Remembering Two Children’s Industry Veterans, George Ditomassi and Richard Robinson

June 8, 2021 | The Toy Association and its members mourn the recent passing of two children’s entertainment and toy industry veterans, Toy Industry Hall of Famer George R. Ditomassi of Hasbro/Milton Bradley and Richard “Dick” Robinson, Jr. of Scholastic.

Ditomassi, 86, passed away peacefully on May 31 at his home surrounded by loved ones. His four-decade toy industry career began in 1960, when he joined Milton Bradley as a production trainee and became president in 1985. In the 1990s, he also served as chairman of the board of Milton Bradley; COO of Games and International at Hasbro, Milton Bradley’s parent company; and president of Hasbro International. His dedication to bringing household brands such as Candyland, Life, and Chutes and Ladders to worldwide prominence resulted in his induction into The Toy Association’s Toy Industry Hall of Fame in 2004. He also went on to serve as the CEO of Enesco, Shop at Home Company, and Summit America Television.

Robinson, 84, who served as Scholastic’s longtime CEO and chairman, passed away unexpectedly on June 5. Prior to his death, he had been overseeing Scholastic’s long-term strategic direction and day-to-day operations for the better part of five decades. During that time, he presided over such bestsellers as J.K. Rowling's “Harry Potter” and Suzanne Collins' “The Hunger Games” series along with educational materials, reading clubs, book fairs, and more.

Scholastic’s Board of Directors issued the following statement on his passing:

“We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Dick Robinson. Dick was a true visionary in the world of children’s books and an unrelenting advocate for children’s literacy and education with a remarkable passion his entire life. The company’s directors and employees, as well as the many educators, parents and students whose lives he touched, mourn his loss.”