A media release from Wayne, NJ-based Maddak Inc announces that Kurt Landsberger, founder of Maddak and Bel-Art Products, passed away December 19 at age 93 years. Maddak Inc, established in 1979, is a subsidiary of Bel-Art Products, which was established in 1946. Both firms are a part of SP Industries, Warminster, Pa.
Landsberger reportedly founded Maddak for the purpose of manufacturing aids for daily living that would assist seniors and individuals affected by temporary and permanent disabilities to live more independent lives. The reasons behind Landsberger’s decision to start the company are said to be those for which Landsberger held great passion.
Born in Prague in 1920, Landsberger immigrated to the United States in 1939 and was a translator for the United States Army during World War II, according to an obituary in the New Jersey Star-Ledger. The obituary described Landsberger as an environmental and human rights activist, and notes that Landsberger and his late wife, Anny, founded the Hilltop Preservation in Verona as well as the Kurt and Anny Landsberger Scholarship for Environmental Studies at Ramapo College, Rowan University, and Seton Hall University.
In 2012, Landsberger officially retired as CEO of Maddak.
[Sources: Maddak Inc, New Jersey Star-Ledger]
