Sid Rutberg, a renowned financial editor and columnist who spent nearly five decades as a fixture at Women’s Wear Daily, has passed away at the age of 101. Rutberg’s remarkable life and career have left an indelible mark on the world of finance, and his legacy will be deeply felt by those who knew him. Born in Brooklyn in 1924, Rutberg was drafted into the Army in 1943, where he studied engineering at Kansas State College under the Army Specialized Training Program. During his time in the Army, Rutberg studied engineering and developed a strong foundation in mathematics and economics, skills that would serve him well in his future career.
After serving in France, Germany, and Czechoslovakia until the end of the war, Rutberg was transferred to the 97th Infantry division where he was trained in demolitions. He was sent to Europe for the final assault on Nazi Germany and the cleanup for the Battle of the Bulge. Rutberg’s knowledge of Yiddish enabled him to be a translator for those captured. This experience not only gave him a unique perspective on the world but also instilled in him a strong sense of determination and resilience.
“He was a translator, a teacher, a mentor, and a friend to many. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, and the impact he had on the world of finance.” – Ed Nardoza, former editor-in-chief of WWD
After serving in Japan in 1946, Rutberg began writing for the Army newspaper, a skill that sparked his lifelong interest in journalism. He went on to attend Brooklyn College, where he graduated with a BA in economics and political science and an MA from Bernard Baruch School of Business and CCNY. Rutberg’s academic background provided him with a solid foundation in finance and economics, skills that would serve him well in his future career. Rutberg joined Fairchild Publications in 1949 as a buyers arrival reporter and worked his way up to become a financial editor and columnist. He penned both “The Street” and “Hey Dad” for Fairchild’s flagship publication, Women’s Wear Daily. Rutberg’s work was not limited to financial reporting; he also wrote books, including “Ten Cents on the Dollar,” a humorous take on bankruptcy, and “The Money Balloon,” a story on inflation dating from the ancient Romans to the 1970s. During his tenure at WWD, Rutberg was president of the New York Financial Writers and he was also an eager participant in the Financial Follies, an annual event held in New York City where he danced and sang to help raise money for journalism scholarships. Rutberg’s work at WWD was highly respected, and he was considered the Dean of Financial Editors in New York City for decades. “Sid was one of a kind. His understanding of the business and financial side of retail and fashion apparel was unmatched. Aside from traditional financial reporting, his own reporting in the early 1990s also included deep dives into court filings involving major retailers and fashion brands.” – Arthur Zaczkiewicz, executive editor of strategic content development for WWD and the Fairchild Media Group
Rutberg’s contributions to the world of finance were not limited to his work at WWD. He was also a published author and his books were widely read and respected. Rutberg’s work was characterized by his unique ability to explain complex financial information in a clear and concise manner, making him a beloved figure in the world of finance.
- “Ten Cents on the Dollar”
- “The Money Balloon”
- “The Joy of Expense Account Living”
- Playboy’s “Investment and Financial Planning Guide for Singles”
- “Fashion Retailing and a Bygone Era, Inside Women’s Wear Daily”
As Rutberg’s career progressed, he became known for his ability to break major industry IPO stories and provide definitive coverage on every M&A deal. He was a great journalist and a great teacher, and his work had a profound impact on the world of finance. “Sid was a master teacher of young reporters. His reporters went on to lead top-tier financial newsrooms around the country. Through these ‘graduates,’ Sid’s spirit, generosity and talents live on.” – Rich Wilner, financial reporter who worked under Rutberg
Rutberg is survived by his wife and son as well as several nieces and nephews, stepchildren, step grandchildren, and step great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at the National Cemetery of Sarasota on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. Contributions can be made to All Faiths Food Bank, the Jewish Family & Children’s Services, or any charity in Rutberg’s name.