We are saddened to report that former MAD Magazine editor Nick Meglin passed away on Saturday at age 82.

Nick’s long time fellow editor and friend, John Ficarra, issued the following statement.

It’s impossible to over-estimate Nick’s importance to MAD. 

For over 50 years he was, in the words of MAD’s founder and publisher, Bill Gaines, “the heart of the magazine.” More than just an editor, he was a finder and nurturer of many of MAD’s contributors, myself included. He was also a confidant, advisor and loyal friend. 

Countless MAD covers, articles, and premises came from Nick’s endlessly creative mind. He was also a shameless punster. (George Washington Cross -Dressing the Delaware,” yup, that was Nick. 

In addition to being very a funny writer and brilliant editor, Nick was a true modern day Renaissance man with deep knowledge of and passion for art, the theatre, films, opera, and sports  — especially tennis. (For years his MAD business card listed him as “tennis editor”.)

It was my true honor to have known Nick and worked side by side with him for over 25 years. 

-from John Ficarra, former Editor-in-Chief of MAD Magazine