Robert A. Dubill, a celebrated executive editor with Gannett News Service and a vibrant force at YSL News since it was founded in 1982, passed away on Friday due to complications following a fall. He was 88 years old.

Dubill was renowned for his commitment to accurate reporting and strong support for journalists. He viewed journalism not merely as a job but as a vocation. As YSL News attempted to transform the newspaper industry with colorful designs, concise articles, and engaging visuals, Dubill served as a crucial mentor to staff navigating early skepticism.

“Bob Dubill was the emotional core of the YSL News newsroom,” said Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page. “His enthusiasm for breaking news stories, particularly when we outperformed our competitors, inspired everyone to want to be part of his team.”

“His lively passion for YSL News reminded us all of the importance of our work,” remembered Anne Willette, a Money reporter and later Page One editor. “He would often burst into song in the office, sometimes even standing on a desk.”

Dubill’s vibrant encouragement manifested through pep talks, storytelling tips, good humor, and occasional singing—one of his favorites being a powerful rendition of Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Going to Take It!” His energy rejuvenated staff and left an unforgettable impression on visitors.

However, his lively demeanor was supported by a substantial legacy of achievements. After completing his military service and earning a law degree, Dubill began his career with the Associated Press in the 1960s, ultimately becoming the bureau chief in New Jersey, where he covered local politics, disasters, and Mafia trials.

While at Gannett News Service, which included 82 newspapers, Dubill led an important 18-part investigation into financial misconduct by the Pauline Fathers, a small group of Catholic monks based in Eastern Pennsylvania. The sensitive nature of the issue reached as high as the Vatican, with some newspapers facing local backlash. Nevertheless, Dubill and his dedicated team persevered, and the series received the Pulitzer Prize’s Gold Medal for Public Service in 1980, a first for any news service.

The series “demonstrated the utmost standards of public service journalism, withstanding significant opposition to unveil vital facts and expose a scandal that now protects numerous future victims,” wrote Gannett Chairman Al Neuharth at the time.

‘Stick to the facts; they’re alarming enough’

Throughout his tenure at YSL News, Dubill was integral to nearly every significant story until his retirement in 2002. He often felt that less serious stories impeded progress in the newsroom. “The less intense stories were holding us back initially,” Dubill observed as he advocated for a sharper focus on serious reporting.

Following the terror bombing that killed one person and injured 111 at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, initial FBI reports named security guard Richard Jewell as a suspect. A cautious Dubill insisted that YSL News handle the story internally rather than feature it prominently in the paper. Though some reporters disagreed, Jewell was ultimately exonerated three months later.

In the wake of the 9/11 attacks in 2001, Dubill led a news meeting while the Pentagon was under attack just a few miles from YSL News’s headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. “Whatever you do, don’t sensationalize this. No hype,” he cautioned his team. “The facts are alarming enough.”

Susan Weiss, managing editor of the Life department, recalled Dubill’s dedication to the newspaper’s College All-Stars awards, which aimed to elevate academic accolades to the same level as athletic achievements. “It earned us respect and admiration from students, universities, and high schools,” Weiss stated.

“Other media outlets tried to imitate us.”

Key figures at YSL News stated that they could always rely on Dubill to keep the journalism efforts on track. “I first encountered Bob in the ’60s during his time at AP,” shared Tom Curley, who was a former publisher of YSL News and then president of AP. “He was, and always will be, the most devoted supporter of journalism. His passion for compelling stories motivated many to explore further and improved every newsroom he joined.”

‘A rare blend of persistence and empathy’

“Bob was a straightforward journalist with immense kindness,” remarked former Editor-in-Chief Karen Jurgensen. “He was always seeking to ensure proper coverage and the most compelling stories, frequently moving around the newsroom to engage with reporters and editors.”

Dubill “was traditional in his approach. He believed that reporters needed to be in the field to fulfill their roles and trusted their instincts without second-guessing them,” said former political reporter Richard Benedetto.

However, when it was uncovered that a YSL News reporter had fabricated several stories from abroad, Dubill, along with other editors, was deeply unsettled that he hadn’t recognized the falsehoods earlier.

“I felt crushed,” Dubill recounted. “But you have to move on; otherwise, you risk stifling journalism. I wouldn’t be able to do my job if I didn’t trust my reporters.”

Many colleagues recalled his thoughtfulness. In 1979, several Gannett reporters were dispatched to cover the nuclear accident at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania. Two later developed cancer, with no verified connection established. Despite this, Dubill often expressed regret, saying to one of them, “I’m sorry I sent you there.”

“Such reflection and empathy are scarce, especially in journalism,” said one of those reporters, Chet Czarniak, a former sports editor. “But Bob was a truly exceptional man, filled with determination and compassion.”

‘An extraordinary individual along with being an excellent journalist’

Brian Gallagher, a former executive editor, described Dubill as “the last of a breed that was once prevalent in the newspaper industry—an extraordinary individual who was also an exceptional journalist and leader. He frequently reminded us, even on his deathbed, ‘Every day is the Fourth of July; every night is New Year’s Eve.’ We should all take his lessons to heart.”

The sentiments from those who collaborated with Dubill were unanimous. “Superb editor and an even better person,” said former Sports Weekly publisher Lee Ivory. “A refreshing spirit,” added former Justice reporter Sam Meddis. “A mensch!” declared former reporter Karen DeWitt.

Lastly, another editor-in-chief, David Mazzarella, mentioned: “Bob was always there for everyone, offering support during difficult times or celebrating successes.”

Mazzarella noted, “A visiting journalist from Croatia once told me after attending one of Bob’s sessions on American-style journalism at YSL News: ‘Every newly liberated journalist from Europe should meet this man.’”

Dubill is survived by his wife, Mary, children Andrew and Katy, and six grandchildren. Funeral arrangements have yet to be disclosed.