Rest In Play - 2020 - 2029

Stan Resnicoff was an accomplished musician, children's book author, and artist. He worked most notably for Mattel and for Educational Insights as an educational software designer. Described by those ...close to him as smart and funny, he will be dearly missed.Show more

Lance Reddick, born June 7, 1982, passed away on March 17, 2023. Well known for his role as Cedric Daniels in The Wire, the actor has also been featured in Fringe, Bosch, the John Wick franchise, and ...Angel has Fallen.Show more

Steven W. Smith has sadly passed away this year due to complications from heart surgery. A notable professional in the public relations field, Smith was most famous for creating the public relations c...ampaign that launched Teddy Ruxpin, an iconic and classic '80s toy.Show more

Dana Weiss, 82, peacefully passed away on February 9, 2023, at home in Rockwall, Texas surrounded by his family. Dana was born to Fred and Marion Weiss on November 24, 1940 in Lakewood, Ohio. After... graduating from Avon Lake High School in 1958, he enlisted in the United Coast Guard and served from 1959 to 1963. He completed basic training at Cape May, New Jersey, and then transferred to Petty Officer's school in Groton, Connecticut. He specialized in electronics and communication technology. He was based in Galveston, Texas during Hurricane Carla in 1961. At the end of his enlistment, he received the CG Good Conduct Medal for exemplary service during his tenure. Following his USCG service, he returned home and began a sales position with Beechnut and Lifesaver. In 1966, he joined Mattel Toys, Inc. serving as Vice-President of domestic sales. He supervised toy sales to over 2,550 Wal-Mart Stores nationwide until his retirement in 2000. Read More...Show more

SVP of Sales at Schylling, died on March 13, 2023, mere weeks after being diagnosed with cancer. The 56-year-old executive dedicated more than 30 years of his life to the industry, the past three of w...hich have been spent growing the reach of classic toy brands, including NeeDoh, Big Wheel, and more. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Bryan … he was a dynamic leader, steadfast partner, and a cherished friend,” says Paul Weingard, President, and CEO at Schylling. “Bryan loved his work and loved his team, and we are thankful for all he has done for us. We will continue his legacy at Schylling as we honor and remember this extraordinary man.” Bendavid entered the toy industry as an account executive at Russ Berrie & Co., eventually growing his profile and taking on leadership roles at companies including GUND, Epoch Everlasting Play, and Spin Master as he worked on bringing brands including Pusheen, Calico Critters, Trolls, and others to retailers across North America. “Bryan has left an unforgettable impact on Schylling, its employees, and its customers,” adds Bryan Katzel, Vice President of Product Development at Schylling. “We are truly honored to have had Bryan as a member of our executive team and work family. While we are deeply saddened by his loss, our hearts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.” Bendavid is survived by his wife of 31 years, Lisa, son Jared, daughters Emily and Carlie, mother Jane, and sister Beth Piersanti and her husband Frank. (from ToyBook)Show more

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(15 March 1926 – March 2022) Ralph Anspach, was a Professor at San Francisco State University, is best known for creating the game Anti-Monopoly and the legal battles that ensued with General Mills... and Parker Brothers. In the process, he discovered the true inventor of the Monopoly board game was Lizzie Magie in 1904. Lizzy was a feminist and subscribed to radical economic theories - she wanted to show the evils of monopolies via her board game.Show more

Robert Dale Zera, Age 71, of Minnetonka died Sunday, February 19, 2023 at home surrounded by his family. Rob was preceded in death by his parents Casimir and Jean. He is survived by Peggy, his wi...fe of 44 years, sons Dan (Niki) and R.J. (Robert Joseph), sister Lynda (Jim) James, brother Rick (Diana) Zera, sisters Lori Zera and Lisa Zera-Polley, uncles Ray Weaver, Joe Saur, and Al Meyerl, brother-in-law Dan (Kathleen) Shea, many cousins, and close friends. He was an affectionate uncle to numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Rob was born in Washington, DC, lived in Bethesda, Maryland, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, Concord, Massachusetts, Potomac, Maryland, and Brooklyn, New York, before moving to Minnesota and living in Edina, Minneapolis, and Minnetonka for the past 48 years. His creative journey began as an art student at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, in the early 1960s. He was the art editor for the Winston Churchill High School Yearbook and went on to graduate cum laude from Pratt Institute in New York with a degree in industrial design. Rob utilized this degree as a product designer in the toy industry with various companies, including Team Windsor (Girsch Design Associates), Custom Concepts, Schaper Manufacturing, Tonka Toys, and his own company, Zera Industrial Design. Rob was a loving husband and father as well as a talented chef, landscape and visual artist, and home renovator. He freely shared his wit and his passion for music by including family and friends in concertgoing experiences. For Rob family always came first. We are so fortunate to have had him in our lives. A service of remembrance will be held at 11 am on Friday, March 17 with a visitation one hour prior at the Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, 5000 West 50th Street & Highway 100, Edina. Memorials in Robert Zera's name may be directed to the Park Nicollet Foundation: Frauenshuh Cancer Center or Hospice Home Care. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996Show more

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John Sepenuk was the Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Cryptozoic Entertainment based in Lake Forest, California. The following is a tribute from Nico Blau, President & CEO at BOTI Ltd & BOTI... Europe BV: Earlier this week I was informed my dear friend and former colleague John Sepenuk passed away. I was blown away, couldn't believe it and felt a deep dark colored emptiness. John died while he was exercising one of his favorite passions, kite surfing. He was only 54 yrs young and is now survived by his wife Tania and their beautiful young son Brandon. It is hard to imagine only 2 weeks ago we had a couple of beers and shared some memories and jokes at my booth in Nurnberg Toy Fair. REA MORE...Show more

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John Sepenuk was the Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Cryptozoic Entertainment based in Lake Forest, California.

VTech’s Julian Page passed away suddenly on January 3rd, and his funeral will be held next week. Julian spent over 25 years in the toy industry, holding a variety of positions with Hasbro, Mega B...rands and Mattel. Most recently, he has been working as National Account manager at VTech, a role he held for over six years. At just 54 years old, Julian leaves his wife Vicky and two daughters, whom he often referred to as his ‘Three Page Girls’. Julian was a great personality and was well respected, not just within the companies he worked at, but by all his customers past and present, his colleagues at VTech and his many friends within the UK toy trade and around the world. READ MORE...Show more

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