In Memoriam: Tom Redditt Sr.

Thomas L. Redditt Sr., a manufacturers’ rep and past-president of the Manufacturers’ Agents Association for the Foodservice Industry, died Oct. 20. He was 96.

Redditt founded the Tom Redditt Sales Agency, based in Littleton, Colo. He’d learned the industry by working for his uncle’s rep firm in El Paso, Texas, after leaving the Army in 1946. Two generations have followed him into leading the family-owned company.

He served as MAFSI president in 1981. His family said Redditt never lost his love of the industry and its people. Up until his last days he could be heard asking about the business, occasionally calling the office to just to make sure people were working and to inquire, “Are you selling anything?”

On hearing of his death, FER Publisher Robin Ashton called Redditt “one of the true pioneer reps of the industry. A true gentleman and one of the most ethical and honest people I’ve ever met in this business.”

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Elinor; and his son Tom Jr. Services were held in Lakewood, Colo. Memories and condolences can be shared at HoranCares.com“””