Four years ago this month Paradise NEWS introduced its readers to Al Konetzni (pictured at right with Walt Disney), then an impressive 96-year-old local retiree, met through a chance encounter. He was a longtime artist and “Idea Man” for Walt Disney Productions, where he earned entry to the Disney Hall of Fame and was named a “Disney Legend” in 1999. Family and friends will be celebrating his 100th birthday on May 19, 2015. What a life he has led so far!
This is a story about a life well lived, an optimistic artist who had a number of lucky breaks. Much of his “luck” was self-inspired, however, as his motto has always been “If you want it, ask for it”. Luckily this ability to shine an optimistic light on his passion for art and merchandizing plus his raw artistic talents have allowed him to become a “go to” type individual. He’s always needed to feel as though he had a day when he solved a problem or did some good for someone on a daily basis. In addition he was able to “zero in” his brain power on leveraging his top skills. His wife of 60 years, Adeline, allowed him to take this road by unburdening Al of many of the myriad activities needed to be done around the house. She was an exceptional chef, housekeeper, mom, spouse, and friend to all over 6 decades of marriage. She enabled Al’s success!
As a young boy in Brooklyn, Al showed an early interest in art. By age nine, while most children were asking for toys and games, he asked his parents only for crayons and drawing pencils for Christmas. Al’s mind was always thinking creative thoughts. His imagination was incredible. At age 10, Al wanted to draw some of his favorite cartoon characters. His family did not have a lot of money, so instead of using art paper, he used the back of an old poster and drew his characters. His parents were supportive of his ‘special gift’ throughout their lives.
While working as an artist in the advertising department of the Gertz Company on Long Island, he attended Pratt Institute of Art. He eventually became art director of the Pal Personna Blade Co., where he developed the company’s Pal Man character, featured on product packages.
In October of 1953, Konetzni’s career took off, when he officially joined Walt Disney Productions in their New York City office, on Madison Avenue. Shortly afterward in 1957 he and his wife, Adeline, with their four children, Al Jr., Douglas, Gary and Karen moved to Pleasantville, NY.
They lived there until his Disney retirement.
From 1953 – 1980, Al had 27 great years with Disney. Konetzni says, “I was hired as an Idea Man to come up with children’s toys and games. I always felt honored to be called an “Idea Man” for Disney. Konetzni became a marketing account executive, designed and marketed products, even soliciting major companies to become licensees of the company.
Al understood the power of being able to combine “on the cuff” artistic know how and the value of charming, serving and keeping clients, creating the role of the Account Executive for DISNEY. His lessons during his DISNEY days were that tough goals combined with perseverance lead to great achievement. He coordinated licensing with such U.S. industry giants as General Electric for the Mickey Mouse night light, Lever Brothers for the Mickey Mouse toothbrush, and Bradley Time for Mickey Mouse watches and clocks. He was also responsible for the development and licensing of the now collectible Pez Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck candy dispensers. Many of these companies he signed up through his ideas and sketches are still associated with DISNEY and paying royalties.
During his Disney career, Konetzni is well known for his most famous design, “The Disney School Bus Lunchbox”, which sold over nine million copies! (Lunch box pictured above.) It’s one of the most popular school lunch boxes ever designed and marketed.
After retiring from Disney in 1981, Al and his wife Adeline moved and lived in Sarasota FL. He served as a merchandise consultant for Ringling Bros., Barnum and Bailey Circus for two years. During that time, he developed merchandise for the joint Disney and Ringling Brothers. touring ice show, “Disney on Ice.” Al was such a creative individual that he began drawing all types of golf cartoons. He drew so many cartoons that he decided to publish the best-selling cartoon book “Double Bogey”, a hilarious look at the humorous foibles of golfers everywhere.
Konetzni was involved in many activities related to the Disney characters and also with several charities in the Bradenton/Sarasota area, donating numerous pieces of artwork to benefit charities such as: North River Care Pregnancy Center; Child Protection Agency, Comic Festival, Wine Festival, and more. In supporting charity work he asked the question of himself time and again; “What is the product and to whom, where, when and how can I sell it to benefit good causes?”
