Ira Elenthal, a notable figure in the newspaper industry, known for his leadership at the New York Daily News and the Atlantic, passed away peacefully in 1988 at his Old Greenwich, Connecticut home.
A native of Queens, Elenthal was deeply rooted in the newspaper realm, with a father who worked in the business. He took on roles as publisher and CEO at several prominent outlets, penned multiple books, and shared insights through his Substack column until just weeks before his death on July 29.
Matt Barba, a media executive, paid tribute, stating, “The IRA was my former boss and a long-time leader and friend in the Atlantic. I had the privilege of supporting the technical aspects of [Elenthal’s Substack columns], while the hard work he put in really fostered creativity.”
Barba described Elenthal’s excitement about connecting with a new audience and his zest for sharing valuable sales lessons and stories gathered over a rich career.
Born in 1937 in Far Rockaway, Elenthal was the son of Alexander “Slootie” Elenthal, who spent nearly four decades with the delivery division of the New York Daily News.
He attended New York University, where he worked as the assistant sports editor for student publications.
Although passionate about journalism, Elenthal soon recognized his strengths lay in the business aspect of the industry. After stints as editor and publisher of various trade publications, he transitioned to consumer-focused media, as noted in the Daily News.
By the early ’90s, he had assumed the role of president and associate publisher of news, marking the start of a rewarding career that lasted decades.
In 1998, he left the tabloid for Atlantic and Fast Company, later returning to the Daily News as an executive in 2000, eventually moving on in 2006 to serve as Associate Publisher of El Bocello de Puerto Rico.
Not one to retire quietly, Elenthal authored three books. His works include “Selols Smart,” released in 1982, “Slootie’s Wars,” a tribute to his father, and in 2020, “The Last Book on Sales You’ve Always Needed.”
Through the columns “Sellenthal” and “Selling Shorts,” he shared his insights on the Substack Channel “The Art of Selling,” with the last entry authored by his protégé, Barba.
A friend once remarked, “Ira will be remembered for his humor, zest for life, intelligence, and, of course, his storytelling.”
He is survived by his wife Judith, aged 63, their three sons—Matthew, Jonathan, and Andrew—as well as eight grandchildren, according to family sources.
