Associate publisher and marketing exec Tomlinson passes away at 77

WEST CHESTER, Pa. — Charles “Charlie” Tomlinson, the vice president of new business development at Today Media, publisher of the Italian-American Herald and other publications in the Brandywine region, died on Jan. 25. He was 77.

Charlie Tomlinson, the vice president of new business development at Today Media, died at the age of 77. His numerous colleagues and friends say he was a man known for his laugh and eager to meet people. | PHOTO COURTESY OF WORLD TRADE CENTER DELAWARE

Born and raised in West Chester, Pa., Tomlinson developed his strong interest in communications from his high school days which led him to graduate from Temple University in 1969. After building a career in marketing and broadcasting through jobs at WJBR 99.5 and Winner Automotive Group, Tomlinson joined Today Media as the director of sales for the publishing company’s flagship magazine, Delaware Today, in 1995.

After a brief hiatus, he rejoined the company as associate publisher of Delaware Today in 2008. Tomlinson worked for Today Media for more than 21 years. At the time of his passing, he was in the middle of winding down his career and was set to formally retire at the end of January this year. While at work, he was known to be quick with a laugh and eager for treats from the company candy jar.

Under his tenure, Tomlinson managed sales but also was a key figure in the launch of Main Line Today in Pennsylvania in 1996 where he eventually became its associate publisher. He also helped establish the Delaware Business Times in 2014 and was heavily involved in the acquisition of the Delaware Valley Italian-American Herald.

Tasked with finding new business leads and turning them into clients, Tomlinson helped build Today Media’s custom print portfolio, bringing clients into the fold such as the Delaware Contractors Association, World Trade Center Delaware, Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry and Chester County Tourism.

Today Media President and CEO Rob Martinelli said that Tomlinson was very instrumental in the company’s growth, as well as leveraging several networking and civic events in both northern Delaware and West Chester, Pa., to improve his book of business and make connections for the company.

“Charlie knew everybody not only in Delaware but on the Main Line. I run into people who frequently ask how Charlie is doing as he has mentored or worked with many in the communities he served. He was a true gentleman,” Martinelli said.

Over the last 40 years, Tomlinson had developed strong connections in Delaware through his marketing career, dating back to his time at WJBR as the sales director in the 1980s. When his career path changed to Winner Automotive Group, many former colleagues continue to stay in touch over the years like Delaware Public Media General Manager Pete Booker.

Their relationship spanned decades, dating back to when Booker worked at WDEL and WSTW. By the time Booker became the president of Delmarva Broadcasting Company, Tomlinson was at Winner and closely worked on developing a radio campaign. Tomlinson was the voice of many advertisements of that decade.

“He was a true professional with a great marriage of technical and advertising that he combined with skill and a very human touch,” Booker said. “But the more important point about Charlie: his picture is next to the definition of ‘gentleman’ in all the dictionaries. He never let the salesman side overtake his genuine love and respect for all.”

Joseph Cannavo, editor emeritus of the Italian-American Herald, remembered Tomlinson fondly as a friend and a trusted advisor with vast expertise in the field of mass communication. During Cannavo’s editorial tenure from 2014 to 2019, he and Tomlinson often brainstormed and collaborated on ways to grow the newspaper.

“Even after my retirement in 2019, I maintained a close friendship with Charlie. We would frequently do breakfast together, and for Charlie, jelly doughnuts were the order of the day. I personally feel the loss of this dear friend and someone who was always there for me both as the Herald editor and in retirement,” Cannavo said.

Barbara Ann Zippi, associate publisher at IAH, remembered when Tomlinson was the radio voice of Winner Ford in the 1980s, and later his support for the Delaware County Press Club, where she was a past president.

“His support was invaluable as I took on the role of associate publisher of this newspaper, which he was dedicated to from the time the newspaper became part of the Today Media family. He was a true networker and I will dearly miss his advice,” Zippi said. “I could always count on the combination of his persona and voice to make my day.’’

Tomlinson was also an avid mentor to many in the marketing field, ranging from interns who were fresh out of college to coworkers who came through his life over the years. Former interns have said that he was a role model in how to operate in business with his sweet manner and fair dealings.

Tomlinson is survived by his wife Carol and daughter Christie Moretti.

Services were held Feb. 3 at St. Agnes Parish in West Chester, with entombment at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery in Springfield, Pa.