Thomas Staib, fourth-generation owner and president of DWS Printing, passed away suddenly on Oct. 2 at the age of 56.
Tom grew up in Huntington Bay, Long Island. He graduated from The Hill School in Pottstown, PA and then from Villanova University in 1987 with a degree in finance. He spent summers working with his father, Allen, at the family’s label printing business—DWS Printing—working in several roles, including packing labels in the back of the shop. He eventually became the fourth-generation owner of the 155-year-old company, which now employs 50 people in a 37,000 sq. ft. space in Deer Park, NY and has been a member of FTA since 2014.
As the executive bio on his company’s leadership page explains, Tom was passionate about packaging: “[He] lived and breathed DWS Printing—It’s that simple. Never shy to work Saturdays or Sundays, Tom could be found doing everything from flying to Europe exploring new printing equipment to organizing its Continuous Improvement initiatives—steering DWS in the right direction.”
From TLMI and PIA to FLAG/IPW events, Tom could be seen at many industry programs. Recently, he had been enthusiastic about DWS’ expansion into Austin, TX. He’s remembered for his passion and commitment to the success of DWS. He also loved cooking, pig roasts, Grateful Dead music, drumming, woodworking, Villanova basketball and Giants football.
Tom is survived by his wife, Jean; his children, TJ and Carly; his mother, Edith; his sister, Kathy; and brother Andrew. He was also the uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9 at M.A. Connell Funeral Home, 934 New York Ave, Huntington Station, NY 11746. Funeral Mass is at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10 at St. Anthony’s Padua RC Church, 20 Cheshire Pl, East Northport, NY 11731. Interment to follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made to Junior Welfare League, 3 Idle Day Knoll, Centerport, NY 11721 in Tom’s name would be greatly appreciated by the family.