John Condon, Apparel News Account Exec, 84
John Condon, a long-time California Apparel News account executive, died on Jan. 3 at the age of 84.
For 35 years he was a fixture at the newspaper and became one of the paper’s top-selling ad executives before retiring in 2006. Condon—whose clients ranged from small companies to large international accounts such as DuPont, Invista, Federal Express, CIT, Cotton Inc., Wells Fargo and Guess—was remembered as a warm and gentlemanly character who won over people with his kindness.
“John Condon was the consummate gentleman. He was a valued employee of this company for over 35 years, remaining a friend after his retirement in 2006. We shall miss him,” said Molly Rhodes, the newspaper’s publisher.
A former radio operator in the Navy, Condon earned a degree in fine arts and business from Syracuse University. His first fashion-industry job was as a promotion manager at Phillips-Van Heusen Corp., a New York–based shirt maker.
After a decade at Monsanto’s textile division as the director of apparel advertising, Condon moved west, accepting a position as sales account executive at California Apparel News.
Condon, who is survived by his son, Steven Condon, and his son’s family, was a widower. Joan Condon, his wife of 48 years, died in 2002.
“My father was a patient and kind person, a very gentle soul. He was very well-liked, and he was sharp as a tack until the very end,” Steven Condon said.
Memorial services for Condon will be held Jan. 16 at noon at Oakwood Memorial Park in Chatsworth, Calif. A reception will follow at the West Valley Christian Church in West Hills, Calif.—Erin Barajas
