PIA/GATF Mourns Passing of Tom Destree, Long-Time Editor-in-chief

PITTSBURGH—June 25, 2008—PIA/GATF sadly reports that its long-time editor, Tom Destree, passed away suddenly on Monday at his home in Castle Shannon, PA. Tom Destree, 53 years old, was one of PIA/GATF’s most valued veterans and one who touched many through his skilled editing and writing. In fact, it is believed he may have touched every printed document issued by the organization.

Destree was with PIA/GATF for 30 years, initially with the original GATF group, and most recently held the position of Editor in Chief. He worked tirelessly through the years, the primary behind-the-scenes editorial support for the more than 12,000 member companies comprising the world’s largest printing association.

“PIA/GATF lost an incredible team player this week. Tom was a very talented editor whose dedication and commitment was only exceeded by his genuine nature. He will be greatly missed,” said Michael Makin, PIA/GATF President and CEO.

Mary Garnett, PIA/GATF Executive Director: “Tom was a very low-key, not-in-the-spotlight gentleman, yet his contributions to our organization and our lives were huge. Through his long career at PIA/GATF, he touched virtually every printed piece that left this building. He was our Peer-of-the-Year for 2007. Tom set an example through his steadfast dedication and personal outlook that we all appreciated, admired, respected, and will sorely miss.”

Tom was born in Green Bay, WI. He earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial arts at the University of Wisconsin-Stout and a master’s in business administration from the University of Pittsburgh. He joined the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF) in 1977 and was heavily involved in book and magazine production and management, including a tenure as managing editor of GATFWorld from 1990 to 1994. He is survived by two brothers, a sister, an aunt, and many cousins.

During his time at PIA/GATF, Tom’s accomplishments were many. He is listed as the primary or secondary author on many of PIA/GATF’s best-selling titles including Sheetfed Offset Press Operating, The Lithographers Manual, The PIA/GATF Guide to Troubleshooting for the Sheetfed Offset Press, and the PIA/GATF Web Offset and Sheetfed Offset Training Curriculums.

Dee Gentile, Managing Editor for GATFWorld and Management Portfolio: “Every printed piece - be it a brochure, postcard, fax, email, catalog, magazine, book, report, board minutes, etc. - was either edited, proofread, or blessed by Tom Destree in some way. Tom had a tireless devotion to making every piece of paper he handled be the very best it could be to reflect PIA/GATF’s well-established competency, which he himself was essential to creating.”

Amy Woodall, Director of Technical Information, PIA/GATFPress: “Tom was not just the Technical Information department’s own special secret - everyone in the company counted on him for his expert proofreading skills. His years of experience with PIA/GATF filled him with ideas, knowledge, and experience that enabled him to contribute meaningfully to every piece he laid his eyes on - and he never hesitated to suggest improvements to any piece that passed under his pen for any department.”

To share your own personal remembrances of Tom Destree with his family, friends and colleagues, you can visit Tom’s tribute page at http://gaintest.net/destree/?p=1. The family has requested that donations be made in Tom’s name to the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation, 200 Deer Run Road, Sewickley, PA 15143.

About PIA/GATF
PIA/GATF is the world’s largest graphic arts trade association representing an industry with more than 1.2 million employees. It serves the interests of more than 12,000 member companies. PIA/GATF, along with its affiliates, delivers products and services that enhance the growth, efficiency and profitability of its members and the industry through advocacy, education, research and technical information.