Herbert Zeltner

Herbert Zeltner, 88, passed away on March 29 at Maplewood at Stony Hill in Bethel. He leaves behind his wife Morissa and children Charles Zeltner (Linda), Elizabeth Sorrel and Laurie Anderson. Grandfather of Robert Andrew Sorrel, Caroline Leigh Sorrel and Collin Nicholas Anderson.

Herbert’s career in advertising and marketing spanned more than half a century. He started at Proctor & Gamble after graduating at the age of 19 from NYU, followed by serving in the US Army Signal Corps during the Korean Conflict. He was soon called to New York City where he worked at Lennen and Newell, quickly becoming the youngest Media Director of a major advertising agency. He went on to become Executive VP of Needham, Harper and Steers where he oversaw Media and Marketing as well as the agency’s European affiliated.

His writing ability led to the ANA (Association of National Advertisers) requesting him to write marketing guides and articles which they published. His speaking ability and organizational skills led him to serve as a governor of the American Association of Advertising Agency’s New York Council where he developed and conducted an Advanced Advertising Studies Program. He lectured frequently at the ANA, the American Management Association and at various universities in addition to working closely with Crain Communication, Inc., the publisher of Advertising Age and Crain’s NY Business. Before retiring, he joined the Interpublic Group of Companies where he served as Chairman of its Strategy Review Board.

Herb loved traveling and took immense pleasure in being able to visit 6 of the 7 continents. (He was able to drive cars equally well in the right and left- hand traffic). Photographing scenery in the many different countries was a never-ending delight. The lack of labels was a problem for all but him.

A love of classical music manifested itself early in his life when he started playing piano. When in Cincinnati he was honored to be asked to play with the Cincinnati Conservatory Orchestra. He continued taking lessons until well into his seventies. Attending concerts at Lincoln Center and special exhibits at The Metropolitan Museum of Art were his favorites. He was a voracious reader and always had another book lined up when he finished the one he was reading. He was definitely a Renaissance man, a man who will be very much missed.

Services will held on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home, 2 School Street Woodbury, CT 06798.

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