He was born June 13, 1927, in Media, Pa., where he was raised. He was a 1952 graduate of Temple University, Philadelphia, Pa. He served as a naval meteorologist with the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt during World War II.

After serving his country, he married his wife, Eleanor, in 1951, in Middletown, Pa. His early career was as a sports journalist for the Upper Darby News in Upper Darby, Pa., His lifelong passion included serving the public relations field as a vice president of media relations/crisis communications; he was a lifelong member of the Public Relations Society of America. He was employed by many of the largest public relations firms in New York City and Chicago. Upon retiring, he formed his own public relations company, known as ABS Communications.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Eleanor; his five children, Lynn (Jim) Jennings, Warrenville; Steve (Donna) Smedley, Danvers; Laurie Cool, Hebron; Tom (Janelle) Smedley, Hayward, Wis.; and Kristina Lowery, Plainfield; his 10 grandchildren, including Sam Smedley, 12, of Danvers; two great-grandchildren; and his brother, James (Elaine) Smedley, Philadelphia, Pa.

Services and interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the American Lung Association. Williams-Kampp Funeral Home, Wheaton, is in charge of arrangements.