Edwin N. Brennglass; Publisher of Jewish Journal

Edwin N. Brennglass, who financially rescued Los Angeles’ fledgling Jewish Journal and stayed on as its volunteer publisher for a decade, has died. He was 78.

Brennglass, the former owner of a pharmaceutical packaging company with plants on both coasts, died Thursday at County-USC Medical Center. He had suffered a series of strokes more than a year ago but continued working until recently, said Journal founding editor Gene Lichtenstein.

“He saved the paper. He helped us get our financial act together and he became the rudder that guided this paper so that it has been in the black now for five years,” said Lichtenstein.

Brennglass had a history as a major booster of several Jewish causes. With a degree in pharmacy from Columbia University, the New York-born businessman knew little about journalism. But when the Journal started in 1986, he saw it as an important addition to the Los Angeles Jewish community.

When the paper initially fell into financial trouble, Brennglass and his associates, calling themselves “the Benefactors,” bought it.

He is survived by his wife, Marjorie, of Encino; two children from his first marriage, Carol Spinner of New York City and Gary Brennglass of Los Angeles; and three grandchildren.

Services are set for 1:30 p.m. Sunday in Temple Beth Hillel, 12326 Riverside Drive, Valley Village.

Donations may be sent to the Edwin N. Brennglass Memorial Fund, Jewish Federation Council of Greater Los Angeles, Attn. Carol Koransky, 6505 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90048.