David Klinger

Former CBS VP, CBS News, 88

David Klinger, a CBS News vice president of business affairs during the years of CBS pre-eminence in television news coverage, died on Nov. 9, 1997 at Marin General Hospital in Greenbrae, CA after a massive stroke at home two days earlier. Mr. Klinger, a longtime resident of Great Neck, lived in retirement in Mill Valley, CA with his family. He was 88.

As an executive involved with big-money budgets for CBS News operations, Mr. Klinger had oversight on salaries negotiated with leading on-the-air personalities. As a lawyer, he also played a key role in codifying CBS News standards designed to prevent improper news-gathering techniques and consequent lawsuits. (Quote to Kum from Don Hewitt, exec. producer of Sixty Minutes) "The word 'honor' sums up the life of David Klinger," said The New York Times cultural affairs writer Herbert Mitgang who once held an executive position at CBS News, and who - like Mr. Klinger - was also a longtime Great Neck resident, "In his dealings with colleagues, in his loyalty to CBS News, and in his high standards, he earned the respect of correspondents, producers and editors. He was able to find solutions for all sides by compromise, instead of confrontation. We will remember him, above all, as an honorable man."

Born in NYC in March 1909, Mr. Klinger entered City College at the age of 16, studied law at night, at Fordham Law School, and began practice with Cohen, Cole, Weiss and Wharton. After serving in the Army's legal section in WWII, he joined CBS in the early 1950s until 1974, retiring under the company's then-mandatory retirement age of 65.

His wife, Ruth Shames Klinger, was a well-known NY stage actress and teacher of actors. She died on 1982, whereupon Mr. Klinger joined his daughter, Lee Klinger Lesser and her family in Mill Valley, CA. Survivors also include her husband Mark and their two children, Jason and Carol; another daughter, Laurie of Indianapolis and a son, Michael of Brookline, MA, father of Rachel and Clare.

Edward North

Edward North died on Nov. 11, 1997. He was the husband of Patricia North. The funeral was held at Temple Beth El of Great Neck on Nov. 13.

Victor Kuchlewsky

Victor Kuchlewsky, 57, of Great Neck, died on Nov. 11, 1997. Father of Anthony. Brother of Lida Klein, Maria Stbelsky and Sonia Eyssimont. Also survived by nieces and nephews. Services at St. Seraphim Russian Orthodox Church. Burial Novo Di-Veevo Cemetery.

Corinne Klafter

Corinne Klafter, of Great Neck, died on Nov. 13, 1997. Wife of Horace. Mother of Dr. Lois K. and Jerry Snyder, David S. Klafter Esq. and Nancy Kestenbaum Esq., Rabbi Beth H. Klafter and Rabbi Jonathan Hecht. Grandmother of Daniel, Deborah, Jordan, Gabriel, Rebecca and Samuel. The funeral was held on Nov. 16 at Temple Beth El of Great Neck. Donations can be made to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

Mildred Artsis

Mildred Artsis died on Nov. 17, 1997. Mother of Steven Artsis and Leslie Adams. Grandmother of Michael Artsis. Mother-in-law of Glenda Artsis. The funeral was held on Nov. 19 at Temple Beth El of Great Neck.