[In Memoriam] Charlie Hromada: an Iconic Figure at Terminix for 45 Years

The pest control industry mourns the loss of Charlie Hromada, who died Feb. 9, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis. Hromada was 76, and he succumbed to cancer, which he had been battling for more than 12 years.

Hromada began his remarkable career with Terminix in 1954 as its first research entomologist. “It was my job to develop and manage the training programs,” he recalled during a PCT interview in 2002. Hromada also worked on the formulation of chemicals and on building the pest control operations of Terminix. Throughout the years, Hromada built the company’s technical staff from one individual to what it is today: a large group of technical and training professionals scattered throughout the county.

Hromada later became an executive at Terminix, and in 1998 he retired as senior vice president.In his retirement, Hromada, a Purdue University alumnus, remained involved in the pest control industry, serving as a consultant and helping to finance the renovation of Purdue’s Pfendler Hall grand foyer. Pfendler Hall (formerly Entomology Hall) is the building in which renowned entomologists taught and learned and where the B&G sprayer was invented. In 2004, Purdue recognized Hromada by naming the foyer the Hromada Grand Foyer. During that ceremony, Hromada commented that his tenure at Terminix “was a lot of fun for 45 years, seeing a company grow and knowing you had something to do with it.”

“Charlie Hromada loved the pest control industry as much as anyone I’ve ever known and he was a passionate advocate for Terminix International, a company he helped build into one of the most influential pest management firms in the industry,” said Dan Moreland, publisher, PCT magazine. “He also was a devoted family man and a longtime supporter of the National Pest Management Association, UPF&DA, Pi Chi Omega and his beloved alma mater, Purdue University. Charlie was an iconic figure in the pest control industry who will be missed, but his contributions will continue to live on through the work of all those he has touched throughout his remarkable career.”

Hromada was born Sept. 1, 1931, and grew up in Pittsburgh, Pa. He received his bachelor of science in forestry and master of science from Purdue. Throughout the years, he received many awards from the pest control industry and Terminix International. He was chosen for the Terminix Hall of Fame in 1983 and received the National Pest Control Association’s President’s Award in 1997.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Frankie Graves Hromada. Memorials may be given to Second Baptist Church or Wings Cancer Foundation at West Clinic.

The author is Internet editor and managing editor of PCT.

Charlie Hromada Memories

“Charlie Hromada began his career with Terminix in 1953 and over the next 45 years was a key force in guiding Terminix to its position as the worldwide leader in termite and pest control. I met Charlie when I came to Terminix in 1990, and he was a boss, a leader, a mentor, but most of all, he was my friend. He touched a myriad of lives across this industry and leaves behind countless friends who will miss him deeply.”

Stoy Hedges
Terminix International

“I first met Charlie Hromada in 1972 after going to work for a Terminix franchise. I was very impressed with his knowledge of termite and pest control techniques, as well as his in-depth knowledge of the multitude of pesticides and formulations that were available then. FIFRA had just come to ‘life,’ and Charlie knew that termite and pest control daily operations would never be the same. He was instrumental in helping to keep Terminix on track from a regulatory standpoint. To this day, I think Charlie was one of the smartest people I have had the privilege of working with.

“In addition to his wealth of knowledge, Charlie was also a proponent of a strong technical department and the importance of training and field support that they provided. With Charlie’s guidance and support, John Craft was able to build the most experienced technical team in the industry.

“As an individual, Charlie was always people oriented and looked out for those in his employ. He was always a gentleman, and the harshest language I recall him using was the expletive ‘crapola’ when referring to some obscure regulatory issue. I am in awe at the courage Charlie displayed during his long battle with cancer(s).

“I feel fortunate to have worked with Charlie, and will miss him as a mentor and a friend.”

John Chapman
Terminix International

“I had the distinct pleasure of knowing, working for, and working with Charlie Hromada for over 25 years. There really isn’t much that can be said about Charlie that already hasn’t been said throughout the years. He was a true icon of the industry as well as a good friend. His positive outlook during his struggle with cancer should be an inspiration to everyone. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Frankie and his family at this time.”

Steve Diaz
Paragon Professional Products