SEDONA, ARIZ. — Richard A. Danko, former vice-president of sales at Red Star Yeast & Products, died June 19. He was 85 years old.

Described as a “lifelong businessman, master baker and entrepreneur,” Mr. Danko learned the baking business at the side of his father, Andrew, and brother, Ron, in Andy’s Bake Shop, a family bakery in Arnold, Pa. Later, he used his skill and knowledge to hold numerous industry executive positions and traveled worldwide as a business consultant.

He most recently was vice-president of marketing at 5 Generation Bakers, Inc., McKees Rocks, Pa., as well as a corresponding business consultant for USA Yeast, Inc. He also was president of Summit Industries International, L.L.C. In 2005, he spent three months as a consultant to Sosland Publishing Company on a special project related to the launch of Food Business News magazine. Earlier in his career he spent 15 years at Red Star Yeast & Products as vice-president of sales.

He was predeceased by wife Sharon Danko in April, his parents Andrew and Ethel Danko, his brother Ronald Danko and sister Betty Antolik. Survivors include two daughters: Andrea Danko, Kensington, Pa., and Jane (James) Rainer, Fayetteville, Ga.; two sons: David (Brenda) Danko and Jeffrey (Lisa) Danko, both of New Kensington; a brother, Jack McNally, Marietta, Ga., as well as one grandson, four granddaughters, four great-grandsons and one great-granddaughter.

The family suggests that donations in his memory be made to Yavapai Big Brothers, Big Sisters (Verde Valley) at 3208 Lakeside Village Drive, Prescott, Arizona 86301.