Martin Richard Asher Obituary

Martin Richard (“Dick”) Asher was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  His life was filled with love, family, and creativity that touched billions around the globe.

A Love Story for the Ages

Dick recently celebrated his 70th wedding anniversary with the love of his life, Sheila.  Their story is a true love story.  Together, Dick and Sheila made a positive impact on their corner of the world, raised their family, and every day loved each other completely.

Commitment to Family and Community

Dick is survived by his son, Jeffrey Asher, and his grandchildren, Rachel (Helgaard) Muller, Paulette Asher, and Jack Flood, as well as his great-granddaughter, Sloane.  Dick is predeceased by two of his children, Jonathan Asher and Janet Asher-Flood, and his siblings, Nancy Borg and Michael Asher, and his mother and father.

Dick was deeply committed to the Jewish community and Temple Beth El.  He was an influential member of Temple Beth El’s Board of Trustees.  Dick mentored many younger board members including one of the synagogue’s presidents.  

Education and Service to Country

Dick pursued higher education, earning degrees from Tufts University and Cornell Law School. 

After law school, Dick’s commitment to service included his country.  He proudly served as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.

After leaving the military, he began his career as a lawyer but soon transitioned to the music industry, where he made a lasting impact.

 A Stellar Music Career

Dick’s music career took off in the mid-1960s when he was appointed Vice President of Business Affairs for CBS Records.  Over his distinguished career, Dick held senior executive positions at CBS Records, Columbia Records, Warner Communications, and Polygram Records Inc., where he served as CEO.

Dick worked with artists like Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, and Bob Dylan.  He revolutionized the modern music industry, built CBS Records internationally, and nurtured numerous successful careers.

Ethical Stance and Professional Integrity

While Dick was known for his incredible intellect and professional skill, he earned international respect for his unwavering commitment to business ethics.  Dick refused to condone payments to promoters tied to organized crime and financial extortion, which at the time was the norm for the music industry.  This stance was considered revolutionary at the time, putting him in conflict with other executives willing to compromise their principles.

Later Years and Lasting Influence

In the 1990s, Dick and Sheila relocated to Florida, where he became an adjunct professor of commercial music at Florida Atlantic University.  Dick helped to launch the school’s recording studio. 

Dick also served as a Board Member of Electronic Arts (the global computer gaming juggernaut), a position he held for 24 years.

A Good Name

A well-known quote from the Talmud about the importance of a good name is found in Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) 4:17, which states:

“There are three crowns: the crown of Torah, the crown of priesthood, and the crown of kingship, but the crown of a good name surpasses them all.”

Dick Asher leaves this world with an excellent name that will be remembered.

Memorial Contributions#2b09edMemorial Contributions

Memorial contributions in memory of Martin can be made to:

The Social Justice Program at Temple Beth El

The Catherine Yardley Comprehensive Pulmonary Center

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