If you have a community request or need a smile, “Ask Al.” Through his sense of humor, his personal care, his affability and his strong yet playful dedication to a good cause, Harry Allen Tadych, the 36th winner of the Berea Grindstone Award for Distinguished Public Service, can be counted on to support commitments that enhance this community. His life has been dedicated to the establishment, growth and financial success of countless community organizations and their noble projects.
Born during World War II, Al was declared Cleveland’s youngest war worker; his mother took him to her office at the defense plant. Raised on Stanmary Drive, on the street his family built, Al learned a solid foundation of community teamwork and contribution. He attended Saint Adelbert's’ School, Berea High School and then University of Dayton. At Berea High, he was an athlete and Junior Class President. At the University of Dayton, he received a degree in Economics and Finance. He served as the Safety Director at Fort Meade, Maryland while in the U.S. Army and then returned to Cleveland to Forest City Enterprises and Bishop Realty. In 1972 he acquired Manor Realty across from Roehm Middle School and, as a local real estate broker for over thirty-three years, he has helped in the creation of the American Dream by participating in the purchase or sale of over 3000 homes in the area. During a time of particularly high interest rates on house mortgages, Al was a national speaker on financing techniques. Al still speaks to area groups on conflict mediation.
Through his volunteered dedication and earnest over the years, Al Tadych has held the top position in a number of local institutions, including the Chamber of Commerce, Berea Rotary, Knights of Columbus, Southwest YMCA and on the Southwest General Hospital Foundation. Through his sense of both leadership and camaraderie, Al has contributed a sense of focus and play to each organization. As the Treasurer of the County Fairgrounds, new buildings were built and old buildings were modernized.
Where there is a community fundraising event, it is likely that Al Tadych is involved and leading the effort. As Chairperson of the Rotary Reverse Raffle and Silent Auction for 15 years, this committee raised over $125,000 for scholarships and other charities. For many years, you could see Al as a contributor on the local broadcast of the Muscular Dystrophy telethon. As the Chairperson for the recent eleven-community fundraising campaign for a new Hospice Center, the campaign raised over $3 Million towards construction and operation. Al has excelled at having conversations for contribution for numerous community-enhancing projects.
Al’s efforts - among that of others – lead to the success of the Cleveland Rocks program that renovates local properties as the avenue for mentoring at-risk teenagers. Al donates his energy and resources to the establishment and success of the First Congregational Church Second Mile Shop Thrift Stores in this area.
As a life-long member of St. Adelbert's’ and St. Mary’ in Berea, Al has supported the spirituality locally as a commentator / reader for St. Mary’ for over 35 years. Al has been a community supporter for Baldwin Wallace College, the Methodist Children’ Home and Board of Education levy campaigns. In service to the local government, he recently served as the Chairperson of the Water Rates Commission.
Al Tadych, his wife Mary and their three children, have lived in and served Berea for most of their lives. Al is an outstanding citizen and contributor to the well being of Berea and its environs; he has made a difference to this community. And, most days you can see him in a local restaurant having lunch with his many friends.
