PPB November 2017

IN MEMORIAM Irene Kogutt Irene Kogutt, who along with her husband Sam owned Dart Manufacturing Company in Dallas, Texas, passed away on September 4. She was 88. A graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, Kogutt and her husband founded the supplier together and owned it for 42 years. During her time in the promotional products industry, she was an active industry volunteer. She served on the PPAI Board of Directors from 1994 to 1998, and she won the PPAI Distinguished Service Award in 1999. Kogutt was also a passionate volunteer and fundraiser for the Promotional Products Education Foundation, serving on its board from 1996 to 2000, and as chair in 1998. Kogutt is survived by her husband Sam, her sons Randy, Jeff and Michael, and their families, including four grandsons and three great- grandchildren. Services for Kogutt were held at Congregation Shearith Israel in Dallas, with burial at Shearith Israel Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to Jewish Family Services or the Akiba Academy of Dallas. | NOVEMBER 2017 | 95 CONNECT IN MEMORIAM / Teresa Allen Teresa Allen, an account executive at Nashville, Tennessee- based distributor TSC Marketing, passed away September 5 after a battle with cancer. She was 57. A longtime industry professional, Allen was also an active member of the Promotional Products Association of the Mid-South (PPAMS). She served on the regional association’s board of directors in 2011 and in 2012 as director of public service. PPAMS Past President Dennis Durban says, “I first met Teresa Allen in the early ’90s. She came to work at Neely Harwell and Co. That was her introduction into the wholesale apparel industry. We worked together at four different businesses: Neely-Harwell, Durbin Wholesale Company, T-Shirts & More, and S&S Sales. Teresa’s work ethic was like no other, her energy was perpetual, and a she had a get-the-job-done drive. She treasured her relationships with her customers, and most of them would eventually become dear friends. Sure, Teresa wanted to make that sale, but more importantly, she wanted her customers to be happy.” Darrel Smith, another PPAMS past president, adds, “The PPAMS community has lost a good one in the passing of Teresa Allen. She was a wonderful lady, always available with a ready smile. Teresa was a doer and a giver. She never backed down from any challenge put before her. She will be missed.” Visitations for Allen were held at Gateway Community Church in Franklin, Tennessee, with burial and a graveside service following at the Hills Union Cemetery in Dandridge. Donations to assist the family can be made to the Teresa Allen Benevolent Fund, c/o PPAMS, P.O. Box 290961, Nashville, Tennessee 37229, or at any FirstBank location in Tennessee. IN MEMORIAM / John Pagano John Pagano, owner of Glen Head, New York, multi-line rep firm JAC Marketing, passed away on August 25. Pagano began his career after college with Latama, Inc., rising to vice president and partner before leaving to form JAC Marketing. A popular multi-line rep in the Northeast, he was also an active member and volunteer with the Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY). He served on the regional association’s board, including a term as president, and was inducted into the SAAGNY Hall of Fame and named an Honorary Life Member. Several industry members have shared their memories on Pagano and thoughts on his passing, reflecting on his outspokenness and no-filter approach to speaking his mind. Eileen Lynch of BIC Graphic says, “May he rest in peace—but he is probably telling God a thing or two.” Ike Haskins, a former industry supplier rep, adds, “He would always straighten my tie and say, ’Now you’re ready … go get ’em, Ike.’ I know there is an angel in heaven straightening his wings, saying, ‘Now you’re ready … go get ’em, John.’” Christine Lovell of ASI, says, “John was a rock star in our industry and a person that was loved by everyone. His smile was infectious and he will be missed.” Rick Friedman, a former supplier in the industry, says, “We traveled together for three to four months a year. I have such vivid memories of those great times. An awful lot of my younger life was spent being schooled and taught by [John].” Pagano is survived by his wife of 25 years, Laura, and his daughters Patty, Francesca and Catherine, as well as their spouses and children. Funeral services were held privately. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.