Howard Schambach (center)
Howard Schambach, 86, chairman and former president of Bimco Corp., Winston-Salem, NC, died Aug. 1 at Forsyth Medical Center. He entered the PHCP industry in 1947 when he joined Crane Co., where he held a variety of positions including manager of plumbing products for Crane’s PHAC group in Johnstown, PA. Later, Schambach worked for Atlas Supply Co. in Winston-Salem where he rose to vice president before joining Bimco in 1973. He and his business partner, Allan May, purchased the company in 1974.
Schambach was a strong supporter of both the Southern Wholesalers Association and the American Supply Association. He was SWA president in 1979-1980 and served on several SWA committees.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was awarded both the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
“He loved the plumbing supply industry,” said his son, Gary Schambach, current president of Bimco Corp. “He had many lasting and valued friendships with colleagues, customers and vendors.”
Memorials may be made to Compassionate Heart International, P.O. Box 309, Clemmons, NC 27012.