In 1999, Roy Disney and Michael Eisner (CEO) of Disney named Konetzni, marketer and creative artist, a Disney Legend (in the company of famous stars such as Annette Funicello, Angela Landsbury, Julie Andrews, Fred Mac Murray, Mary Costa, Dick Nunis and Tim Allen) during a ceremony at The Walt Disney Studios. They were all recognized for their contributions of creative achievement. These individuals were awarded the Disney Legend Statue Award, which represents imagination to create a new dream, gift of skill, discipline and craftsmanship, and imagination, the power of an idea. The venue provided a wonderful Konetzni
Family Reunion. Adeline, Al’s bride and all four children and their spouses were able to attend the “legend installation” ceremony at DISNEY’s Buena Vista Studios in California. The event provided a real opportunity for the next generation of Konetzni’s to honor their Dad, and as importantly their Mom for all her marvelous support to her family over the years.
In 2004, Disney presented a challenge to artists and celebrities to design a unique 6 1/2 foot tall Mickey Mouse sculpture that would be auctioned off for charity at a later date. The statues weigh approximately 700 pounds. Celebrities asked to participate ranged from Regis and Kelly, former Mouseketeer Annette Funicello, and professional skateboarder Tony Hawk. Konetzni’s design was among the few selected. He put his classic lunchbox design in the palm of Mickey’s outstretched hand for the large statue and put “PS 121” the name of his elementary school in Queens, NY on the stand and set his newest creation off to auction. His statue was on display at both U.S. theme parks and cities throughout the U.S. After touring the USA, the “Celebrate Mickey InspEARation” statues went up for auction at Sotheby’s in New York on September 28, 2005. All statues raised a total of $614,500 for several charities. Al’s “Back to School” statue was the second largest seller, raising $54,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation as his charity.
Al is proud of his family and their accomplisments. His beautiful wife Adeline passed away in November 2004. She was the love of his life and he, to this day, refers to their 60 years together frequently.
“When you can look back on your life with pride for your career accomplishments and the marvelous support provided by your Bride and children and also reflect on the success of your grand children and great-grandchildren, it’s pretty easy to be satisfied and happy” Being happy seems to be one key to living a long life!
Al was involved at the time with the U.S. Postal Service Customer Advisory council (CAC).
When the Postal Service introduced a series of Disney Stamps in 2004, he participated. It was then that he met Jean Shakas, Customer Relations Coordinator for the Postal Service. Al remained actively involved for the next four years with the Disney series of stamps and he donated numerous pieces of artwork, all proceeds going to the Child Protection Center in Sarasota.
Jean Shakas, now Postmaster of Cortez FL, and her husband Jim, have been and are still superb friends and supporters of Al’s. Al has been fortunate over the years to have had strong support from his family and many friends. This support and his desire to use his artistic talents have kept his mind sharp and body fit. He often speaks with pride of friends from Peridia and Westminster Towers in Bradenton.
Al says, “I am very blessed to have such wonderful friends, especially Jim and Jean who have become two of my best friends. They have been very supportive over the years and keep me young at heart. They always include me during the holidays when my family is unable to be with me, and I enjoy their company along with their friends. They are sincere and genuine people.”
Konetzni says, “Doing charity work with children’s organizations comes with the territory and is a rewarding and fun part of my life. Al continues to draw a cartoon each month for the residents having birthdays at his independent living facility in Bradenton. When asked how he would define happiness. Al states, “Having seen my family progress so successfully, having 11 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren, traveling around the world, playing golf, and having wonderful friends.” “I have had a wonderful life, and I continue coming up with creative ideas to share,” says Konetzni. When asked how Al would like to be remembered, he states; “As the artist who drew for children around the world and made them happy.”
Article by Jean Shakas