Renowned journalist Howard Fineman, who had a distinguished career that lasted close to five decades, has passed away at the age of 75.
His wife, Amy Nathan, shared the sad news on Twitter, revealing that Fineman lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on Tuesday night.
“I am heartbroken to share my brilliant and extraordinary husband passed away late last night surrounded by those he loved most, his family,” Nathan wrote on Twitter.
“He valiantly battled pancreatic cancer for 2 years. He couldn’t have been adored more.
“The world was a better place because he lived in it and wrote about it.”
Fineman’s career was illustrious, covering nine presidential campaigns and holding pivotal roles in political coverage at Newsweek for three decades.
During his career, Fineman interviewed every US president and major presidential candidate from Jimmy Carter to Barack Obama, and appeared on esteemed shows like Face the Nation, Larry King Live, and The Daily Show.
His journey commenced in the late 1960s at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York, where he served as a reporter and later became the editor-in-chief of The Colgate Maroon student paper.
After graduating, Fineman became a mentor to aspiring journalists, instilling his knowledge and passion in the next generation.
Reflecting on his time at Colgate, Fineman praised the institution as a guiding light and a pillar of influence.
Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Fineman was a proud member of the Jewish community in Squirrel Hill, which he held in high regard.
He started his postgraduate studies at Columbia University and then ventured to Kentucky to work for The Courier-Journal in Louisville, reporting on environmental issues while pursuing a law degree at the University of Louisville.
Subsequently, he made his way to the paper’s bureau in Washington, DC in 1977, a pivotal move that set the stage for his illustrious career.
Throughout his career, Fineman covered numerous presidential campaigns and important political events, leaving an indelible mark on the world of journalism.
He was known for his vibrant personality and dedication to his work, exemplifying the best qualities of a journalist.
