Milton Rackmil; Retired MCA Official Started Decca Records

Milton R. Rackmil, a retired vice chairman of MCA Inc. and former head of its subsidiaries Universal Pictures and Decca Records, has died at the age of 86.

Rackmil died Thursday in the DeWitt Nursing Home in New York City after a stroke.

Educated at the New York University School of Commerce, he began his career as a certified public accountant.

After several years of private practice, he joined the Brunswick Radio Corp. as chief comptroller and helped with the formation of the Brunswick Record Corp. in 1932.

Two years later, he and two others left Brunswick to create Decca Records Inc. He served as treasurer until 1945, executive vice president until 1949, and president until 1952. He made Decca a leader in the recording industry, with such performers as Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald and Glenn Miller.

After negotiating Decca’s acquisition of Universal Pictures Co. stock, he became president of the movie studio in 1952. During this period, Rackmil was married for two years to actress and comedienne Vivian Blaine.

After Decca and Universal were absorbed by MCA Inc. in 1962, Rackmil became vice chairman of MCA. He held that position until he retired in 1972.

Rackmil is survived by his wife, Joan; his daughter, Marlene Salkin; a sister and a brother, three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Services are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Sunday in Temple Emannuel in New York City.

The family has asked that any memorial contributions be made to the International Heart of Variety, the Friar’s Foundation or the Motion Picture and Television Fund.