Remembering George J. Cotliar: A Legacy of Journalism Excellence and Integrity
George J. Cotliar, a prominent figure in the journalism industry, passed away at the age of 94 at his home in Newport Beach. Cotliar had a distinguished career at the L.A. Times, where he served as managing editor for 19 years. His daughter, Sharon Cotliar-Zweifach, shared that journalism was his passion, and he instilled values of honesty and respect in his work and personal life.
Born in the Bronx to Russian immigrants, Cotliar moved to Los Angeles at a young age and pursued a career in journalism. He started at local papers before joining The Times, where he worked his way up from a reporter to managing editor. Cotliar's dedication to the paper's coverage led to the winning of 10 Pulitzer Prizes under his leadership.
Known for his accurate election predictions, strong editorial decisions, and love for college basketball, Cotliar was a respected figure in the newsroom. Despite his occasional outbursts of temper, he was admired for his commitment to delivering quality news to the readers of The Times.
Cotliar's legacy extends beyond his professional achievements. He was a devoted husband to Pearl Ruth Gottlieb and a loving father to his children, David Cotliar and Sharon Cotliar-Zweifach. His grandchildren, Abigail Zweifach-Coles and Joshua Zweifach, also survive him. Cotliar's impact on journalism and his dedication to the craft will be remembered by those who worked alongside him and the readers who benefited from his leadership.
Emily St. Martin, an entertainment reporter with a background in journalism, contributed to this article. Her experience includes working with reputable publications and winning awards for her editorial work.