Tom Estey, a veteran leisure publicist and Nanci Ryder protege, sadly died on January 3 after struggling an sudden cardiac occasion, his household introduced. He was 61 years outdated on the time of his demise. In a heartbreaking assertion to The Hollywood Reporter his household praised the PR strategist for his “infectious character” and his admirable “heat”.

“Tom was broadly admired for his heat, humor and infectious character,” his household stated. “He introduced that very same generosity of spirit and care to each relationship and was as passionate concerning the individuals he labored with because the work itself.

“His affect was felt not simply in headlines and placements, however within the careers he helped form and the arrogance he helped instill.”

Thomas James Estey was born in 1964 in Brockton, Massachusetts. He earned a grasp’s diploma in Communications from the College of Massachusetts in 1986 earlier than shifting to Los Angeles.

He started his profession writing for a newspaper however turned his curiosity to publicity and promotion.

Whereas in LA, he labored beneath Nanci Ryder at BWR Public Relations the place he spent eight years earlier than he launched his personal boutique company, Tom Estey Publicity and Promotion, in Might 1997.

Ryder, who died aged 67 in June 2020 after an extended battle with ALS, known as Estey “a gifted, instinctive and dedicated PR strategist.”

Estey represented a number of Hollywood purchasers together with Sheryl Lee Ralph, Matthew Perry, Richard Simmons and William Damage.

He additionally represented Annie Lennox, Jay Thomas, Lela Rochon, Oleta Adams, Robin Quivers, Jody Watley, Patti Austin, Brenda Russell, Marilyn Scott, Dianne Reeves and Phyllis Hyman, simply to call just a few.

Estey is survived by his son Tyler, his brothers Ed and Stephen, and his nephew Joe.