Richard Philbrick dies; was religion reporter, CNS book review editor

Published: 2006-02-06

SILVER SPRING, Md. (CNS) -- Richard Philbrick, a longtime religion and education editor for the Chicago Tribune who wrote and edited book reviews for Catholic News Service for more than 20 years following his retirement from the Tribune, died Jan. 25 of complications from cancer at a nursing home in the Washington suburb of Silver Spring. He was 85. "Dick Philbrick was one of those last-of-the-breed journalists who are so highly prized when they share their professionalism with their younger colleagues," said Thomas N. Lorsung, who was director and editor in chief of CNS for half of Philbrick's tenure. The Religion Newswriters Association in 2003 gave Philbrick its lifetime achievement award, calling him a pioneer in the field who made hard-news reporting on religion worthy of the front page. During his 18 years at the Tribune, Philbrick's religion beat included all Chicago area churches, as well as 126 colleges and universities on his education beat. For the Tribune, Philbrick covered the Second Vatican Council and several meetings of the World Council of Churches.

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