Howard Rubenstein, George Steinbrenner's longtime public relations representative, died Tuesday at age 88.
Rubenstein was The Boss' spokesman for many years and was a PR icon for the Yankees and New York City.
"The Yankees organization mourns the passing of public relations legend Howard Rubenstein, who was a trusted friend and confidant to George Steinbrenner and the Steinbrenner family for more than four decades," read a statement from the Yankees, the Steinbrenner family and team president Randy Levine. "Howard's contributions to the Yankees took many forms over the years, and his positive effect on the course of our franchise cannot be understated. He was a self-effacing visionary and trailblazer who could often see what others missed. An expert communicator and master of his craft, he was an adept and thoughtful listener no matter how challenging the issue or how tense the situation.
"Howard will be remembered by our organization not just for his incredible kindness, warmth and loyalty, but also for his deep understanding of what the Yankees mean to the Steinbrenner family, the City of New York and to the team’s fans around the world. We have lost one of the greats in his field with his passing, and he will be missed. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Amy Forman, his three children, Roni, Richard, and Steven, as well as to his entire family, his friends and colleagues.”
Rubenstein founded his PR agency, Rubenstein Associates, in 1954. His clients over the years included many of New York's most famous celebrities and organizations -- from Donald Trump and Rupert Murdoch to Columbia, the Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic.
The Yankees honored Rubenstein with an on-field ceremony at Yankee Stadium in 2014 to celebrate his 60th anniversary in PR.