A tribute to the remarkable life and contributions of Richard C. Ockerbloom.
Boston bids farewell to Richard C. Ockerbloom, a beloved figure and longtime vice chairman of the Boston Globe who passed away at 95. His legacy in journalism and commitment to kindness have left an indelible mark on the community.
In a heartwarming farewell, Boston bids adieu to a cherished figure, Richard C. Ockerbloom, who passed away peacefully at the age of 95 this past Friday. His journey through life was nothing short of remarkable, marked by devotion to his family and dedication to the world of journalism.
Ockerbloom’s extraordinary career spanned an impressive 45 years at the Boston Globe, beginning as a co-op student from Northeastern University. What started as a humble entry-level clerical position in the late 1940s saw him rise through the ranks to serve as president and later vice chairman of the Globe. It’s hard to believe that his career coincided with about one-third of the Globe’s tenure under the Taylor family. His retirement in 1993 came at a pivotal moment, just as the paper was sold to a well-known national firm.
Throughout his years at the Globe, Ockerbloom was known as a central figure in business operations, especially during the impactful era led by editor Thomas Winship. His contributions were particularly significant in building the advertising department. Colleagues reflected on his friendly sales tactics—like negotiating ad placement perched on a ladder—showing that Ockerbloom was never one to shy away from hard work or creativity.
Ockerbloom believed that kindness and good communication were essential in the workplace. He took special care to engage with new employees, seeking to understand their experiences. His willingness to connect on a personal level set the tone for the Globe’s culture, where relationships mattered just as much as deadlines.
Born Carl Frederick Ockerbloom on December 19, 1929, in Arlington, Massachusetts, his roots were deep in education. With a mother who was an elementary school teacher and a father who taught various subjects including shop and math, Ockerbloom was instilled with a love for learning from a young age. He even served as president of his senior class and graduated from Northeastern University in 1952 with a degree in business administration. Later, he received an honorary doctorate from Northeastern in 1995, further solidifying his bond with his alma mater.
Ockerbloom met his beloved wife, Anne Joan Torpey, during his early days at the Globe. They married in 1955, right after he completed his service in the Army. Together, they raised five wonderful children, creating a legacy that continues with 16 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Despite the joy he found in family life, Ockerbloom faced personal tragedy when his sixth child, Carl, passed away from cancer at the young age of 46 in 2004. Even with such heart-wrenching moments, Ockerbloom’s unconditional love for his family and everyone he encountered remained steadfast.
A service to honor Ockerbloom’s life and contributions will be announced soon. His deep connection to the Globe and the personal relationships he fostered throughout his life will be fondly remembered. Friends and colleagues recall the electric atmosphere outside Globe offices during elections, with crowds gathering to catch headline updates. His love for journalism emerged early on, and he cherished the experience that set him on a path towards a fulfilling career.
Ockerbloom’s legacy endures not just in the pages of the Globe, but in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him. As Boston reflects on his extraordinary life, it’s clear that Richard C. Ockerbloom was more than a dedicated executive—he was a kind soul who touched lives everywhere he went.
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