David Gerard Ferm, Sr.

David G. "Dave" Ferm, a respected media executive, publishing leader, husband, father, brother, uncle, colleague, mentor, and friend, passed away on April 17, 2026, at the age of 78, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Dave built a remarkable career defined by vision, discipline, warmth, and a gift for bringing people and ideas together. Dave started his career in Chicago, his hometown, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in marketing from Loyola University Chicago. He began his professional life at The Chicago

Tribune, where he entered the management training program in 1969. He quickly distinguished himself, receiving the organization’s Chesser M. Campbell Award for excellence in sales and rising through several circulation, marketing, and advertising leadership roles.

Dave later moved to New York, where he continued an accomplished career with The New York Times Company. His roles included director of retail advertising for The New York Times, executive vice president and general manager of Family Circle Magazine, president of The Golf Company, and publisher of Golf Digest. In 1993, he joined Business Week as publisher, and in 1999 he was named president of the Business Week Group at The McGraw-Hill Companies. His tenure was marked by growth, innovation, and a deep commitment to the strength of the magazine and its people.

In 2000, Dave joined PRIMEDIA, where he served as president and chief executive officer of major media and magazine groups. In that role, he oversaw a wide range of consumer and business-to-business media assets, including print magazines, internet businesses, trade shows, television programming, and live events. Across every chapter of his career, David was known as a steady leader with a sharp mind, generous spirit, and a talent for seeing potential in both people and organizations.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dave gave his time and leadership to many organizations. He served on the boards of the Magazine Publishers Association, the Advertising Council, Students in Free Enterprise, American Business Media, and as a trustee of Loyola University Chicago. He was also chairman of the President’s

Society at Loyola University Chicago, a place that remained meaningful to him throughout his life.

Dave will be remembered not only for what he achieved, but for how he lived: with humor, intelligence, resilience, curiosity, and love. He brought energy into every room, took pride in his work and family, and left a legacy shaped by generosity, loyalty, and a life fully lived.

Among his many accomplishments, one of Dave’s proudest and most enduring achievements was his family, especially his five children, who carry forward his spirit, humor, strength, and love.

He is survived by his loving spouse of 28 years, Molly K. Ferm; his former wife, Margy Ferm; his children, David and his wife, Laura, John and his wife, Jennifer, Joseph and his wife, Sarah, Blake and his wife, Frankie, and Anna and her husband, Jerry; his 11 grandchildren, David III, Tim, Kimberly, Jack, Tess, Rex, Desmond, Sonny, Mea, Emmi, and Gabriel; Tim and Jade’s son, Banks; his sister, Connie Caccamo; and many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.

He was predeceased by his older sister, Angela, and his brother, Jack Ferm.

A Memorial Mass will be held on October 28 at 12:00 pm (noon) at St. Christopher Church, 12001 SE Federal Highway, Hobe Sound, FL 33455, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to, the Jupiter Medical Center Foundation

1210 South Old Dixie Highway, Jupiter, FL 33458

www.jmcfoundation.org

or

St. Christopher Church, 12001 SE Federal Highway, Hobe Sound, FL 33455 Phone: 772-546-5150.

Dave’s family takes comfort in the spirit of a reflection he valued: that life is whole, with both joy and sorrow, light and shadow, and that the journey, once lived with love, purpose, and gratitude, is worth living. David’s journey was rich, meaningful, and deeply cherished by those who had the privilege of walking beside him.