David Finn
Photo: Unknown author Unknown author, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons10

David Finn

American public relations executive, art historian, and photographer (1921–2021)

David Finn (born Finkelstein, August 30, 1921 – October 18, 2021) was an American public relations executive, photographer, and historian of sculpture. He is known in public relations as a co-founder of the Ruder Finn firm.2

From Wikipedia’s article on David Finn (this version), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Born Aug 30, 1921, died Oct 18, 2021.1

About

In addition to his career in public relations, Finn was a lifelong historian and photographer of sculpture.

From Wikipedia’s article on David Finn, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.2

Companies

Early life and education

Finn was born David Finkelstein in New York City on August 30, 1921. His father, Jonathan (1885–1971), worked as a writer; his mother, Sadie (Borgenicht), created dresses for children. His father, who employed Finn as his pen name, changed the family name when David was in high school. Finn enrolled in the City College of New York in 1939 and graduated with a bachelor's degree four years later. He then served briefly in the Army Air Forces during World War II.

From Wikipedia’s article on David Finn (this version), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Career

Occupation: public relations executive, public relations consultant, painter, entrepreneur, art historian, photographer.4

Finn co-founded the Ruder Finn public relations agency in 1948 along with Bill Ruder. Over the years, his clients included Perry Como, John D. Rockefeller III, and John F. Kennedy, among many others. Ruder Finn has also represented many Fortune 500 companies, universities, not-for-profit organizations, and foreign governments.

From Wikipedia’s article on David Finn (this version), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Personal life

  • BornAug 30, 1921, New York City5 6
  • DiedOct 18, 2021, New Rochelle6 7
  • CitizenshipUnited States8

Finn married Laura Zeisler in 1945. She was classmates at Hunter College with his younger sister, Helen. They remained married until his death. Together, they had four children: Kathy, Dena, Amy, and Peter.

Finn died at the age of 100 on October 18, 2021, at his home in New Rochelle, New York.

From Wikipedia’s article on David Finn (this version), CC BY-SA 4.0.