Toy Industry Vet, Len Fuhrer, Dies

WELLESLEY, MA – Leonard Fuhrer, a toy industry leader for more than 50 years, died on September 20. He was 83.

Fuhrer started his career with Simon & Schuster in 1956 after serving as a Lieutenant in U.S. Naval Intelligence. Throughout his career in the toy industry Fuhrer held executive positions at Topper Toys, Matchbox and Corgi and served as president of the Toy, Hobby, Educational Group for Damon Corporation from 1977 through 1994. There, he oversaw several toy companies, include Estes Rockets, Arrow Industries, Hi Flyer Kites among others.

Most recently, Fuhrer was the lead director and chief strategic officer of Active Media Services, an international trading company with 14 offices worldwide. He also served three terms on the Board of Directors of the original Toy Manufacturer’s Association of America (TMA).

Fuhrer is is survived by his wife, Fran, son Robert, son David and daughter, Leslie and eight grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to: BWH Cardiac Amyloidosis Fund, c/o Anna Goldman, BWH Development Office, 116 Huntington Ave, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02116; donatons should include the note "In memory of Len Fuhrer."