Harry Reitz; Retired Typographer, Publisher

Harry Reitz, a typographer who pioneered the making of newspapers and other printed props for films and television shows, including the classic “Citizen Kane,” has died in Encino. He was 79.

A longtime resident of Encino, Reitz died Saturday of a heart attack, said his daughter, Jean Morrison.

Born March 5, 1911, in Cincinnati, Reitz moved to Glendale in 1936 and started the Craftsman Co. in Hollywood. He printed materials such as newspapers and programs that were used as props or were flashed on the screen in films, including “Citizen Kane” in 1941 and “Wilson” in 1944, and various television programs. Reitz had a collection of antique type and old newspapers that he used to make the printed materials look authentic. In addition, he made movie titles for motion pictures.

In the early 1960s, he purchased the publishing rights to the Pacific Coast Studio Directory, a wall chart containing advertisements for various entertainment-related businesses. He continued to publish the chart until 1980, when he turned the operation over to his son.

Reitz joined the Glendale Moose Lodge soon after he came to California and later became a member of the Desert Hot Springs Moose Lodge. He also belonged to the Palm Springs Elks Lodge.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Rentha Reitz; son Jack Reitz of Frazier Park; daughter Jean Morrison of Bel-Air, four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Visitation is planned from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Praiswater Funeral Home, 5849 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys, which is handling the arrangements. A funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday at Church of the Hills at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, with burial to follow.