronx for greater than 16 years earlier than transferring to Cornwall 18 years in the past. The couple has two sons: Owen, 20, and Andrew, 11.
When not answering panicked calls from editors, Hurley loved the outside: climbing, kayaking, geo-cashing and lengthy walks with Zoey, his Nice Pyrenees. He took nice delight in landscaping his dwelling and his potential to repair something; vehicles, computer systems or issues round the home, in keeping with his spouse.
“A lifelong Yankee fan, he shared that love with household and pals. He logged extra hours than anyone watching Motor Development channel and cherished outdated vehicles. He advised the very best or worst Dad jokes relying on who you requested. Kevin was your man for those who want something researched. He was all the time a telephone name away if anybody wanted something. We all know that’s how he would need to be remembered,” she mentioned.
Along with his spouse and sons, Hurley is survived by his sisters, Kerry Dineen (husband Patrick) and Deirdre Ennis; his father-in-law Alfred Wassler and his spouse Patti; brothers-in-law Kevin and Tim Wassler and their wives Carrie and Dana, and sister-in-law Emily Wassler. He’s additionally survived by his nieces and nephews, Connor, Rory and Brogan Dineen; Meaghan and Mackenzie Ennis; Kaitlyn, Sarah and Jack Wassler, Reese Wassler and lots of aunts, uncles and cousins.
“He will even be remembered by his very giant group of pals and coworkers, who supplied unwavering assist and power throughout his brave battle,” his spouse mentioned. He was predeceased by his mother and father John and Elizabeth, his mother-in-law, Mary Wassler, and his brother-in-law, James Ennis.
The household mentioned donations in Hurley’s title might be made to the Hospice of Orange and Sullivan, or the Lustgarten Basis.
