Paul von Zech, Sandmeyer Steel Company Vice Chairman, dies.

Philadelphia, PA – June 30, 2008

Paul L. von Zech, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the local Philadelphia manufacturer, Sandmeyer Steel Company, passed away on June 27, 2008.

A native of Philadelphia, von Zech attended Drexel University, where he played football, before being hired by Company founder, the late Paul Sandmeyer, in 1955.  He quickly made a name for himself throughout the industry and was recognized as an expert on stainless steel plate products.

Before being named Vice Chairman in 1998, he held the position of Executive Vice President for 29 years and Vice President – Operations before that.  “Paul was nicknamed 'The Bear,' and he ran our plant with a combination of firmness and precision, but it was always tempered with kindheartedness.  He was rarely in his office, choosing instead to spend most of his days in the shop not only keeping an eye on the operations but also stopping to chat with our employees,” remembers Ron Sandmeyer, Jr., President and CEO.

In 1995 Sandmeyer Steel Company named the building that houses their forming and bending operations as the Paul L. von Zech Building in honor of von Zech’s years of service and dedication to the Company.  In addition, in honor of Paul, the Company awards the Paul L. von Zech Scholarship annually to a dependent child of a plant employee.

Married to Anita von Zech for 52 years, Paul is also survived by his children, Paul von Zech, III (Chip); Betsy and Peter Rhodes; and Gloria von Zech; and three grandchildren, Gretchen, Peter, and Peyton Rhodes.

A viewing will be held Tuesday from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm at the Bradley Funeral Home at 601 Route 73 South (Route 73 and Evesham Road) in Marlton, New Jersey.  A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday at 12:00 noon at St. Andrew United Methodist Church at 327 Marlton Pike West (Route 70) in Cherry Hill.  Interment will be private.

Sandmeyer Steel Company was founded in 1952 by the late Paul C. Sandmeyer.  Family owned and managed, the Company is recognized as a leading producer of stainless steel and nickel alloy plate products used in capital equipment for the chemical and other process industries.  The Company services customers throughout the world.

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