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Donald L. Stanczak
Donald L. Stanczak
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Donald Stanczak Obituary
On Monday, October 12, 2009. Beloved husband of Maralyne V. Stanczak; father of Stacey Smith (Justin) and Ashleigh Stanczak; grandfather of Cassandra, Grace, Bailey and Camryn Smith; son of the late Jack and Dorothy Stanczak. Don was a graduate of Cornell University and an executive with Interstate Hotels and Resorts. During his career he was awarded the Cheers Magazine Award, numerous Summit Advertising awards, was a member of the Millenium Advisory Board and was recognized as one of the hospitality industry leaders by various publications. He was active in the community with organizations such as Parental Stress. Friends will be received at JOHN A. FREYVOGEL SONS, INC., 4900 Centre Ave. at Devonshire St. Wednesday 6-8pm and Thursday 2-4 and 6-8pm. Funeral Friday, Mass of Christian Burial St. Paul Cathedral 10:30am. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to the American Heart Association, 777 Penn Center Blvd. Pgh., PA 15235 or Cornell University School of Hotel Management, Statler Hotel, Ithaca, NY 14853.
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Julie Reigle
October 29, 2009
I was extremely saddened to hear of Don's passing and I know you miss him greatly. I have been remiss in writing this to you, as I promised I would at the Wednesday night service. A lot of favorite stories, and good karma has circulated between many former IHC's since Don's passing, and I am sure that more will be told in the weeks and months to come.
I will always remember Don's sense of humor and personal interaction with his managers and staffs. He mentored and was responsible for many a successful career in this industry, and not just in Food and Beverage, but sales, Ops, HR, etc.
Being a Sales and Marketing "lifer", I took some kidding from Don, as I have lived with one of his IHC Chef's - my other half - Mark Smersky for years. My favorite memories include great dinners, opening/re-opening parties and F&B meetings (That I was present at, due to my other half.), and how at one event, Don sought out me and Mary Simone to join him at the head table with some high level conversative Marriott executives (Just because he did not want to be bored alone - as he told us later...but, of course, it was more colorful than that...as only Don could state it.)
My thoughts are with you, Maralyne, Stacey and Ashleigh.
Arthur Cooper
October 19, 2009
I was greatly saddened at news of Don's passing. A true F&B professional I enjoyed working with him when I was a Director of Catering and later Operations, as well as very glad he continued to talk to me as a one of those darn troblesome Directors of Sales and Marketing. Just thinking of him and the stories shared will always leave me smiling. Best wishes to his wonderful family.
Don Andrezjwski
October 19, 2009
Don was such a special person. He helped so many young managers at Interstate grow their careers. We shared so many things in common, our love for Pittsburgh, the hotel business and our passion for the Steelers, Penquins and Pirates. He will be sorely missed by all. My prayers go out to his entire family during this most difficult time.
Tami Chotkowski
October 19, 2009
I just returned from Pittsburgh for the services for Don. What a heart felt send off. It was, I think, exactly the way he would have wanted it.
Someone described us as Don's "Food and Beverage Posse". I think that is an appropriate description for those of us that had the pleasure of learning from him. I learned so much from him about the true art of food and beverage.
I will miss Don's visits to NYC, sharing a meal and a lot of stories.
With much respect and admiration.
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October 19, 2009
Maralyne and Family,
Laurie, Zack and I were shocked and sadden by the news of Don's passing. Our prayers are with you and your daughters.
Laurie and Jay Wold
Ashburn VA
Gregory Smith
October 18, 2009
Maralyne & Family
I am very saddened to hear of Don's passing. He truly was a great man and a friend. I will miss him.
My heartfelt and deepest sympathy goes out to you and the family. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Chuck Wesley
October 16, 2009
I was very saddened to hear of Don's passing. I had the opportunity to sit across the hall from Don and truly enjoyed and remembered our talks whether about family, sports and yes even Touched by Angel which he got me to watch. My thoughts are with Maralyne, Stacey and Ashleigh during this difficult time. God Bless.
October 16, 2009
i was deeply saddened to have learned of don's passing. he truly was one of the 'good guys' who was always well respected and knew how to get things done while having some fun along the way. he helped me when i first joined ihc in 89 and was never to busy to address any issue that required his input. i will always have fond memories of my traveling days with don. never a dull moment especially when we played golf. wishing the stanczak family the best during these difficult times. god bless. john marks
Vicki McPherson
October 16, 2009
I was very saddened to hear of Don’s passing. Don was my first boss at Interstate Hotels, and at the time, this was very intimidating. I knew absolutely nothing about hospitality or food and beverage for that matter, but I learned much from him. I must have liked what I heard, as I was with Interstate for fifteen years. Don was larger than life, and he will be missed. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Joseph Klam
October 16, 2009
My sincere condolences to all of the family. Don was a great gentleman. May God rest his soul and give you the strength to go on.
