Stan Breckenridge, Past-chair of PPAI Board of Directors, Passes Away

Stan Breckenridge, MAS, senior vice president of sales for Fairport, New York-based Mastercraft Decorators/The Guildlines, and past-chair of the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) Board of Directors, passed away on Oct. 21 at the age of 66.

During Breckenridge's 30-year career in the promotional product industry, he served as senior vice president of sales and marketing at Sabina, Toled, Ohio; and senior vice president of sales and marketing for Moderne Glass Co., Aliquippa, Pa. He joined Mastercraft Decorators/The Guildlines in 2012.

"We are all terribly saddened by the passing of Stan Breckenridge, and offer our deepest condolences to his wife, Joyce, his family and his friends," said PPAI president and CEO Paul Bellantone in a press release. "He was a tireless advocate and volunteer for our industry, a powerful leader of our board of directors, a courages fighter and loyal colleague and friend. Stan has left an indelible mark on PPAI and the industry he served, and I know I speak for the association community when I say we miss his presence already."

In addition to being a lifelong member of PPAI, he was a member of multiple PPAI committees, including the Public Relations Committee, the Supplier Committee and Nominating Committee, which he chaired. He was elected to the PPAI Board of Directors in 2005, and served until 2010, including as a board chair in 2008 to 2009. Breckenridge also served on the board of directors for Three Rivers Advertising Specialty Association (TRASA).

"We at TRASA are very shocked and sad to hear about Stan," said Patti Ward, TRASA's executive director. "Just last week he contacted me, indicating that he would like to run for the 2016 TRASA board. We were looking forward to having him serve in a new role on the membership committee. Stan made us all laugh at his jokes and he always had a smile on his face. He was a dedicated volunteer and a true friend to many. He will be truly missed."

Breckenridge was recognized by the Society of Glass and Ceramic Decorators for his work to pass an FDA amendment to the Food and Drug Regulatory Modernization Act of 1997.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce; son, Nick; daughter-in-law, Angie; and four grandchildren.