The Cannata Report and the imaging industry mourn the passing of a beloved industry executive.
We recently learned that Ed Bialecki, former senior vice president of sales, Kyocera Document Solutions America, passed away on March 24th. About six months ago, we became aware that he had been battling a terminal illness, and we were saddened to receive the news of his passing from Kyocera.
We knew Ed for close to 26 years. Ed was employed by Mita and then, Kyocera. Our dear friend Mario Lenci introduced us at a Mita kickoff meeting in 1993. These were always fun events for us. Lenci had hired Ed to be a regional manager. He was promoted to vice president of sales in 1999, followed by senior vice president of sales in 2004.
What we had in common was that Ed attended Seton Hall University (SHU) like I did and played basketball as a transfer student. Though he was awarded a full four-year scholarship to Catholic University, he ultimately transferred to play one season at Seton Hall. While at SHU, he earned his B.A. and then went on to earn his MBA at Manhattan College.
Thanks to Larry Weiss (Atlantic, Tomorrow’s Office), Ed and I would attend Seton Hall basketball games at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Atlantic had a corporate suite and always saw to it that tickets were available for Ed and me for the biggest game of the year when Seton Hall hosted Villanova.
When sharing the news of Ed’s passing with co-workers, Kyocera Document Solutions’ U.S. President and CEO Oscar Sanchez stated: “Ed was a professional who led by example, understanding the importance of building trusting relationships with dealers, vendors and colleagues. His warmth and presence within the KDA family will definitely be missed.”
Oscar nailed it, and that is exactly how so many of the Kyocera dealers felt about Ed, even though there had been a great deal of turmoil created by the new management at the time when Kyocera acquired Mita.
Ed was a scratch golfer, loved horses (the racing kind), and was able to quote stats on any horse he was following. It was easy to see that horses were one of his passions.
The Bialecki family has asked that any donations in Ed’s name be sent to Racing for Home c/o Sherrie Courtney, 155 Blake Road, Hamden, CT 06517 (www.racingforhomeinc.com). This organization rescues unwanted former racehorses to save them from abuse that so commonly is the fate of older horses. Thanks to this worthy charity, these older and abused horses can live out their natural lives with care, food, and shelter.
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, a public memorial service will be held in the future. Final arrangements will be provided by Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.cochranfuneral.com.
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