Chuck Tomb
October 16, 2009
I too had the sincere pleasure of working with Don at Interstate Hotels, a company he helped make the most professional and food forward third party management and ownership companies in the industry. Being in development, Don was always my "go to" person for innovative solutions, practical advise, a keen, quick sense of humor when I needed a pick me up.
He and I also shared a common bond - a wonderful wife and two daughters we shared stories about, commiserated on regarding "what the heck are they thinking??", and "how would YOU handle this situation?". Don loved his family dearly and was always devoted to making things the best they could be, both in his professional life and for his beloved family. "His girls" were everything to him and he expressed it to me on a number of occasions.
Don is a legend in our business and we have lost a dear friend and IHC family member. God bless Don and Don's family during this very difficult time.
Donna Duba
October 15, 2009
Maralyne, Ashleigh and Stacey,
Like so many, I am deeply saddened to hear of Don's passing. His voice is one I won't forget as I can hear him in his office on the countless phone calls he would get from so many asking for his expertise in food and beverage, discussing the latest Steeler game, where the next hotel was going to be, menu items or talking to his wife and his precious girls. Don was always full of life, laughter and love of his family. His wisdom and teachings live on in all of us. He will not be forgotten. Thank you, Don. And to his family, my deepest sympathy.
Bob White
October 15, 2009
My heartfelt wishes go out to the Stanczak family. Mr.Stanczak(to us "foodies")led many of our long careers through the Interstate days. I have learned so much off him. When we got that fateful "are you ready to move again call",he always had a clear and firm faith in our abilities to go to the next level. He will be missed in the Food and Beverage world!
Charles OBrien
October 15, 2009
Don taught me the ability to guage human character in a heartbeat and to fairly and judiciously confront it.
Maryellen Williamson
October 15, 2009
Don was a great mentor to me during my 28 years with IHR. Whenever we faced a challenge or new venture in F&B, we would always say "what would Don do...."let's call upon him for his expert advise". He was so logical and encouraged us to think outside the box. In the past year he gave me some valuable professional advise for which I'm grateful for. Maraylne, Stacy and Ashleigh, I'm sorry for your loss. Your husband/father was a great man who would light up when he talked about his family. He will be missed.
Eric DeStefano
October 15, 2009
Maralyne, Stacy, and Ashlieigh,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I was saddened to hear about Don's passing as he was truely an amazing man on so many levels. A true professional and family man who taught so many of us how to be managers and "foodies", but more importantly how to be a good person. Don was truely a good and caring man to so many. He took the time to teach, mentor, and guide without hestitation.
For those of us who were fortunate enough to have had Don in our lives, we all know how truely special of a man he was. God Bless.
Gerry Chase
October 15, 2009
I knew Don for almost 3 decades. He showed most of us in the business that F&B did not have to be a loss leader, but a profit center that was fun and creative. He understood that the business was made up of people and that everyone had a place in this world. He loved his family dearly, he was always there for his friends. He showed me how to read the tea leaves in a corporate environment which he was the master. He will be missed by all and the industry has lost a real pro. God bless.
Gerry
Myer Percival-Ballesteros
October 15, 2009
To say I am shocked is an understatement. Mr. Stanczak has been like a father figure to me for 17+ years. His knowledge of food and beverage and wine in particular blew me away every time I was around him. I was in awe of him just being in his presence. I enjoyed working with him when I worked on the Interstate account. He was one of the funniest people on earth with his sense of humor. Although I never met his family, I felt like I knew them all because he talked about them all the time. His wife and daughters were his WORLD! And then those grandkids came along and that was all he talked about! He will be missed by our company, Patrick Henry Creative Promotions, every single day. I will miss his calls when he would simply say, "Patrick Henry"...you knew immediatley who it was on the phone. He took the time to talk to me when he had business (Fantasy Football haha) to discuss with Patrick. He helped shape our company by giving us a chance. We owe so much to Mr. Stanczak as a business client, but will love him and rememeber him as a dear friend that he became to us.
Peter Davis
October 15, 2009
I am deeply saddened to hear of Don's passing. He was a mentor and great leader to myself and so many in his years of leading Interstate. I enjoyed the many times we worked togeather on projects and the time we traveled togeather. He will be missed by The Charles Hotel and especially by myself.
My condolences go out to his entire family who he spoke so proudly of.
