We All Loved 'Cyn'
Marcia always called her "Cyn" when talking about her, especially the last year or two, which always grated on my nerves. I subconsciously resented that nickname and always thought, "It just isn't right to call someone 'Sin' who was the exact opposite of that!"
Marcia is Ms. Grand, our publisher. She has something in common with yours truly, the staff of TWICE, much of the media who has covered the CE industry in the past 20 years and the industry itself. We all loved "Cyn," Cynthia Upson that is. That's why Saturday, Feb. 17, 2007, has been a particularly painful one for her friends, colleagues, family and, most importantly, husband Don and daughter Sarah. Cynthia died that day at age 49 after a battle with lung cancer.
For those of you in the industry who didn't know her, Cynthia joined what is now the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) in the mid-1980s and became one of the industry's great "Pied Pipers." She effectively told the industry's story nationwide and worldwide for two decades. Technically speaking, Cynthia became the communications and public relations guru for the association, but she was much more than that.
Cynthia picked a perfect career for herself, communications and public relations. She knew how to bring people together. She understood what the media's role was in covering the industry, empathized what your job was, and presented the industry's and/or CEA's message to you in a professional, easy-going manner. I worked with her for several years, but when I joined TWICE in 1993, and we became the official daily for the first time in 1994, I really understood her professionalism and understanding of what the other guy might be going through.
That Cynthia was intelligent, charming, funny, understanding, beautiful, had a tremendous laugh, could gossip (and hold a secret) with the best of them, and led by example were just a few of her talents. And that she's Italian (and I'm half-Italian) had no effect on my objectivity concerning CEA and the industry. (I think.)
She was diplomatic, yet Cynthia said what she felt and what she thought was right.
Cynthia joined CEA when CES had two shows, one in Las Vegas in January and the dear-departed Summer CES in Chicago. She promoted those shows with the help of the great staff at CEA and her friends Gary Shapiro (who introduced her to her husband Don), Karen Chupka and CES founder Jack Wayman. When COMDEX challenged the supremacy of CES Cynthia was there to put out CEA's message and to get more TV coverage of CES, both local and national, than had ever been seen at that time.
Later on, after she left CEA to go with Don and their daughter Sarah to Virginia's state capitol of Richmond, where Don became a member of the state government, Cynthia freelanced for CEA and beat the drum for digital TV and HDTV over the years.
When she left CEA in 1999, Marcia, TWICE founding editor Bob Gerson and I decided to give this special industry executive a TWICE Distinguished Achievement Award. Usually that award was given to people who were retiring. She had several more years of promoting HDTV and CES coming along.
I had the pleasure of presenting Cynthia with our Distinguished Achievement Award during CES in 1999. When I was asked to be a speaker at a celebration honoring Cynthia and her 20 years of service to the CE industry on Sept. 16 last year in Washington, I panicked. What can I say in a few minutes? Luckily I saved what I said in 1999, which was still true then, today and always:
"For anyone who has had the pleasure of working with Cynthia since 1986, the story has never been about her, but the industry that she represents. Over the years, Cynthia has been a publicist, confidant, advocate, diplomat, sounding board, troubleshooter, and chief cook and bottle washer for the industry.
The impact of her work has been that more people know about this industry's products and technology than ever before. She has created awareness in the national media about the technology and magic the CE industry provides, which has befitted everyone."
It was a privilege to be a small part of that special evening for Cynthia. I think I can honestly speak for all the toastmasters that night that we were relieved that we didn't have to follow the speech by Cynthia's daughter Sarah, who spoke so wonderfully about her mom.
Then Cynthia spoke eloquently and passionately about the Lung Cancer Alliance (www.lungcanceralliance.org). The dinner was in honor of her, but in keeping with her character, she agreed to being honored if it became a fundraiser for the organization. Given who it was for, the dinner was a great success for the organization and a fine tribute to a great lady. Please visit the Lung Cancer Alliance's Web site to find out more about this terrible disease, what we all can do to help those afflicted with it, and how to fight to eliminate it.
The condolences of TWICE and anyone who had the pleasure, the privilege of meeting and working with Cynthia over the years go to Don, Sarah, her parents Joseph and Diana Saraniti, and her brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 pm on Monday, Feb. 19 at the Bliley Funeral Home, 3801 Augusta Ave., Richmond, VA. A service is planned at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 20 at St. Bridget's Church in Richmond. For more information, contact the Bliley Funeral Home at (804) 355-3800
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Cynthia Upson
Patti Saraniti commented:
I am Cynthia's sister-in-law. It has been over 2 years now since we
lost this remarkable woman. There isn't a day that goes by that I
don't think about her and miss her. I loved reading your article
and she would have been honored that you thought so highly of her.
Patti Saraniti commented:
Patti Saraniti commented:
I am Cynthia's sister-in-law. It has been over 2 years now since we
lost this remarkable woman. There isn't a day that goes by that I
don't think about her and miss her. I loved reading your article
and she would have been honored that you thought so highly of her.
arthur commented:
arthur commented:
Cynthia is one in a million.
arthur commented:
Cynthia is one in a million.
Randall P. Dark commented:
Randall P. Dark commented:
Cynthia was truly amazing. No matter what kind of pressure she was
under during CES, she was always smiling. She was always helpful. I
will miss her.
Randall P. Dark commented:
Cynthia was truly amazing. No matter what kind of pressure she was
under during CES, she was always smiling. She was always helpful. I
will miss her.
Margaret Core commented:
Cynthia's passing is sad news. As a co-worker, I so enjoyed hearing
her laugh--all the way down the hallway. When Cynthia left working
in the office to move to Richmond, I was honored to use the chair
she left behind because I thought it would remind me to laugh more.
