Veteran television writer Barry Blitzer, who in semi-retirement wrote a humor column and jazz reviews for the Palisadian-Post for 16 years, died on January 27 at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica from complications after abdominal surgery. He was 80. Born on April 21, 1929, in New York City and raised in Washington Heights, Blitzer attended the University of Georgia after being impressed with its Grady College of Journalism. He served in the Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany, where he worked for Armed Forces Radio. Returning to New York, Blitzer began writing for ‘The Phil Silvers Show’ and shared a 1956 Best Comedy Writing Emmy for the episode, ‘You’ll Never Get Rich.’ He went on to gain writing credits for other hit TV comedies such as ‘Too Close for Comfort,’ ‘McHale’s Navy,’ ‘Good Times,’ ‘Gomer Pyle USMC’ and ‘Get Smart,’ for which he shared a Writers Guild Award nomination in 1968 for the episode ‘What Where Whom Am I?’ with co-writer and frequent writing partner Raymond Brenner. In addition, he was proud of his work on ‘The Jonathan Winters Show’ and ‘The Carol Burnett Show.’ Blitzer also wrote episodes of popular Hanna Barbera cartoons, including ‘The Jetsons, ‘Flintstones,’ and ‘Top Cat,’ as well as children’s programs including ‘Land of the Lost.’ The Writers Guild was close to his heart, and he actively participated in many of its events over the years. In addition, he worked for equal rights for animation writers, and was a guest lecturer at the University of Texas. Fellow writer Sam Bobrick commented of Barry: ‘His sweetness came out in his writing. He was the nicest, nicest man you could imagine, and I’m going to miss him very much. He used to say some very funny things, and somehow they always ended up in my shows. He had such a dry sense of humor, and he never tooted his own horn. I don’t know anyone who has ever said a bad thing against him’and that’s very rare in this business.’ Blitzer and his wife, Elsie, moved to Pacific Palisades in 1973, shortly after their marriage. ’I was teaching social studies at Palisades High,’ Elsie said, ‘and that’s what brought us here. We rented a house on Charm Acres Place, a name that always amused Barry, and then bought a house on Akron.’ Winding down his television career but eager to keep writing, Blitzer began contributing his Pop Kulture column to the Post in October 1993, starting with these lines: ‘First off let me explain. I’m an irascible Senior Citizen as well as being a long-time Palisades resident and a confirmed Tri-Sexual. At this age, I’ll try anything! Furthermore, the opinions expressed in this column are strictly personal, highly prejudicial, inflammatory and do not reflect the opinion of any person living or of sound mind, including the Editor of the Palisadian-Post, about whom I have serious doubts. So readers, be tolerant and remember that you’re hearing from a borderline retiree with a cranky back and a 16-year-old daughter who thinks I belong in Jurassic Park.’ Every two or three weeks thereafter for many years, Blitzer would bring in his man-about-town column (typewritten at first until he finally broke down and bought a computer) and an occasional All That Jazz piece or theater review. He also enjoyed writing features about various residents and business owners in the Palisades and recounting the amusing moments and misfortunes that seasoned his travels. In 1997, Blitzer created a spinoff business writing prophecies for his own line of fortune cookies (‘Yenta Blitzer’s Jewish Misfortune Cookies’) that he sold at local outlets. Sample messages: ‘Never fear success’you will not have any,’ ‘Foreign travel awaits you’you are being deported,’ and ‘For you, Passover means no promotion.’ Late in life, even when he was in pain and bed-ridden, ‘Barry never lost his sense of humor,’ said his wife. ‘One day a Medicare nurse came to draw blood. Barry was only semi-conscious, but I heard her say, ‘This won’t hurt’it will just be a prick.’ And Barry responded, ‘Did you call me a prick?’ This upset the nurse, but the caretaker and I just laughed because it was so typical Barry.’ In addition to his beloved wife, Blitzer is survived by his daughter, Amy; his sister Benita, who is a well-known biographer; his cousin Barbara Diamant, an opera singer and music therapist; and his dog, Pilet. A Celebration of Life is planned for family and close friends; date and location to be announced. Donations may be made to The Writers Guild Foundation. Contact: (323) 782-4692, or visit: www.WGFoundation.org/donate.aspx.
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