W.H. Marriott, Family Weekly Founder, Dies

William H. Marriott, founder and publisher of Family Weekly, a widely circulated Sunday newspaper supplement, and of several Southern California magazines and supplements, died March 5 in Laguna Hills at age 76, his family announced.

Marriott began Family Weekly in 1953, and by the time he sold it six years later, its circulation had climbed into the millions, said Marriott’s son, William Jr.

The magazine now is published as USA Weekend.

Marriott went on to found New Worlds of Irvine magazine and a series of annual “This Is . . .” newspaper supplements, including This Is Orange County, This Is San Diego County and This Is Southern California, his son said.

Marriott began his newspaper career at age 8 when he started work in the print shop of his father’s daily newspaper in Jackson, Mich. In his teens, he became advertising director of that newspaper, then worked in advertising positions for various newspapers, magazines and chains. His first publishing venture was with the San Francisco Daily Commercial News in 1957, his son said.

Marriott was still active in his businesses at the time of his death, the younger Marriott said. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; four sons, and a daughter.