From AAIA AutoFacts

The youngest of Ignatius and Mary Sucharyk's four children, Frank Robert Shary entered this world on Nov. 17, 1934, in Cleveland, OH. When Shary took a job at a local service station as a young man, little did anyone know that it would launch an illustrious career in the automotive industry for more than 40 years.

In 1963, Shary went to work for Citgo Petroleum as a dealer sales rep in Columbus, OH. He quickly moved up the ranks, working as a wholesale rep in Dayton, OH; the area advertising sales manager in Cleveland; sales manager in Chicago; and eventually moved to Oklahoma as Citgo's general manager of specialty products retail sales. In 1988, Shary brought his expertise and salesmanship to work at Old World Industries as vice president of sales and quickly helped put this young consumer products company on the map.

Shary formally retired in 2000 but continued as a consultant to several manufacturers. He served as a committee member for AAIA and previously the Automotive Parts and Accessories Association (APAA) for more than a decade.

To many executives in the industry today, Shary was a father figure and mentor in their early years, and a confidant and advisor as they advanced in their careers. He taught those fortunate people to always treat others as you would want to be treated ... whether they were the stock boy or the CEO.

With a quick wit, a ready smile and always a positive attitude, Shary was the consummate sales professional who could be charming, irreverent and hilarious all in the course of a single conversation. He held court in executive boardrooms and the local pub with equal ease. He never met an expense account he couldn't exceed.

Everyone has Frank Shary stories. He was one of the true gentlemen and unique characters of our industry and will be greatly missed, said his “second family” at Old World Industries.

Shary is survived by his wife, Reda; sons Craig and Robert; daughter Dawn; son-in-law Greg; and grandchildren Andrew, Jennifer, Alex and Logan.

In lieu of flowers, should you wish to make a charitable contribution in Frank Shary's memory, the family has requested donations be sent to the American Cancer Society, 5110 South Yale Avenue, Suite 101, Tulsa, OK 74135. The phone number for the Tulsa office of the American Cancer Society is 918-743-6767.

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