Reported July 30th, updated July 31, 2002 -- (WhatTheyThink.com) -- Harry V. Quadracci, president and founder of Quad/Graphics, was found dead Monday in a lake near his home. Officials say his body was found in about 4 feet of water after his family reported him missing. The cause of death has been determined as accidental drowning. PIA and GATF released comments late yesterday about Mr. Quadracci. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Quadracci family. Harry Quadracci was a visionary and innovator in the graphics communications industry. He was dedicated to the cause of improving quality and educating others to do the same. The entire industry will feel this loss." "Harry was a giant and a great visionary in our industry and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. On behalf of the Printing Industries of Wisconsin (PIW), we extend our condolences to the Quadracci family and the employees at Quad/Graphics Inc. in their great sorrow," Niall Power, President of PIW. Mr. Quadracci's long-standing visionary leadership is epitomized in many awards such as being unanimously selected as the 1999 choice for the Web Offset Association's inaugural Vision Award. Quadracci developed Quad/Graphics into a leading printing, technology and media company from its modest beginnings in 1971 with 11 employees, a leased press and a borrowed binder in a 20,000-square-foot plant in rural Pewaukee, Wis. Quad/Graphics services more than 1,000 magazine, catalog, retail insert and direct mail clients. A statement was released late yesterday by Quad/Graphics: "Though we grieve for our loss, one legacy of Mr. Quadracci's vision and enormous energy is the strength of the Quad/Graphics organization. He leaves behind a strong board of directors and a seasoned management team, and a deep commitment from each and every one of the company's employee-owners to providing Quad/Graphics' legendary customer service." The company says that in accordance with Quad/Graphics succession plan, Tom Quadracci has operated as chief executive officer since late Monday. Tom is a co-founder, Harry’s brother, board member and executive vice president of the company. -------- Editorial Note: We send our prayers and thoughts out to the Quad/Graphics family - employees, customers and community. Mr. Quadracci was indeed a giant in this industry, known for his solid work ethic and business savvy. WhatTheyThink.com, with the help of many of our members, has created a special section to honor Mr. Quadracci’s accomplishments. It is available at www.whattheythink.com. Over the next few days, we plan to post stories and comments from friends about Mr. Quadracci.