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Burt Meyer dies at 99: Toy design pioneer behind Lite-Brite and Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots

Burt Meyer dies at 99 is confirmed by multiple sources, including his son and major news outlets. This obituary highlights Meyer’s legacy as the creator of iconic toys like Lite-Brite and Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots, his career milestones, and his influence on generations of play and design.

Burt Meyer dies at 99, according to reporting that cites his son’s Oct. 30 confirmation to the New York Times. This burt meyer obituary compiles facts from People, Gray Media, and other available reports.

Burt Meyer dies at 99: death confirmed Oct. 30

People reports that Steve Meyer confirmed the Oct. 30 death. Cleveland 19 (Gray Media) echoes that detail and the age, noting the confirmation to the New York Times. Other coverage aligns on the core facts and career highlights.

Timeline: From Hinsdale 1926 to 2025

Zoom in: the arc of a 20th‑century designer who kept shipping hits.

  • 1926: Born in Hinsdale, Illinois.
  • 1944–46: U.S. Navy service.
  • 1952: Product design degree from Illinois Institute of Technology.
  • Circa 1960: Joined marvin glass & associates.
  • 1964: First production of Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots; the rock ’em sock ’em robots inventor became a fixture in toy aisles.
  • 1967: Lite-Brite launched; the lite-brite creator expanded into glowing creativity.
  • national toy hall of fame 2022: Lite-Brite inducted for enduring play value.
  • 2025: Burt Meyer dies at 99; Oct. 30 confirmation noted by multiple outlets.

By the numbers:

  • Age: 99
  • Military service: 2 years
  • Breakout launches: 1964, 1967
  • Accolade: national toy hall of fame 2022

Iconic toys: Lite-Brite, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, Mouse Trap

Meyer helped create Lite-Brite, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, and Mouse Trap. The lite-brite creator and rock ’em sock ’em robots inventor balanced whimsy with simple mechanics. Moreover, the designs proved durable across generations.

Why Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em became robots

Zoom in: tone and timing mattered. After boxer Davey Moore’s 1963 death, the concept shifted from human boxers to robots. The change kept the gameplay while avoiding grim real-world echoes, according to the reports.

From Marvin Glass to Meyer/Glass Design

Around 1960, Meyer joined marvin glass & associates and quickly scored with Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots. Later, he left the firm and co-founded Meyer/Glass Design. Additionally, he helped develop Pretty Pretty Princess and Catch Phrase, extending his reach beyond action toys.

Burt Meyer dies at 99: legacy and survivors

Lite-Brite’s induction into the national toy hall of fame 2022 underscored Meyer’s long-tail influence. The lite-brite creator is survived by sons Steve and Lee, daughter Sheryl, six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. His wife, Marcia, died in 2001.

The upshot: Meyer translated simple physical actions into memorable play loops. Yet he also adjusted when culture demanded sensitivity, as the robot pivot shows.

What’s Next: memorial details and tributes

What’s next: according to available reports, funeral or memorial information was not included. As this burt meyer obituary circulates, additional obituaries and industry tributes are likely. In the meantime, headlines noting that Burt Meyer dies at 99 will anchor recollections of a prolific career.

Sources

  1. People: Lite-Brite, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots Toymaker Burt Meyer Dies at 99
  2. New York Post: Lite-Brite, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots toymaker Burt Meyer dead at 99
  3. Cleveland 19 News (Gray Media): Creator of Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, Lite-Brite dies at 99
  4. AOL: Lite-Brite, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots Toymaker Burt Meyer Dies at 99
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