David Savastano, Editor01.31.19
Thaddeus Anthony (Ted) Zelek, a longtime Braden Sutphin Ink leader who served as its CEO and chairman of the board, passed away Jan. 23, 2019. He was 87.
Mr. Zelek was born in Cleveland, the youngest child of Polish immigrants Stanley and Mary Zelek. While attending Lincoln High School, he met Helen Urban. They were married for 63 years and were inseparable until her death.
Ted Zelek
Mr. Zelek is remembered as a hardworking and kind person who enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He earned a basketball scholarship to John Carroll University, and served as a lieutenant in the Army. During his freshman year, he took a job at Braden Sutphin Ink Company and slowly worked his way up to salesman and eventually became CEO and chairman of the board. All told, he was with Braden Sutphin from age 18 until he retired at age 70.
Highly regarded by his peers, Mr. Zelek was honored by the National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM) with the prestigious Printing Ink Pioneer Award in 1996.
Jim Leitch, Wikoff Color’ s VP, Great Lakes Region, succeeded Mr. Zelek as CEO of Braden Sutphin Ink, and he spoke fondly of Mr. Zelek’s kindness.
“Ted was with only one company through his whole career,” Leitch recalled. “He started during his freshman year at John Carroll University and moved from working on the mills in production to sales, then to management and CEO and chairman of the board.
“Ted led Braden Sutphin during the glory years for our company and the industry, when printing was really growing,” Leitch added. “It was fun working for him. Ted had a great poker face - you never knew if you were in trouble or if he was just kidding with you. He was a really good guy, always kind and gracious to all.”
Ted and Helen Zelek had three children, Kathleen Zelek, Marianne Kiewel and the late Edwin “Eddie” Zelek; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Mia Sutphin Foundation, 9095 Furrow Ave., Ellicott City, MD 21042.
Mr. Zelek was born in Cleveland, the youngest child of Polish immigrants Stanley and Mary Zelek. While attending Lincoln High School, he met Helen Urban. They were married for 63 years and were inseparable until her death.
Ted Zelek
Highly regarded by his peers, Mr. Zelek was honored by the National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM) with the prestigious Printing Ink Pioneer Award in 1996.
Jim Leitch, Wikoff Color’ s VP, Great Lakes Region, succeeded Mr. Zelek as CEO of Braden Sutphin Ink, and he spoke fondly of Mr. Zelek’s kindness.
“Ted was with only one company through his whole career,” Leitch recalled. “He started during his freshman year at John Carroll University and moved from working on the mills in production to sales, then to management and CEO and chairman of the board.
“Ted led Braden Sutphin during the glory years for our company and the industry, when printing was really growing,” Leitch added. “It was fun working for him. Ted had a great poker face - you never knew if you were in trouble or if he was just kidding with you. He was a really good guy, always kind and gracious to all.”
Ted and Helen Zelek had three children, Kathleen Zelek, Marianne Kiewel and the late Edwin “Eddie” Zelek; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Mia Sutphin Foundation, 9095 Furrow Ave., Ellicott City, MD 21042.
