Alex Kotzky; Drew and Wrote ‘Apt. 3-G’ Comic Strip

Alex Kotzky, who drew and for the past few years also wrote the popular syndicated comic strip “Apt. 3-G,” has died. He was 73.

Kotzky died Thursday in New York City of complications from kidney disease, said his son Bruce Kotzky of Las Vegas.

Although the Alex Kotzky’s name continues to appear on the strip published in The Times, the feature is now being produced by his other son, Brian Kotzky, also of New York.

A lifelong resident of New York City, Alex Kotzky studied at the Art Students League and served in the Army in Europe during World War II.

He began his career as a commercial artist, concentrating on comic book art. He is one of the four original artists who illustrated the comic strip and book called “Plastic Man.”

After a year or so working on the “Duke Hand” strip, he began drawing “Apt. 3-G” in 1961.

The feature involves the adventures of three young women sharing an apartment in New York City. His heroines--long before careers for women became routine--included a teacher, a nurse and an executive secretary who recently moved into managing sports figures.

Bruce Kotzky, who draws another cartoon called “Lit Crit,” said that “Apt. 3-G” will continue its long run with his brother at the drawing board.

In addition to his two sons, Kotzky is survived by his wife of 50 years, Emma, and two grandchildren.

A funeral service is scheduled for today in Bayside, N.Y.