Kathleen McDonald
October 15, 2009
Stacey, I'm so sorry for your loss. You father was so kind, and he excuded his caring nature. While I have so many memories of him with you and your family, the most salient is the day you got married. Your dad hated to give you away I'm sure, but his love for you was so apparent. I know how hard it is to lose a father, and I will keep you in my prayers that you find peace and comfort in knowing that he will always be with you. I'm know he is already in God's arms.
With Love and Sympathy,
Kathleen
Bob Greene
October 15, 2009
I was saddened to learn of Don's passing. Although I worked with Don while at Interstate Hotels, I did not know Don as well as most who have posted here. Yet, I always respected him for his knowledge and commitment to developing those in his charge to be the best they could possibly be in a very demanding discipline within the hospitality industry. One only has to read and hear the many kind words of his friends, peers and those he mentored to see the effects of a legacy he has left to all who knew him and to a life he lived and loved. My sincere condolence to Don's family and to those others closest to him.
Dan Karwowski
October 15, 2009
Don was a very talented man and a passionate hotel leader who with his visions and concepts helped to shape the Food and Beverage operations into a unique and memorable experience for all hotel guests.
Don was truly ahead of his time and an industry icon. He will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers go out for Don and his family during this time.
Mike Rabidoux
October 15, 2009
I was so sorry to hear about Don’s passing. He was a true mentor and friend who was always there to help someone professionally or personally. There were so many great moments that he spent with his “guys’ but the first F&B meeting at Silverado, the grand opening party in Memphis and, of course, the wine trip to France are memories I will always treasure. There was a sense of loyalty towards him by those of us that worked with him that will never be duplicated. His dry sense of humor, his incredible talent and business savvy were known to all but it was his love and adoration of Maralyne, Stacey and Ashleigh and the way he helped people behind the scenes that made Don the wonderful person he was.
Debbie and I want to offer our heartfelt condolences to Maralyne, Stacey and Ashleigh. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rene Neidhart
October 15, 2009
As so many of us I was schocked and saddened by the news of Don's passing. Don hired me 25 years ago when we opened the Charles hotel in Cambridge. He remained a mentor and a friend to me. I remember his love for his daughters when we opened Stacey's at the Providence Marriott. He was so proud that finally he had restaurants named after both of his daughters.
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Rene Neidhart
Henry Michaud
October 15, 2009
I am very saddened to hear of Don's passing. My prayers go out to Don's wife and family. Don was one of the unique visionaries and leaders in the Hotel business. It was always interesting hearing his thoughts and perspectives on many different topics, he was one of the best.
I am glad our paths have crossed over the years, he will truly be missed by all.
Rex Warren
October 15, 2009
I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Interstate in the 1990's, and with Don. As you will see from the postings on this Guest book, we all remain a family.
He was an incredibly talented man, very generous with his time and his knowledge. Don created some of the best restaurant and bar concepts in the industry and he was a true force.
He will be missed, and I pray for his family during this time.
Robert Barclay
October 15, 2009
Don was a visionary in our industry and helped shape the way that the Food and Beverage component became more than just an amenity to the guest experience. He was truly ahead of his time, a great mentor and an industry icon. He will be missed by all.
Jim France
October 15, 2009
I was saddened to hear of Don's passing. My condolences go out to Maralyne and his family. It has been many years since I last saw Don. I believe the last time was in 1986. But I worked with him for several years at Interstate (particularly when we put the Charles Hotel at Harvard Square in Cambridge together) and remember with pleasure our association. He was always a kind and thoughtful man and treated me invariably with great respect. He taught me much with patience and humor. He was a milestone in my life for which I am grateful.
Bob Hermany
October 15, 2009
Those of us who had the great privilege to train under Don Stanczak learned from the master! His creative and innovative food & beverage solutions were industry game changers. He was the kind of leader who could walk into a room and take it over, Don was absolutely full of life, enjoying every second and pursuing his passion with great energy. I have spent the past many hours replaying the countless stories in my head: the IHC band circuit; trips to hotel shows; F&B meetings; menu planning 101; but most of all, I remember his great sense of humor, quick wit, incredible timing and wonderful caring for those of us who were on his team. How fortunate we were to have Don in all of our lives.
Lynn and I would like to express our sincerest condolences to Maralyne, Stacey and Ashleigh during this difficult time. God Bless.
John Sharpe
October 14, 2009
I was shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of Don Stanczak. Don was a great mentor to me throughout my career with IHC. I will always remember the good times we shared. Don was a passionate hotel leader.
