Industry Pioneer Norman Sadek Dies at 92
GDA Staff -- Gifts and Dec, 11/14/2010 11:04:44 PM
New Rochelle, NY - Norman W. Sadek, 92, passed away at his home in Hartsdale, NY, on November 13. In 1936, Sadek co-founded the Charles Sadek Import Company with his father, for whom the company was named. Sadek was the creator of one of the company's renowned product lines, Andrea Birds, Norman's "affordable collectibles." During the 1970s and 1980s, he met thousands of his collectors during personal signings at retailers across the country.
A WWII Marine, Sadek broke new ground in postwar trade with Japan. As an early innovator, he inspired Japanese factories to produce higher quality products, which he imported under the Andrea by Sadek name. As an overseas buyer for more than 50 years, Norman also participated in the opening of trade with China. Sadek was one of the first to bring Chinese products to market, getting a jump on competitors by purchasing a warehouse of ready-made products, then venturing into the mainland to work directly with factories. To ensure the continuity of his successful family business, after 40 years as the sole overseas buyer, he taught his craft to son Jim and daughters Andrea and Lauren, today's leaders of Andrea by Sadek.
Beginning early in his career with the New York gift and lamp trade associations and continuing throughout, Sadek was heavily involved in helping to grow and improve the industry. In 2004, Gift for Life, the industry's sole charity partner, and AMFAR honored him with the Chuck Yancy Lifetime Achievement Award. Inquisitive and charismatic, Norman touched the lives of retailers, sales representatives and fellow vendors.
Norman Sadek is survived by his wife Constance, children Andrea, Jim, Robin and Lauren, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A founder of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, an early contributor to the Hebrew Home for the Aged of Riverdale and a long-time benefactor of Gift for Life, Norman supported numerous charities throughout his life. Many of the commitments began with his father Charles 40 years ago. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Daniel R. Schrier Memorial Fund at City of Hope Cancer Research Center. Attn: Rick Leonard, 1055 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90017.
We would love your feedback!
-
Peter Schauben to Receive Special ICON Honor
May 20, 2010 -
15 Gifted Women
Nov 1, 2009 -
In Memorium
Jan 13, 2011 -
DIFFA Chosen as Gift for Life’s Charity Partner
Jul 17, 2008
Featured Company
-
FurnitureCore.com
FurnitureCore.com is a dynamic web application aimed at the furniture industry. Retailers and manufacturers alike will find our deep reserve of tools to be exactly what their furniture business needs.www.furniturecore.com... more
VIEW ALL GALLERIES
