Richard Fechheimer, 92, a former partner in a Chicago advertising agency, died of heart disease Monday, Feb. 25, in San Diego.
Born in Hyde Park, Mr. Fechheimer attended the University of Michigan and returned to Chicago to work in advertising. He was a partner at the former North Advertising agency for almost 20 years and contributed to a renowned campaign for a home-permanent product–the “Which twin has the Toni?” ad series, said his son, Peter.
Mr. Fechheimer was more heavily involved in advertising for Belltone hearing aids. As an advertising executive, he regularly worked closely with radio producers and occasionally would dabble in writing scripts for radio programs, such as “The Don Ameche Show,” his son said.
In the early 1950s, Mr. Fechheimer helped found Lakeside Congregation in Highland Park, where he and his family lived. In the early 1960s, he was president of the Easter Seal Society of Metropolitan Chicago and the Jewish Vocational Service of Chicago.
He also was involved in the Highland Park Community Fund, the Deerfield Township Voters Association and the Illinois Association for the Crippled.
Mr. Fechheimer had an intense interest in genealogy and researched his family tree for 25 years, connecting with relatives all over the world.
His family says he was “a gentle man, but strong in his convictions and principles,” his son said.
He was a clever wordsmith who wrote songs and poems about his family, including an annual birthday poem for Elaine, his wife of 62 years, his son said.
Other survivors include three daughters, Alice Martin, Ellen Broslovsky and Nancy Jolly; and five grandchildren. Services will be Sunday in San Diego.
