Shopping Mall Developer Edward Debartolo Sr. Dies

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Edward J. DeBartolo Sr., who parlayed a family real estate business into a vast shopping center and development firm, died Monday. He was 85.

Mr. DeBartolo, whose development prowess helped make "the mall" a modern American icon, died from complications of pneumonia, said a release from Edward J. DeBartolo Corp. The company owns Northgate Shopping Center, Tacoma Mall and Columbia Center Mall in Kennewick. It also manages Alderwood Mall.

Mr. DeBartolo was one of the country's richest businessmen. His family's holdings also include the San Francisco 49ers football team.

In recent years, however, the value of Mr. DeBartolo's real estate holdings began to erode and he was forced to sell some holdings to raise cash.