Best known as the former owner of one of the biggest independent printers in the state, Graphic World, Hoolahan was a central player in the local print industry, and a long time member of the Mothers Club, the group of owners of Sydney’s major printers who met together monthly over a decent lunch.

Hoolahan began his career in print half a century ago, starting out as a 15 year old apprentice with the Government Printing Office. He went on to become a highly successful businessman. His first company was typesetting operation Key Set, he also bought Jem-K, and then purchased Graphic World 30 years ago when it was a small back-street jobbing printer, and went on to transform it into one of the most successful companies of its time. He also ventured overseas, buying and later selling Cyber Graphics in the US.

Graphic World was one of the most advanced and tightly run printers in the country, and became one of the first companies to be bought by the flood of private equity which came into print in recent years, in their case through Pacific Industries, which later became Geon. Graphic World was eventually merged with Agency Printing, which Geon bought from the Elliot brothers, but Geon closed it last year.

Ron leaves his wife Julie, together with three daughters and a son.

The funeral will be held tomorrow (Thursday) at Macquarie Park at 2.30pm. The family will welcome all former industry friends, staff and colleagues who would like to attend.

Comment below to have your say on this story.

If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.  

Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter