Joe Fristik passed away suddenly at Rheem headquarters on Wednesday, March 25. He was 57. Fristik joined Rheem in 2011 as corporate vice president, national accounts and marketing. “During his rich career, Joe provided many lasting contributions to our industry and made many meaningful friendships along the way,” said J.R. Jones, president/CEO of Rheem. “He also made significant contributions benefiting Rheem’s growth and spearheaded several new customer acquisitions. He was more than a leader at Rheem; Joe was also a friend and mentor to many. He will be dearly missed,” Jones said. Joe Fristik was a 30-year employee of Penton Media, his last position being vice president/group publishing director for Penton’s Mechanical Systems and Design Engineering groups. Among the publications he managed were Contracting Business, Contractor, and HPAC Engineering.
“All of us at Penton are so very sorry for the loss of Joe Fristik," said Dan Ashenden, group publisher for Contracting Business, Contractor, and HPAC Engineering.
"For over three decades, he was one of our own," Ashenden said. "Joe was a great boss, and everyone at Penton and in our industry respected him. He had many special traits and talents, especially his love of his family, friends and God. He brought so much integrity and great attitude to everything he did on both a personal and professional level.
“I had the opportunity and blessing to work with Joe over many years at Penton. He was my mentor, an always encouraging coach, and great supporter."
“Joe lived life with honesty and laughter. We will miss those moments of camaraderie, laughter, and that big, warm smile the most. Going forward, we will live everyday inspired by his spirit, and by his love for life and for our industry.”
Fristik was also active in industry associations, including AHRI, HARDI, and NATE.
Donations in Joe Fristik’s name can be made to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank (greaterclevelandfoodbank.org); Truth for Life (TruthforLife.org); or The Cleveland City Mission (thecitymission.org/home).