Former Times Union (NY) editorial cartoonist Hy Rosen has passed at the age of 88 after battling cancer. He retired from the paper in 1989.
Rosen was the first political cartoonist hired at the Times Union, as well as the longest-tenured and most prolific. He produced more than 10,000 cartoons for the paper from 1945 until his retirement in 1989. He began as an illustrator in the art department for $25 a week, but his ambition and talent soon made him the paper’s biggest draw.
“Through many decades, Hy’s cartoons shaped the perspective of the citizens of the Capital Region and beyond, and his sculptures dot the landscape throughout the city of Albany,” said publisher George R. Hearst III. “He served with distinction, and we’ll certainly miss his fine wit and sense of decency.”
Hy Rosen was one of the established cartoonists who made me feel especially welcome when I was a new member of the Assn. of American Editorial Cartoonists.
After Hy retired from the Albany Times Union, he pursued a second career as a painter and sculptor, gaining at least as much recognition for his fine arts activities as he had as an editorial cartoonist. He was one of the really good guys and will be missed.
Hy and his wife were two of the nicest people that you could ever hope to meet. I always looked forward to seeing them at the AAEC meetings.
He definitely left his mark upon this world before he left.
I am going to miss Hy….
Hy was an excellent cartoonist and quite the sculptor too! But, what stands out most in my memory is that wonderful smiling face coupled with his genuinely warm friendliness. He was truly a fine person who went out of his way to make me feel welcome when I first joined the AAEC.
I have wonderful memories of AAEC conventions with Hy. He was a sweetheart of a guy, and a good friend. I’ll miss him. My condolences to his wonderful wife Elaine.