Farewell, Mr. B

In-plant Graphics is mourning the loss of a giant in the trade magazine business. Irvin J. Borowsky, the founder of IPG’s parent company, NAPCO Media (formerly North American Publishing Co.), passed away two days before Thanksgiving.

His 90 years were full of impressive accomplishments, including the founding of the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, a tribute to his ongoing battle against bigotry and a celebration of America’s heritage of freedom.

In 1968, Mr. Borowsky purchased the magazine Reproductions Review, which would eventually become In-plant Graphics. He also launched Printing Impressions magazine, which has outlasted all of its competition and remains the industry’s top commercial printing magazine. NAPCO Media’s stable of publications has now grown to 16 magazines, 22 email newsletters, two subscription services and two trade shows. Now a full-fledged media company featuring video, marketing, eLearning and event management, NAPCO was renamed NAPCO Media as of January 1.

A printer since the age of 12, when he bought a $5 press through an ad in Popular Mechanics, Mr. Borowsky ran his own printing company while a teenager in Philadelphia. In 1948, despite television’s infancy, Mr. Borowsky established TV Digest, one of the first listings of local television programs. This publication was eventually acquired by Walter Annenberg and developed into TV Guide.

Known as “Mr. B” to NAPCO employees, Mr. Borowsky stepped down from the company in the early 1980s, allowing his son, Ned Borowsky to step in as president. Ned Borowsky remains involved with NAPCO as its chairman.

After reducing his role at NAPCO, Irvin Borowsky founded the American Interfaith Institute in 1982 and the National Liberty Museum in 2000. Both organizations encourage scholarly study, research and educational initiatives.

In a letter to employees, NAPCO President Dave Leskusky expressed Mr. Borowsky’s ability to succeed in all of his business and philanthropic initiatives.

“For those of you who didn’t know Mr. B, he lived a very accomplished life and left this earth with a legacy that will live on for years to come,” said Leskusky. “I’m not sure if he was a more accomplished entrepreneur or philanthropist but he was great at both. He followed his dreams, worked hard, went where he wanted to go, and lived life on his terms.”

Mr. Borowsky was also heavily invested in fostering strong relationships among different religious and cultural groups, editing and publishing 16 books on the topic. He received a Doctorate of Humane Letters, honoris causa from Drexel University in 2014, recognizing his accomplishments.

All of us at NAPCO Media mourn the passing of this visionary, philanthropist and all-around inspiring presence.