Former American Philatelic Society president Wade Saadi has passed away at the age of 76 after a long illness. The announcement was made by the Collectors Club at the start of an online presentation.

He listed himself on Linked In as an ” Independent Nanotechnology Professional” and president of Pencom Systems for more than 52 years. The firm recruited high-technology and scientific professionals with an emphasis on the financial services industry in the New York City area.

Saadi was president of the APS from 2008, when he succeeded Nicholas Carter, who had died in office. He was then elected to two full terms in his own right. He was also president of World Stamp Show-NY 2016, which after it closed donated $700,000 to other philatelic organizations, including its success U.S. “international,” Boston 2026.

“The biggest challenge was whether the show would make money, because yiou have to make commitments six or seven years before [the show],” he told Linn’s Stamp News for its Most Influential Philatelists. “It was all a bit nerve-wracking.”

He also served on the boards of the Smithsonian National Postal Museum and the Philatelic Foundation.

An exhibitor and researcher of early U.S. issues and then fancy cancels, Saadi was the recipient of the APS’ Luff Award for Outstanding Service to the Society in 2017, the Collectors Club’s Lichtenstein Award in 2015, and many other honors. His exhibits won many international gold medals.

Despite his illness, he attended Great American Stamp Show this past summer.