NEW YORK—Longtime healthcare public relations executive Marilyn Lee Castaldi has died from complications of ovarian cancer at White Plains Hospital in New York.

Born in Philadelphia and a graduate of Syracuse University and the New York University Stern School of Business, Castaldi held leadership positions at both global communications agencies and major healthcare institutions, including Burson-Marsteller, FleishmanHillard, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Columbia University Medical Center and New York University Medical Center.

“Marilyn Castaldi was one of the pioneers in the movement to expand the knowledge of pharmaceutical treatments and health care practices to a broader audience of doctors, healthcare professionals, and consumers,” said Harold Burson. “Her many colleagues in the healthcare industry are deeply saddened at her loss.”

John Graham, chairman of FleishmanHillard, said, "Marilyn was a good friend and a terrific colleague for many years. She did a great job for FleishmanHillard in helping build our healthcare capability. Marilyn was a wonderful individual and widely respected by staff and clients alike.”

Marilyn is survived by her brother Bob Castaldi, his wife Anna Paglione, nieces, nephews and cousins, and her partner Philip Hostetter. Marilyn’s husband of 33 years, Howard Singer, died in 2013. Castaldi was for many years a board member and president of The Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration. In lieu of flowers, contributions to The Eye-Bank can be made at www.eyedonation.org.