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family
Michael D'Amodio
October 14, 2009
I had the privilege and honor of working with Don for over 16 years with Interstate Hotels. A great deal of my success in the hotel industry today, is a direct result of the many things I learned from Don over the years. He was a true professional that touched many people's lives over his career. My gratitude to Don for his guidance and my deep sympathy to his wife, daughters, and family who I know he loved so much.
Eileen Santoli
October 14, 2009
I am so sad to hear about Don's passing. My heart goes out to his family. We will always remember him, of course, for his expertise and generous mentoring of so many. But, I will fondly remember first his great generosity, deep love for his family and zest for life.
Sam Mancuso
October 14, 2009
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Don Stanczak. My condolences go out to his family. I worked with Don for ten years with Interstate Hotels. He was a mentor and great visionary for us and I have very fond memories of the times we spent together. I am a better chef because of Don Stanczak.
'Pap' Tom Smith
October 14, 2009
Maralyne, Stacey and Ashleigh,
I felt so bad two weeks ago when the kids lost great-grandma Betty, them being so young that they may not remember her well. I am heartboken at the loss of Pup Pup Don. One of the great joys of having Stacey join our family was getting to know you all and Don. He has shown us so much kindness and friendship over the years. My only wish is that we could have enjoyed more time together down the road in retirement. I will go forward trying to be a good Pap to the kids, but I know they will miss you Don, as we all will.
Paul Ryan
October 14, 2009
Don, we mourn your passing but celebrate your life's accomplishments as a friend, colleague,mentor. Our lives are richer having shared time with you. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
To all let's celebrate a great man.
Christy Sevier
October 14, 2009
Don was a brilliant F&B executive and will be missed dearly. It is my hope that the Stanczak family finds peace in knowing how much he was loved and respected. May God hold them close during this time and provide them with love and reassurance.
October 14, 2009
I considered Don one of my best friends. He was a true leader in the hotel industry and made a major impact on many people's life including mine. My heart goes out to Stacey, Ashleigh and Marylyn.
Patrick Henry - Houston, Texas
Todd Davis
October 14, 2009
Maralyne,
I am so saddened to hear the news about Don. Eerily, I had run across your holiday letter 07-08 on Monday. Seeing both of you and the family brought a smile. I was going to call soon and tell him I was sending a 40th FWRFC book with memorials to Phil in it. It was on the top of my desk pile today as I received Chuck's email. I hope in time you can celebrate the good memories. Phil has the steins ready and waiting. Sadly though, I personally know....just how you feel right now. Be strong for the kids.
--Todd Davis
Chris Simcic
October 14, 2009
I worked with Don at Interstate Corporate in Green Tree. He was a "tell it like it is" kind of guy. Something we all appreciated. He leaves behind many accomplishments to be proud of. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing and I hope that the Stanczak family can take comfort knowing that many, many people cared for and respected Don. Sincerely,
Fr Mike Kallock
October 14, 2009
Don and all of you are very much in my prayers, thoughts, and masses. I pray Maralyne that you, Stacey & Ashleigh will be comforted in knowing that Don has joined the Communion of Saints and that he is still spiritually very much in touch with you. Fr Mike Kallock
Jimmy Shandor
October 14, 2009
Don, thank you for all you have done for me and so many others.
I will forever remember you, your laughter, and spirt.
You will be missed by so many. God Bless you. Jimmy Shandor
Mandy Petro
October 14, 2009
He was simply the best. May God Bless your family during this difficult time.
October 14, 2009
Don and I were classmates at Cornell together and have run into each other at various times in our careers. Most recently, Don and I had time to sit and reminence about Cornell and this business at the opening of our Marriott in Lancaster, PA. We also shared our fondness for our grandchildren. Don will be missed very much and we send our deepest sympathy to his entire family.
Frank ('67)and Pat McCabe
High Hotels Ltd.
Lancaster, PA
Don Mitz
October 14, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
dennis lanners
October 14, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with all family and friends at this time of greif. Don was a wonderful man of great integrity, warmth, passion, and very giving. I will always be very thankful and proud of the professional business and personal relationship we shared in the hotel business. He will be missed by all. Sincerely,
Jim Spoonhoward
October 14, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
David A Smith
October 14, 2009
The BEST "Foodie" I've ever known.
Tom Loftus
October 14, 2009
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Don's passing. Don was always a great help to me when I was director of communications at Interstate. I will always remember when Don invited me to go to New York for a meeting with Interstate's best chefs. One night he took us to a different New York restaurant for each course of the meal. Don's bigger than life personality was only surpassed in size by his heart. My sympathy to Don's family and to the many former and present Interstate Foodies who had Don as their mentor. Tom Loftus.
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