Howard J. Rubenstein facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Howard J. Rubenstein
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Rubenstein at the 2010 Time 100 Gala
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| Born | February 3, 1932 Brooklyn, New York City, U.S.
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| Died | December 29, 2020 (aged 88) Manhattan, New York City, U.S.
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| Education | University of Pennsylvania (BS) St. John's University (JD) |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
| Known for | Public relations |
| Relatives | Sol Forman (father-in-law) |
Howard Joseph Rubenstein (born February 3, 1932 – died December 29, 2020) was an American lawyer. He was also a very important expert in public relations. Public relations is about helping people and companies share their story and look good.
He was so good that Rudy Giuliani called him "the dean of damage control." This means he was the best at helping people fix their image when things went wrong.
Mr. Rubenstein started his business in his parents' kitchen. It grew into one of the most powerful public relations companies in New York City.
Many famous groups and people were his clients. These included the New York Yankees baseball team, News Corporation, Columbia University, the New York Philharmonic orchestra, and the Metropolitan Opera.
Contents
Howard Rubenstein's Early Life & Education
Howard Rubenstein grew up in a Jewish-American family. His home was in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, New York. He had an older sister named June.
His mother, Ada, came from Russia when she was nine. She was a homemaker. His father, Sam, was a crime reporter for the New York Herald Tribune newspaper.
Howard went to Midwood High School in Brooklyn. After that, he studied at the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated in 1953 with a degree in economics. He was a top student, earning Phi Beta Kappa.
He then started at Harvard Law School. However, he left during his first semester. Later, he took night classes at the St. John's University School of Law. He finished first in his class in 1959.
Howard Rubenstein's Career in Public Relations
Howard Rubenstein started his career by writing press releases. These were for a nursing home in Brooklyn called Menorah Home and Hospital. His father helped him get this first job.
At first, he worked from his parents' kitchen. But his business grew quickly. He once said, "I was the only Democratic press agent in Brooklyn." This meant many politicians came to him for help.
After finishing law school in 1959, he worked for the United States House Committee on the Judiciary. But he left that job after six months.
Mr. Rubenstein founded his own company, Rubenstein Associates, in 1954. It became known as the most important public relations company in New York City. It has two other companies connected to it: Rubenstein Public Relations and Rubenstein Communications, Inc.
His company worked with many famous New York groups. These included the New York Yankees and Columbia University. He also worked with Rupert Murdoch since 1976. Both Fred Trump and Donald Trump were his clients since 1973.
Rubenstein also helped make the New York City Marathon a huge event. It became the world's largest marathon. He also represented the Quinnipiac Poll for many years.
People in the public relations world admired him greatly. Archie Obrien of Everything PR called him "a PR genius" and "public relations royalty."
Howard Rubenstein's Family Life
In 1959, Howard Rubenstein married Amy Forman. Amy's father, Sol Forman, owned the famous Peter Luger Steak House.
Howard and Amy had four children. Their daughter, Roni, was born in 1961. Their sons were David (born 1962, died 1971), Richard (born 1965), and Steven (born 1969).
Roni later became a district attorney. Richard is now the president of Rubenstein Public Relations. He works with clients all over the world. Steven leads Rubenstein Communications Inc., and one of his clients is Amazon.com.
Howard Rubenstein passed away at his home in Manhattan. He died on December 29, 2020, at the age of 88.
See also
In Spanish: Howard J. Rubenstein para niños
