Norman Sadek, founder of Andrea by Sadek, Passes Away at 92
New Rochelle, NY — Norman W. Sadek, 92, founder of Andrea by Sadek passed away peacefully Saturday, November 13, 2010 at his home in Hartsdale, NY. An industry pioneer, he founded the company with his father in 1936 as the Charles Sadek Import Company. The creator of world renowned Andrea Birds, Norman’s “affordable collectibles” were carried by tens of thousands of retailers across the world. Millions of his products continue to be cherished by consumers today. During the 1970s and 1980s, he met thousands of his collectors during personal signings at retailers across the country.
A WWII Marine, Norman broke new ground in postwar trade with Japan. An early innovator, Norman inspired Japanese factories to produce higher quality products and was the first Japanese importer to use cartons. Andrea by Sadek products with the stamp “Occupied Japan” can still be found in the marketplace today. An overseas buyer for over 50 years, Norman also participated in the opening of China. Sadek was one of the first to bring Chinese products to market, getting a jump on competitors by purchasing a warehouse of readymade products, then venturing into the mainland to work directly with factories. 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.
Even before the war Norman was an industry leader, heavily involved in early New York gift and lamp trade associations. His leadership continued throughout his career. In 2004, Gift for Life 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.
A loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Norman is survived by his beloved wife Constance (nee Meyer), children Andrea Sadek (Neil Miller), Jim Sadek (Sandy), Robin Ascher (Peter) and Lauren Krzyzewski (George), grandchildren Adam, Eric, Zach, Rebecca, Toby, Samuel, David, Joseph and Anna and great-grandchildren Morgan and Evan.
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
