Political consultant Joe Cerrell dead at 75

Longtime Democratic political consultant Joe Cerrell, a former adviser to President Kennedy and fixture in California politics, has died. He was 75.

Here's the press release from Hal Dash, CEO of Cerrell Associates:

“We are deeply saddened to announce that our company co-founder, mentor, political legend and friend Joe Cerrell passed away this morning in Camarillo following a brief bout with pneumonia.  His family was at his side to say goodbye.

Joe was a larger-than-life figure in California politics and public affairs for the past half century, beginning as a USC college Democrat and building a career in which he was an advisor to presidents, governors and political figures at all levels.  His legacy as a counselor, confidant, and close friend to thousands of people in politics, the business community, as well as in the public relations and non-profit arenas, especially the Italian-American community in Los Angeles, will not be forgotten.

Along with his beloved wife Lee, Joe built Cerrell Associates into one of the most respected and successful public affairs and political consulting firms in the nation.

Today, we celebrate this great icon of California and national politics, his life and many accomplishments, even as we mourn his passing.

 Rick Orlov at the LA Daily News has an obit here.