Michael Friedman shared this sad news with members of SCAN NATOA today.
“It is my sad duty to inform you that Carl Pilnick died this morning at his home in Oakland, California after a brief illness. He was 89.
“Those of you … knew Carl personally from his participation in SCAN events and from our working with you as cable consultants.
“Carl founded Telecommunications Management Corp. in 1972 and I worked with him from late 1980 through his retirement at the end of 2008. He was my boss, my mentor, my associate and my friend.
“He was a man of great intellect and patience (his patience was demonstrated in no small part by his putting up with me for so many years).
“No funeral is planned, although the family may be having a memorial service in the Bay Area in a month or so.”
Michael’s select words cannot begin to capture the essence of Carl, who–with his young squire, Michael–steered cable franchising on the national stage for the benefit of literally millions of Americans who will never know Carl existed, or how he touched their lives.
Carl was a gentle man, a gentleman, and a teacher.
I’m lucky to have known him.
-Jonathan
Bless you, Carl… You were a wonderful professional to work with, and you contributed mightily to those of us who managed cable franchises in the ‘dark ages’ of the industry. I will never forget you.
So sorry to hear this news. I was lucky to have worked with Carl in three different states over three decades. He had a great deal of knowledge and a practical approach to problem solving; and was always helpful with his approach and his generosity.
Thank you for the kind words about my father, Carl Pilnick. I will always know him as a Dad,not necessarily as a telecommunications professional, or even a chess master. It is good to know that he is remembered and was well-regarded in his chosen field.