Remembering Rich Zemencik: Friends and former colleagues salute 'The Z-Man'

He was a consummate colleague. A mentor who never stopped mentoring. A rail industry legend who never stopped adding to said legend. A jokester,  joke-teller and (occasional) laugh-getter. A compassionate man and caring friend. And we’ll miss and miss and miss him.

Richard Zemencik, former owner and associate publisher of Progressive Railroading, and a railroader for more than 50 years, died June 3.

After graduating from G. Martin Business School in 1964, Rich began his railroad career at Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad Co. (P&LE) as a court reporter/stenographer in the engineering, maintenance of way, bridge and building, and communication and signaling departments. He served as assistant chief clerk, chief clerk and administrative assistant. Rich rose through the ranks, serving as valuations engineer, assistant estimator, chief estimator, and supervisor of budgets and controls. In 1985, he left P&LE to join Progressive Railroading as eastern sales manager. 

In 1989, Rich and Ron Mitchell purchased the magazine from co-founder Frank Richter. In 1995, they sold it to Trade Press Publishing Corp. Rich remained with the magazine for the next dozen years as associate publisher.

He served on an array of rail industry association boards during his career, including a stint as president and chairman of the Railway Systems Suppliers Inc. in 1997. 

After retiring from Progressive Railroading in 2007, Rich and his wife Nancy moved from Pittsburgh to Pinehurst, North Carolina. During the next decade, he served as vice president of sales and marketing for All Railroad Services Corp.

Donations in Rich’s honor can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Visit: https://lovetotherescue.org/

Following are words of tribute to a man who’ll always be part of us from a sampling of Rich’s many friends and former colleagues. 

— Pat Foran, Editor

With the loss of Rich Zemencik, alias The Z-Man, not only have we lost a true friend and mentor, but we lost an industry icon. Rich was willing to help out anyone at any time. Through his outstanding career in our industry, Rich knew everyone, but more important, they were more than a contact, they were his friends.

I owe him so much. He, along with Steve Blue, hired me at Progressive Railroading as the East Regional Sales Manager, then I eventually took over from him as publisher. He showed me the ropes and what it took to succeed in advertising sales, then as publisher, how to manage a magazine. He was a true mentor helping me grow my career and network for which I will be forever grateful.

One of the most important lessons I learned was how to be a good steward of the industry. Through his actions in helping my career, I witnessed how to help others with their careers. Hopefully, some of that rubbed off on me, and Rich’s mentorship not only with me but with others he has touched will be passed on, doing our little bit to keep the industry looking bright for future generations.

Rich and I shared many passions, but the biggest one was the love of the outdoors, specifically fishing. I was lucky enough to speak with him a week before he left on his annual trout fishing trip to upstate Pennsylvania. He fished the same water that my Dad and I did in my younger years. We always talked about fishing that area together, but something would come up on my end, so it would be “wait till next year.” Another opportunity lost.

Rich, we will never forget you and thanks for everything you have done for us. Rest in peace, my friend. 

Steve Bolte • Vice President Business Development North America, Danella Rental Systems Inc. • Progressive Railroading Publisher, 2000-2014

I was very sad to learn of the death of a dear friend in the railroad industry — Rich Zemencik.

He was an icon in the industry. After railroading for many years he bought and was the publisher of Progressive Railroading. Rich hired me as the publisher over 24 years ago. He believed that I would be a great publisher when no one else did. He exemplified everything I love about the railroad industry. When I joined the railroad industry some 30 years ago, I was attracted to how terrific railroaders are — kind, hard-working, salt of the earth, decent, down-to-earth people. Rich was one of those people. In fact, he was one of the best. It was my privilege to know him and his lovely wife Nancy. I know that he touched many lives with his kindness, grace and class.

Steve Blue • President and Chief Executive Officer, Miller Ingenuity • Progressive Railroading Publisher, 1996-1998

Rich Zemencik, Richie to some, The Z-Man to all, left Progressive Railroading long before I started in 2014, but he still influenced me greatly.

It wasn’t long after I started before I was introduced to Richie at one of the industry trade shows where we inevitably always crossed paths. It also wasn’t long before I was saying, “Who is this guy?” He was telling me what stories we should run and how we could (should!) sell more ad space. His advice and suggestions were always spot on! Little did I know at one time, before my time, he was Progressive Railroading! 

Over time, we became close and began communicating more often, and outside of the trade shows. Our discussions became more about life, than about work. Yes, the suggestions of what stories to run and how we should sell more ads never stopped, but our conversations became much more personal. 

How’s the family? How are you? Sure, many people ask you these things, but they don’t really want to know. 

