Ron Ball, MAS, ASI’s vice president of sales before retiring two years ago, passed away on May 15 in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, after a long illness. He was 74.

In his younger years he was a regular on American Bandstand and sang backup on The Dovells’ “Bristol Stomp,” but Ball’s career was defined by sales and the promotional products industry. His career at ASI spanned more than 40 years and he is credited with earning more than $60 million for the company. He was honored with ASI’s Lifetime Achievement award in 2015.

Ball was also an active industry volunteer, having served twice on the board of the Promotional Products Education Foundation (PPEF)—first in 1996-1999 and again in 2002-2005. He served on several PPAI committees and councils, including the Awards Advisory Council, the Public Relations Committee, the Marketing Committee, the International Committee and the Suppliers Committee. Outside the industry, Ball, passionate about animals, also lent his support to several animal welfare charities.

Ball is survived by his wife, Leslie; sons Danny Ball (Michelle Lang) and Jeff Ball; sister Francine; several nieces and nephews; and his dogs, Archie and Bunkie.

A memorial service for Ball was held on May 18 at Goldstein’s Rosenberg’s Raphael-Sacks, Inc. in Southampton, Pennsylvania. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ball’s honor to the Animal Welfare Institute, 900 Pennsylvania Ave., S.E., Washington, D.C. 20003 or at www.awionline.org.