 |
| Rich Freiberger, Chief Operating Officer, ZF Array Technology
|
It is with great sadness that we share with you that Rich Freiberger, Chief Operating Officer of ZF Array Technology in San Jose, CA, passed away on February 7th after a difficult and courageous battle with both lymphoma and Hepatitis C.
Rich was an active member of the SMTA for over 25 years and from 1995 to 2001 Rich served the SMTA on the Board of Directors. Rich was a recipient of both SMTA's Founder’s Award and Excellence in Leadership Award and also chaired the Certification Committee.
JoAnn Stromberg, SMTA, Executive Administrator, commented, "we can think of no one who embodied what the SMTA is all about more than Rich Freiberger. He was actively involved in SMT since its beginning in the early 1980’s, but not just 'involved' – he was an active participant.
"He was one of the most knowledgeable people in our industry. Through his active work in our industry, he contributed to the advancement of the technology. Rich didn’t just read and preach, he practiced the technology, and as his close friends would say, 'Rich has solder paste under his fingernails, he builds boards, he puts together lines, and he helps define the technology and the state-of-the-art.'
"Rich shared that knowledge freely and with open-mindedness, intelligence and insight. We will miss his insight and friendship."
Ken Bliss, CEO Bliss Industries remarks, "Rich was a true upstanding guy. He was a true expert in electronics and was always willing to share what he knew, he taught me a lot overthe years. I was so proud for him when he received the SMTA founder's award.
I had the pleasure of knowing him for nearly 20 years professionally, and more than 10 years on a more personal level as my daughters and his went to the same high school and there I met his wife Liza and worked with her on many school projects. She like him is a truly wonderful person.
He will be missed by many people worldwide, such a wonderful guy. My deepest condolences to Liza, his entire family, his partners in business and the employees of ZF array Technologies.”
Bob Black, President of Juki adds, "Rich was a pioneer of SMT in the Silicon Valley. He was a customer, a source that could always be counted on for solid technical information, and a great guy. Rich gave generously of his time to the SMTA. He will be sorely missed by our industry."
The family is planning a memorial service in a few weeks.
