In Memoriam: Thomas James Bacha
June 11, 2026
In Memoriam: Thomas James Bacha June 12, 1953 – May 24, 2026 Thomas James Bacha died peacefully on May 24, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.
In Memoriam: Thomas James Bacha June 12, 1953 – May 24, 2026 Thomas James Bacha died peacefully on May 24, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.
It is with profound sadness that Absolute Exhibits announces the passing of our co-founder, Chairwoman, and President, Jan Koren, who passed away last week surrounded by her family.
In Memoriam: Joseph L. Rubey Jr. July 31, 1959 – May 15, 2026May 2026 Joseph L. Rubey Jr. died on Friday, May 15, 2026, after
In Memoriam: Gary Francis Wannemacher August 14, 1950 – May 9, 2026 Gary Francis Wannemacher of Downers Grove, Illinois, died on May 9, 2026, at
Joseph Patrick Esposito, Jr. died on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at age 51.
Esposito worked in the tradeshow and live events industry in the Chicago market, including roles with TRU Service Group and Octane Group. His career included city management and showfloor operations. His work involved maintaining relationships with show contractors and venue staff, helping with scheduling, and coordinating labor and trades for events.
Drew Van Diggelen passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind his beloved wife, Bridgett, and their two daughters, Dahlia and Delsie.
Michael Verne Parrott, 86, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, died Sunday, March 29, 2026. Born March 2, 1940, in Marshall, MN, he was the eldest son of Robert Belgrove and Paula Verne Parrott, also of Fort Wayne. A 1958 graduate of Southside High School, Parrott earned his BA from Carleton College and MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He was an officer in the US Air Force and was awarded the American Spirit of Honor Medal in 1964, completing his service at the 122nd Tactical Fighter Wing of the Indiana National Guard.
Michael R. Joncek October 7, 1968 – March 1, 2026 Michael Robert Joncek of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away on March 1, 2026, at
ColorCraft is saddened to share the passing of Carlos Vives, a longtime Fabrication Technician whose craftsmanship and dedication helped shape countless projects produced by the company.
Zol Bernard Harvey Jr. died February 6, 2026. He was 71. He lived in Las Vegas.
Harvey was born in Texas City, Texas, to Marion Oneta Quarantra and Zol B. Harvey Sr. He was raised in Dickinson, Texas, and moved to Corpus Christi in 1985.
The 2025 Year in Review includes a moment of remembrance for industry professionals whose careers left a lasting imprint on the exhibit and events community. These brief entries reflect decades of work behind the scenes, on show floors, and in leadership roles that helped move the industry forward.
In Memoriam: James S. Hanlon. September 14, 1960 – December 9, 2025. James S. Hanlon of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, died on December 9, 2025. He was born in Levittown, Pennsylvania.
