Bananagrams co-creator dies

NARRAGANSETT, R.I. (AP) - Abraham Nathanson, a Rhode Island graphic designer, photographer, children's book author and illustrator who invented the popular word game Bananagrams, has died. He was 80.

Family friend Judee Cohen said Tuesday that Nathanson died peacefully, surrounded by his family at his Narragansett home Sunday after a battle with cancer.

She said Nathanson, his daughter and two grandchildren invented Bananagrams while trying to craft a fast-paced word game as they played at his home four years ago. The game got the unusual name after an excited Nathanson said "this anagram game is driving me bananas!"

Survivors include three siblings, three children, and four grandchildren.

His family held a private memorial service. A public life celebration will be scheduled for this summer.

He founded privately held Bananagrams LLC, selling three million copies last year.