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Haddad was born in
Marietta, Ohio, on June 7, 1931. After graduating from the University of
Cincinnati in 1954, his employment career began with the F.A. Archer Co. in
Troy. He served a stint in the U.S. Army from September 1955 to July 1957,
before returning to Troy as chief deputy with the office of the Miami County
engineer. He served as Miami County engineer from January 1961 until
February 1979. Ozzie then joined the Ohio Department of Transportation as
assistant director from February 1979 until March 1980, when he was
appointed Director of Public Service and Safety by Mayor Douglas Campbell.
He served in that capacity until October 1992.
In November 1992, Haddad was elected to the Board of Miami County
Commissioners, serving two, 4-year terms.
“I cannot think of a person who represents the City of Troy, The Troy
Strawberry Festival, and our nation better than Ozzie Haddad,” says John
Schweser, Chairman of the 2006 Strawberry Festival. “I have known Ozzie in
different capacities, since moving to Troy in 1987, as Service and Safety
Director, Troy Noon Optimist, and with his involvement with the Chamber,”
Schweser continues.
Others know Haddad for his past and current involvement in such
organizations at The Troy Foundation, Boy Scouts of America, Troy United
Way, city and county Planning Commissions, the Republican Party, the First
United Methodist Church, and the impressive list goes on and on.
Awards that Ozzie has received also compose another long list to include
Troy Jaycees Young Man of the Year 1964, Outstanding Rural County Engineer
1974, Sam Walton Business Leadership Award 1999, Troy Area Chamber of
Commerce Distinguished Citizen Award 1999, and Miami Valley Regional
Planning Commission Stewardship Award.
Ozzie’s family has made him “berry” proud. Gail, his wife of 50 years, is a
registered nurse, having worked at Stouder Memorial Hospital and having
instructed at the Upper Valley JVS for 23 years in the practical nursing
program. She currently serves on the UVMC Board of Directors.
Their three sons were born and raised in Troy. Kenneth lives in Arlington
Heights, Illinois, is an electrical engineer with Motorola, and was a member
of the team that developed Motorola’s first cellular telephone.
Raymond lives in the Philadelphia area and is an aerospace engineer with
Boeing. He is chief engineer and director of the CH-47 Chinook helicopter
product for that company.
David lives in Los Angeles where his professional career has included being
Vice President with the Disney Corporation, President of Mattel Media, and
President and Chief Operating Officer of Live Planet. He is presently
Executive Vice President of the Hatchery, a family entertainment production
and marketing firm.
“Troy is a great place to raise a family and has provided an enriching and
learning environment for our three sons,” says Haddad. It is interesting to
note that all three sons also attained the rank of Eagle Scout.
“Giving back is a way of expressing appreciation,” notes a grateful Ozzie,
“and saying thank you!”
“It is an honor to have Ozzie as the 30th Anniversary Grand Marshal,” says
Schweser.
Ozzie is definitely among the leaders of the All American Berries. |
