Obituary of Sylvia Dowling

Sylvia Dowling, a key figure in the advertising industry at the dawn of the television age, and a long-time writer and confidante to political leaders and show business stars, died August 19th. She was 89 years old and died after a long illness. At a time when the advertising industry was in transition from radio to television and still dominated by men, Mrs. Dowling rose up through the industry’s ranks on the strength of her wit and writing skills. Mrs. Dowling held several high-ranking positions at a number of large New York City advertising firms. She started her career in advertising in 1940 as a copywriter at Young & Rubicam, quickly rising through the ranks to become vice president and associate creative director of the large multinational firm. During her time at Young & Rubicam, she received multiple Clio Awards and other honors for her work. Mrs. Dowling subsequently became the highest-ranking female at a “Big 6” advertising firm in the 1950s when she was named vice president and executive creative director at Benton & Bowles, then one of the world’s largest and most pre-eminent firms. In 1962, Mrs. Dowling was named New York Businesswoman of the Years. Mrs. Dowling played an active role in politics and public policy throughout her career advising such people as President Dwight Eisenhower, General George Marshall, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Governor Ella Grasso. She also wrote for several leading comedians, including Jack Benny, Jack Parr, Steve Allen, Eddie Cantor, Jimmy Durante. In the 1970s, after retiring from advertising, Mrs. Dowling worked as an assistant to the Kreindlers during their acquisition and long-time ownership of The “21” Club in New York City. During the 1980s, after retiring from The “21” Club, Mrs. Dowling again grew restless. Along with a group of local Connecticut businessmen, she acquired radio stations WSTC and WYRS in Stamford, Connecticut, running them for many years before ultimately selling them to Chase Broadcasting Corporation, where she remained until her retirement in 1990 at the age of 73. Mrs. Dowling went on to write a regular newspaper column for The Stamford Advocate, entitled “Fiftysomething,” in which she discussed her experiences in business and life in a sometimes hilarious, often poignant weekly feature. Born in Albany, New York, to the late Charles and Harriet Klarsfeld, Mrs. Dowling began her career in 1934 during her senior year in high school, working at a number of radio stations in Albany, including WOKO, WABY and WGY. Mrs. Dowling was the recipient of multiple awards throughout her career, in addition to New York Businesswoman of the Year (1962) and the Clio Awards won during her advertising career, including: The Big Apple Award (1986); The Connecticut Broadcasters Award for Public Service (1987); The International Broadcasters Award for Public Service (1987); The Governor’s Laurel Award for Responsible Social Involvement (1988). Mrs. Dowling was a long-time member of the Stamford Yacht Club, and an active member of the Stamford community, where she resided for more than 50 years. She served as a Member of the Board of The American Red Cross, Literacy Volunteers of America, The Teen Life Center, and The Forum for World Affairs, and was a Trustee of The Shelter for the Homeless. A passionate gardener, Mrs. Dowling’s oceanfront gardens were renowned for their beauty and orderliness. Mrs. Dowling leaves two children, Susan Dowling Coes of Stamford, Connecticut; and John Benjamin Dowling III of Norwalk, Connecticut; three grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one brother, Milton Klarsfeld of Albany, New York. A service in the celebration of her life will be held in September. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Red Cross of Stamford, 112 Prospect Street, Stamford, CT 06902. Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820