Dell M. Printz Jr. | TV Guide executive, 87

Dell M. Printz Jr., 87, of Blue Bell, a retired research-and-development executive for TV Guide, died of complications from Parkinson's disease Oct. 23 at his summer home in Millsboro, Del.

Mr. Printz joined TV Guide in 1953. Initially he worked in the New York City office and later managed the office in Charlotte, N.C. He moved to TV Guide's Radnor headquarters in 1962 to supervise its new mainframe computer system, said his wife, Grace Bradbury Printz. He retired in 1987.

Mr. Printz grew up in Evanston, Ill. His most prized possessions were two baseballs signed by 11 future hall of famers, including Babe Ruth, his wife said. He got the autographs when he was a batboy for the Chicago White Sox in 1930. He later played minor-league ball for the organization.

Mr. Printz earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Princeton University. He then worked for Carnegie Steel and the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. in New York, where he met his future wife.

During World War II he served in the Navy on the troop carrier Sarasota in the Pacific.

Mr. Printz enjoyed big-band music and was a contract bridge master.

In addition to his wife of 58 years, he is survived by sons Dell III and Dixon; daughters Dylan Pugliese, Dari and Dede; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

Services will be private.

Memorial donations may be made to Delaware Hospice, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, Del. 19947.