Al Araneo, executive v-p and director of business affairs at the literary agency Writers House, died suddenly and unexpectedly from natural causes on May 4. He was 53.
Araneo started the contracts department at Writers House in 2006 after working for 13 years in contracts at Penguin, Doubleday, and Bookspan, during which time he also obtained an MA in literature and a JD. In his time at Writers House, he grew the department from a one-person operation to a five-person group. In October 2020, he became Writers House's director of business affairs, adding responsibility for all film, TV, and foreign contracts, as well as acting as a key member of its management team.
"Al was an integral part of our business," said Amy Berkower, chair of Writers House. “As the company's roster of agents grew, Al worked deftly to expand our contracts department, and was relied upon by all for his sound judgement, his steadfast manner, and wry sense of humor.”
“A treasured and invaluable colleague, Al's absolute professionalism, deep kindness, and generous and insightful counsel helped make Writers House a joy to work at,” said Simon Lipskar, president of the agency. Lipskar added: “He was a dear friend to everyone who worked with him, and we are all grief-struck by this terrible loss.”
Al is survived by his wife, Amy Kim-Araneo, and son Nicholas, as well as by his parents and sister. A wake will be held at Frank E. Campbell’s Funeral Chapel on May 9, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola on May 10, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorial tributes be made in the form of donations to Regis High School.