Richie did! He always wanted to know and he also wanted to hear all the details … no matter how small.

I will miss his advice and his friendship, for sure. Most of all, though, I think I will miss the wisecracks. The Z-Man always had a wisecrack ready and waiting for you.

Kirk Bastyr • Progressive Railroading Publisher, 2014-Present

I knew Rich for more than 20 years. He was a consummate prankster and joker, always finding ways to tease his friends, colleagues and business associates. I was the victim of his shenanigans many times, earning the often-used moniker of “numb nuts” that Rich applied to those he believed wore a dunce hat. But it was all good-natured and in good fun.

I’ll miss that camaraderie when I go to large industry trade shows, where I was almost certain to see Rich and spend a long time catching up. In addition to a fun side, he had a concerned side — Rich always asked me about my family and my own goings-on.

It wasn’t going-through-the-motions small talk, either. Rich really wanted to know. Although he many times couldn’t stop the kidding for long periods — which made our conversations very entertaining — he asked sincere questions and showed deep interest in responses.

Rich also loved the magazine and constantly wanted to know the progress of ad sales, and developments with the staff and advertisers. He wanted to be assured that things were going well since he always felt a deep attachment to the publication, which was a big part of his life years ago. I know that feeling, since I will continue to be attached to Rich in some way in his afterlife. I’ll continue to update him in my thoughts, especially when the next big trade show rolls around.

One quick story that’s quite revealing about Rich. At a trade show many years ago, I complimented him on the polo shirt he was wearing from the renowned Pinehurst Golf Course in his beloved North Carolina (although he loved his home state Pennsylvania a tad more). About a week later, I received the same shirt in the mail. Rich was very generous and thoughtful, and sent many trinkets to me over the years. Godspeed Mr. Z!

Jeff Stagl • Progressive Railroading Managing Editor, 1999-present 

Richie was and still is one of the most impactful people I have had come into my life. He was a huge mentor to me as I have navigated through this industry. He constantly kept me on my toes with his quick witted remarks, emails, phone calls and special packages he would send me in the mail.

He was a legend when it came to the railroad world. The one lesson that I value the most from the thousands I learned from him was this: “It’s all about relationships in this industry — treat them as dear friends and everything else will work out.” The mark he has left on Progressive Railroading and our team will be cherished for years to come.

Mike Singler • Progressive Railroading Regional Sales Manager, 2005-2008; 2013-present

When paying tribute to someone on a very sad occasion, you might not think using humor would be appropriate. But in paying tribute to Richie, it sure is — because he loved to laugh and make others laugh, too. 

Anyone who was on his email list for jokes knows this. Anyone who spent time with him at rail industry events knows this. Anyone who received a birthday card signed by celebrities of all sorts and always had a $2 bill in it knows this. Anyone who had the privilege of working with him at Progressive Railroading knows this. But there is so much more to who he was. 

The best way to describe Richie is that he was energetic, intense, inpatient, sincere and, of course, fun-loving. There are so many stories that will be told about Richie. I have a few that are hilarious, but they aren’t to be told in this format. But they should be shared and laughed about — with a Ketel One on the rocks! He would have liked that. Rest in peace, Z-Man.

Ray Kosakowski • Progressive Railroading Regional Sales Manager, 1999-2013

Have you ever met someone with whom you developed an instant friendship?

Have you ever met someone that brought sunlight into the darkness?

Have you ever met someone that loved to laugh and have others laugh with him?

Have you ever met someone that everyone not only liked, but loved?

Have you ever met someone that was unpretentious, honest, kind and caring?

Have you ever met someone who forwarded 1,000s of jokes to 1,000s of recipients?

I have – Richard, “The Z-Man,” was that guy.

My friend, rest peacefully. Terri and I will help Nance get those gutters cleaned!

Jill Sutton • Executive Assistant, All Railroad Services Corp.

How do we respond to the loss of such a great friend? It’s not easy to put into words and I’m sure a lot of people are with me on this. Sorrow, of course.

Regret for not spending more time with Rich. We can never get time back, can we? But let me give this another look. I am thankful to the Lord for the times given me with my dear friend — golfing, deer hunting, playing cards and all-around good conversations.

Everyone will acknowledge Rich as always being on top of things and having the unique ability to remember everyone’s needs before his own — he taught me some of that fine quality.

Rich really enjoyed his trout fishing trips to north central Pennsylvania and invited me a few times. I’m sorry I never joined him.

I know Rich is in the embrace of Our Lord and look forward to our next meeting. 

Tom Callahan • Former Vice President of Sales, Orgo-Thermit Inc.