Douglas C. Edgell
1951-1998

Douglas C. Edgell, founder and President of Edgell Communications, died Saturday, April 11, 1998, in Atlanta, Georgia, as a result of a massive head injury, which is currently under criminal investigation. He was returning home from a business trip at the time.  A native of Greenwich, Connecticut, Douglas Edgell was born in 1951 and grew up in magazine publishing. His father, Robert, a long-time publishing executive, was Chief Executive Officer of Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, now Harcourt Brace & Co.

Douglas Edgell began his publishing career in 1973, serving in sales and management positions with Ziff Davis, Conde Nast, and Gordon Publications.  In 1984 he started Edgell Communications with his wife and business partner, Gabriele, launching the first in a series of successful technology-based magazines, Automatic ID News, which they later sold to another publisher.  Doug became widely known and respected in the information technology and publishing communities. Gabriele said her husband had a great gift for helping people figure out what made them happy. “He was always there for other people and wanted them to succeed,” she said.

Over the next ten years, Douglas and Gabriele Edgell founded and launched seven new magazines: RIS News, Consumer Goods Manufacturer, Retail Systems Reseller, Data Capture Reseller, Hospitality Technology, Selling Christmas Decorations, and Selling Halloween, all of which remain in active publication today. His company, based in Randolph, New Jersey, employs approximately 40 people.

Douglas Edgell was an avid sportsman and enjoyed weekends in the Adirondacks. He was an elite amateur water skier, snow skier, snowmobiler, and off-road enthusiast. He is survived by his wife Gabriele, his daughter, Katherine, 14, and his son, Gregory, 10. He is also survived by his mother, Kathleen Edgel of Alexandria, Virginia, and four sisters: Robin Davis of Hamilton, Massachusetts; Sarah Edgell and Deborah Oberg, both of Denver, Colorado; and Jane Edgell of New York City.  He also leaves behind four nieces and three nephews.

“Doug was a dynamic man,” said Gabriele. “He adored his children and was a wonderful son. He cared about his employees and his sisters, and always tried to be there for people.”

Gerry Ryerson, Edgell Communications’ Chief Operating Officer, commented, “Douglas Edgell’s vision, strength and leadership will be greatly missed; the magazines he founded and built will live on through the inspiration and dedication he inspired and under the able direction of Gabriele Edgell.”