Comedy writer Aaron Ruben dies

Aaron Ruben — a writer, producer, and director who worked on shows like Andy Griffith Show and Sanford and Son — died Jan. 30 in Beverly Hills, Calif., from complications of pneumonia. The creator and producer of Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., was 95.

Ruben, who first entered the industry as a writer for radio comedies, also co-wrote the 1969 film The Comic. He also used his power in Hollywood for good — the advocate for troubled children was awarded with the Writers Guild’s Valentine Davies award in 2003 for his volunteer work.