Norman Prinzo
AKRON-Norman Prinzo, marketing director for Myers Tire Supply Distribution Inc., died Aug. 2 after a short illness. He was 62.
Myers, a division of Myers Industries Inc., said Mr. Prinzo worked for the company for more than 30 years as the national account sales manager. He was named marketing director in 1983. He also was a member of several industry associations and served as an advisor on several supplier groups.
``Mr. Prinzo was not only respected but also beloved by his friends and colleagues,'' Myers Tire Supply said in a statement. ``The people of Myers Tire Supply and Myers Industries are profoundly saddened by his loss and send their thoughts and prayers to his family.''
Thomas Norman Rhea Jr.
LAFAYETTE, La.-Thomas Norman ``Norm'' Rhea Jr., longtime executive director of the Louisiana Independent Tire Dealers Association (LITDA), died March 20 after a brief illness. He was 78.
Mr. Rhea, a native of Memphis, Tenn., and 52-year veteran of the tire industry, was LITDA executive director from 1989 to 2003. According to Charley Gowland, a past president of LITDA, Mr. Rhea is remembered for his wit and his dedication to the association-``one of the great loves'' of his life.
``He enjoyed the comraderie he fostered among dealer and supplier members, board meetings, conventions, training seminars and, mostly, association socials,'' Mr. Gowland said. ``You never knew what was next with Norm. I'd be in the middle of a serious discussion at a board meeting, and first thing you know Norm would be chiming in with some Norm `statement of fact,' and you'd be on a totally different track before you knew it.''
Mr. Rhea sold tires for U.S. Royal Tire Co. for 37 years before retiring in 1986. He also served in the U.S. Navy and was awarded a Purple Heart.
He is survived by his wife Ruby Bernice Greer Rhea; two daughters and sons-in-law, Connie Rhea and husband Jerry Steward and Linda Rhea and husband Marvin Turner; brother, Joseph Richard ``Rip'' Rhea; and four grandchildren.