Aldo Vajentic, Wood Flooring Mentor and ‘Old World Craftsman,’ Dies at 85

Aldo Vajentic, the former owner of Westwood, Mass.-based Vajentic Flooring Company and a mentor for many in the industry, died Sept. 28. He was 85.

Vajentic founded his company in the mid-1970s and went on to employ many flooring craftsmen in the area over the next 30 years, including Halifax, Mass.-based Doyle Wood Floors Owner Jeff Doyle’s father, Phil, who subcontracted with Vajentic for 20 years.

“I think he’s responsible for putting a lot of guys into the flooring business,” Doyle said of Vajentic. "He was definitely a pioneer, and well-known and well-respected.”

Vajentic’s operation became a large account for Wayne, N.J.-based distributor Hoboken Wood Flooring.

Barry Katz, a former sales rep with Hoboken and later with The Belknap White Group, worked closely with Vajentic. Katz said Vajentic was kind, generous and always extended himself and opportunities to people.

“Aldo was an old world craftsman who came to this country with nothing and created and crafted a successful business,” Katz said. “He was a devoted husband and family man, and the world will not see his like again.”

Though he never worked directly with him, Doyle said he continues to be impacted by the ripple effects of Vajentic’s wide-ranging influence on the wood flooring industry.

“He was the guy that everybody called when they needed a border, needed a medallion, or just needed something special,” Doyle said.

Vajentic is survived by his wife, Zora, two children and five grandchildren. His funeral service will be held Oct. 3. More information and online condolences can be found at Vajentic’s online obituary.