In Memory Of
Richard A. Zlotky
1923
2021
Richard A. Zlotky
April 6, 1923 — August 22, 2021
Richard "Dick" Zlotky, 98, of Topeka, passed away Sunday, August 22, 2021.
He was born April 6, 1923, in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of Sam and Lillian (Levey) Zlotky. After completing high school he attended Aero Industries Technical Institute in Los Angeles, CA to study aeronautical engineering. When WW II began he returned to Omaha where he was an Inspector for the Martin B-26 Marauder Bomber for a year before joining the War Training Service (WTS) and completing liaison pilot training in Hays, Kansas. The Army eliminated the WTS program and he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps and became a communications technician where he served until April, 1946.
Dick married Elaine Scrinopski of Topeka in 1947. After a year in California they returned to Lawrence, KS where Dick earned a B.S. Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Kansas in 1951. He worked a number of years in the aircraft industry as a structural engineer on the Lockheed Super Constellation, Convair F-102 and F-106 fighter aircraft before returning to Topeka where he partnered with his brothers-in-law in Wild Willies and later as owner of Richard's Distributors for 10 years.
Dick then partnered with two other Topekans in 1984 and formed Earthbound, Inc. They designed and developed an anchored, non-concrete mounting system for large satellite dishes for which a U.S. Patent was issued in 1987. Over the years, the mounting system was modified to become a foundation pier system for manufactured homes.
In 1990 Earthbound competed internationally and won the design and production contract for the Christo Umbrellas Joint Project U.S.A. and Japan to produce 1760 mounts for the U.S.A. part of the project. Christo was an internationally renowned artist who utilized landscapes around the world for his projects.
Dick and Elaine were members of Temple Beth Sholom, of Topeka.
Elaine preceded him in death on April 8, 2018. Survivors include his two sons, David Zlotky and his wife, Beth of Topeka and Alan Zlotky and his wife, Merrie of Overland Park, KS; two grandchildren, Samuel and Katherine Joy Zlotky; his sister, Beverly Tobian and his brother, Robert Zlotky and his wife, Shirley, all of Dallas, TX; several nieces and nephews.
A private family graveside service will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Topeka. A memorial service will be held at later date. Penwell-Gabel Cremations, Funerals & Receptions in Topeka is assisting with arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to Temple Beth Sholom, 4200 SW Munson Ave, Topeka, KS 66604.
To leave a special message for Dick's family, please visit the guestbook below.
He was born April 6, 1923, in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of Sam and Lillian (Levey) Zlotky. After completing high school he attended Aero Industries Technical Institute in Los Angeles, CA to study aeronautical engineering. When WW II began he returned to Omaha where he was an Inspector for the Martin B-26 Marauder Bomber for a year before joining the War Training Service (WTS) and completing liaison pilot training in Hays, Kansas. The Army eliminated the WTS program and he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps and became a communications technician where he served until April, 1946.
Dick married Elaine Scrinopski of Topeka in 1947. After a year in California they returned to Lawrence, KS where Dick earned a B.S. Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Kansas in 1951. He worked a number of years in the aircraft industry as a structural engineer on the Lockheed Super Constellation, Convair F-102 and F-106 fighter aircraft before returning to Topeka where he partnered with his brothers-in-law in Wild Willies and later as owner of Richard's Distributors for 10 years.
Dick then partnered with two other Topekans in 1984 and formed Earthbound, Inc. They designed and developed an anchored, non-concrete mounting system for large satellite dishes for which a U.S. Patent was issued in 1987. Over the years, the mounting system was modified to become a foundation pier system for manufactured homes.
In 1990 Earthbound competed internationally and won the design and production contract for the Christo Umbrellas Joint Project U.S.A. and Japan to produce 1760 mounts for the U.S.A. part of the project. Christo was an internationally renowned artist who utilized landscapes around the world for his projects.
Dick and Elaine were members of Temple Beth Sholom, of Topeka.
Elaine preceded him in death on April 8, 2018. Survivors include his two sons, David Zlotky and his wife, Beth of Topeka and Alan Zlotky and his wife, Merrie of Overland Park, KS; two grandchildren, Samuel and Katherine Joy Zlotky; his sister, Beverly Tobian and his brother, Robert Zlotky and his wife, Shirley, all of Dallas, TX; several nieces and nephews.
A private family graveside service will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Topeka. A memorial service will be held at later date. Penwell-Gabel Cremations, Funerals & Receptions in Topeka is assisting with arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to Temple Beth Sholom, 4200 SW Munson Ave, Topeka, KS 66604.
To leave a special message for Dick's family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard A. Zlotky, please visit our flower store.
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