Cynthia passed along some great mothering advice to me that I will
never forget - it included laughter. She will be missed.
Margaret Core commented:
Margaret Core commented:
Cynthia's passing is sad news. As a co-worker, I so enjoyed hearing
her laugh--all the way down the hallway. When Cynthia left working
in the office to move to Richmond, I was honored to use the chair
she left behind because I thought it would remind me to laugh more.
Cynthia passed along some great mothering advice to me that I will
never forget - it included laughter. She will be missed.
David Elrich commented:
Amen to the words of Steve, Gary and Jeff. As a journalist, I had
the distinct pleasure of working with Cynthia for many years. When
we first met she was Cynthia Sereneti. Like so many others in the
industry, there was an instant bond between us--that's just the
kind of person she was. Many have noted that one of Cynthia's
distinctive characteristics was her laugh. It was larger-than-life
and very distinctive. I alwasy knew she was in her office at CES;
that laugh was the giveaway. Cynthia was also a big-time foodie and
wine lover. We had many great conversations and debates over which
restaurant or vintage was tops--but it was all in good fun. When
Cynthia became ill, she requested that I choose the wine for our
annual CES wrapup dinners--let me tell you, folks, that's a
daunting challenge to please a bunch of journalist wine
enthusiasts. Luckily, I rose to the occasion. But it's a task I
would gladly give back to Cynthia--just so I could hear that laugh
one more time.
David Elrich commented:
Amen to the words of Steve, Gary and Jeff. As a journalist, I had
the distinct pleasure of working with Cynthia for many years. When
we first met she was Cynthia Sereneti. Like so many others in the
industry, there was an instant bond between us--that's just the
kind of person she was. Many have noted that one of Cynthia's
distinctive characteristics was her laugh. It was larger-than-life
and very distinctive. I alwasy knew she was in her office at CES;
that laugh was the giveaway. Cynthia was also a big-time foodie and
wine lover. We had many great conversations and debates over which
restaurant or vintage was tops--but it was all in good fun. When
Cynthia became ill, she requested that I choose the wine for our
annual CES wrapup dinners--let me tell you, folks, that's a
daunting challenge to please a bunch of journalist wine
enthusiasts. Luckily, I rose to the occasion. But it's a task I
would gladly give back to Cynthia--just so I could hear that laugh
one more time.
David Elrich commented:
Gary Shapiro commented:
Thanks Steve, Your comments were spot on. When I first saw Cynthia
in the 1980s, i accused then Communications VP Allan Schlosser of
hiring for looks. He told me to wait and watch what she does. I
quickly learned that a woman could be beauytiful and smart. When i
was promtoed to head the predecessor of CEA in 1991, my first act
was to promote Cynthia to make her the first female VP we had. She
knew how to get things done. She never came back with an excuse,
always with a result. If a wall was in the way she knocked it down,
went around it, or talked the wall owner into another alternative.
She also had tact and diplomacy. She was the one that convinced me,
on behalf of the staff, not to wear a bad polyester suit on stage
several years ago at a CES. She helpoed popularize the phrase "home
theater" and halped get us to where we are today with digital
television. I wish I had bottled her laugh. It was strong, long,
full of joy and real. It also made everyone around her smile and it
was contagious and easily shared. I was so happy to have played a
role in introducing her to my friend and later her husband Don.
They were a perfect couple and they played off each others love for
socializing, good food and learning new things. Sarah is a
wonderful, poised and intelligent young woman and embodies the
spirit and looks of both Don and Cynthia. Cynthia was a rare gem
and we will miss her.
Gary Shapiro commented:
Thanks Steve, Your comments were spot on. When I first saw Cynthia
in the 1980s, i accused then Communications VP Allan Schlosser of
hiring for looks. He told me to wait and watch what she does. I
quickly learned that a woman could be beauytiful and smart. When i
was promtoed to head the predecessor of CEA in 1991, my first act
was to promote Cynthia to make her the first female VP we had. She
knew how to get things done. She never came back with an excuse,
always with a result. If a wall was in the way she knocked it down,
went around it, or talked the wall owner into another alternative.
She also had tact and diplomacy. She was the one that convinced me,
on behalf of the staff, not to wear a bad polyester suit on stage
several years ago at a CES. She helpoed popularize the phrase "home
theater" and halped get us to where we are today with digital
television. I wish I had bottled her laugh. It was strong, long,
full of joy and real. It also made everyone around her smile and it
was contagious and easily shared. I was so happy to have played a
role in introducing her to my friend and later her husband Don.
They were a perfect couple and they played off each others love for
socializing, good food and learning new things. Sarah is a
wonderful, poised and intelligent young woman and embodies the
spirit and looks of both Don and Cynthia. Cynthia was a rare gem
and we will miss her.
Gary Shapiro commented:
Jeff Joseph commented:
As usual Steve got it exactly right. Cynthia was one of a kind. I
had the honor and the pleasure of working with Cynthia for eight
years. But the true honor was in calling her friend. She was one of
a kind. She taught me a lot about being a pr professional, about
the consumer electronics industry, about family and about
friendship. No matter how difficult or annoying the situation,
Cynthia would help us face it with her bright smile and distinctive
laugh. She truly will be missed.
Jeff Joseph commented:
Jeff Joseph commented:
As usual Steve got it exactly right. Cynthia was one of a kind. I
had the honor and the pleasure of working with Cynthia for eight
years. But the true honor was in calling her friend. She was one of
a kind. She taught me a lot about being a pr professional, about
the consumer electronics industry, about family and about
friendship. No matter how difficult or annoying the situation,
Cynthia would help us face it with her bright smile and distinctive
laugh. She truly will be missed.
