Kennesaw, Ga.—In his 35 years in the industry, he did it all and he did it well. He started his career in manufacturing, worked for a fiber producer, gravitated into the retail sector, and spent some time with a distributor. He was soft-spoken and gentle, efficient and effective, and he made a legion of friends along the way. His illustrious pursuits came to an end on May 15, when he suffered a massive heart attack at his home here, three days before his 62nd birthday.

He was born in Uplata, Madras, India, where he graduated from college, and came to the United States in 1970. The following year he received a Master’s Degree in polymer science and textile engineering from Clemson University and immediately joined Milliken Carpets in research and development. In 1973, he accepted a position with Rohm & Haas and in 1978, he joined AlliedSignal.

In 1983, George Hearne brought him to Dallas, to work at Floor World, a retail operation. When the dealership closed in 1985, Batavia joined LDBrinkman as senior vice president of carpet products. But, in 1988, he decided to return to AlliedSignal, a move he yearned to make. Three years later, he was promoted to manager of national accounts and remained there until he opted for early retirement in 1999. He then established CB Consulting, a successful advisor to the industry, both contract and residential, offering strategic solutions to problems with product development, marketing, merchandising and distribution. His broad experience on all levels of the industry made CB Consulting a premier support operation.

“Chico was best at using his vast network to develop and execute business opportunities where everybody won,” said Michael Leary, director of external fiber sales and marketing, Shaw Industries. “Always informed, always thinking, and forever available with his huge, genuine smile, he was a central part of our industry for decades. He will be missed and forever admired.”

“Chico was a gentle man who did so much for so many and never asked for anything in return,” said George Hearne, president of Creston Carpet Mills. “He was unique and always supportive. I cherish our friendship, as do so many whose lives he touched.”

Survivors include his wife, Preet, of 34 years; a daughter, Tonya Creneti, of Melbourne, Fla,; a son, Jay, of Tallahassee, Fla.; granddaughters Gabriella and Sophia Creneti; three brothers and two sisters.

The family requests that donations in his memory be made to the Floor Covering Industry Foundation, 2211 E. Howell Ave., Anaheim, Calif. 92801.