OBITUARIES
Scroll down below 2019 Obituaries for a link to previous obituaries or CLICK HERE.
2022
Donald W. Farmer, 94, founder of Interstate Bolt of Shrewsbury, MA, died October 17, 2022. He was a past president of the New England Fastener Distributors Association.
Survivors include his spouse, Judith; children Doug Farmer, Beth Levin, Janice Gilpin, Mike Farmer and Tom Farmer; adopted son Jon Newcomer; step-daughters Paula Grover, Donna Tolppa and Lynda Fabas; 18 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, John Farmer; and three siblings.
Messages to the family may be sent c/o Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545-5602.
Robert Dixon Cox, 87, died August 30, 2022.
A former Army buddy offered him a job with a bolt and nut company and he became a manager in cities across the South, including Columbia, SC and New Orleans. At the age of 45, with business partners he started Fastener Service Inc. in Dothan, AL.
He was preceded in death by his spouse of 61 years, Theresa. Survivors include son, Robbie (Jan); daughter, Elizabeth (Russ); and four grandchildren.
The family suggests memorial donations to the Salvation Army, Save the Children, or a charity of your choice. Online messages to the family may be left at: UsreyFuneralHome.com.
Frank Deppe, 98, a founder and the 1979 president of the Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association, died August 11, 2022.
He started Fasteners Inc. of Grand Rapids, MI.
Survivors include his wife of 73 years, Bernice; children Dean Deppe, Tim Deppe, Mary Post and Patti Harris; grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Messages to the family may be sent c/o Fasteners Inc., 2909 Buchanan Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49548-1027. The family suggests memorial contributions to Calvin Theological Seminary or Kuyper College.
Don Wientjes, 81, CEO of Jacon Fasteners & Electronics, died August 2.
Wientjes took over Jacon when his father, who founded the San Fernando Valley distributorship in 1956, Lawrence Wientjes, died suddenly.
Survivors include spouse Sue; children Mark (Chanel), Allison, Sean (Suzette), Kristin (Colby); and seven grandchildren. A celebration of life will be planned at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park in Camarillo, CA.
Messages to the family may be sent c/o Jason Fasteners, 9539 Vassar Ave., Chatsworth, CA 91311-4141. Email: Sales@Jacon.com
Edward Johnson, 88, died July 24, 2022, at his residence.
He started Johnson American Fastener Company of Norristown, PA, from the trunk of his car in the 1960s. He was a founder and 10-year board member of the Mid-Atlantic Fastener Distributor Association.
Survivors include his spouse, Mary; children Philip (Cindi); Edward Jr. (Mary Ann); Mary Kathleen; and Andrew; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Rosella; and son Donald.
He was active in his Catholic parish, including Eucharistic ministry roles for 30 years, a lector, liturgy committee and prison ministry.
The family suggests memorial donations to Canisius High School, 1180 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209 or Visitation B.V.M.
Messages to the family may be sent c/o RLWilliamsFuneralHome.com.
Edward James “Ed” McIlhon, 75, died July 11, 2022. He was a leader in the U.S. Fastener Quality Act legislative process and the 1994-95 president of the National Fastener Distributors Association. He was inducted into the IFE Hall of Fame in 2019.
He grew up in Des Moines and after graduating from State College of Iowa in Cedar Falls, he established a branch of his father’s Iowa Industrial Products there. He returned to Des Moines in 1999 to head IIP. After selling to Bossard of Switzerland, he became president of IIP.
He started McIlhon & Associates with his son, Casey McIlhon; bought back a portion of IIP; and in 2005 established Assembled Products, Inc.
He brought in sons and sons-in-law to work by his side, along with 50 employees.
A lifelong avid golfer, he also enjoyed the family cabin on Rainy Lake, Canada and homes in Clear Lake, IA, and Marco Island, FL.
Survivors include his spouse of 52 years, Meri Jo “Joey”; four children, Casey (Stacie) McIlhon, Kellie (Matt) Ulrich, Megan (Zach) Geary, and Riley (Misty) McIlhon; Joey’s daughter Rose (Dave) Fox; 13 grandchildren; and seven siblings.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Raymetta McIlhon; siblings Joseph, Daniel, John and Margaret; and grandson, Andrew James Ulrich.
The family suggests memorials to The Andrew Giving Fund named for late grandson Andrew or A Heinz 57 Pet Rescue & Transport. Messages to the family may be sent c/o Matt Ulrich, Assembled Products Inc., 4651 NW Urbandale Dr., Urbandale, IA 50322-4701. Email: MUlrich@AssembledProducts.net
Henry T. “Hank” Schaffner, 92, died June 28, 2022.
He started his career with U.S. Steel in 1956. He started in fasteners in 1959 with SPS and also worked for Allen Manufacturing Company, and Titan Fasteners. In 1977 he started Hank Schaffner Associates as a rep agency.
He was a member of the Los Angeles Fastener Association and the Western Association of Fastener Distributors during his 58 years in the fastener industry.
Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Elynna “Ellie” Schaffner; three children, Janet DeBiaso, Mark Schaffner and Michael Schaffner; and seven grandchildren.
Messages to the family may be sent c/o Elynna Schaffner, Merrill Gardens, 17200 Goldenwest St. #102, Huntington Beach, CA 92647-5412. A celebration of life is pending.
Patrick Joseph O’Toole, 85, died June 25, 2022.
Patrick O’Toole started his career as an assistant to the president of Lestoil. He became president of National Metal Specialists, a company acquired by Standex International, and became group president of six Standex companies.
He and his brother, Larry O’Toole, became entrepreneurs in acquisitions and sales. From 1981 to 2005 he led the Atlantic Fastener, taking the company from bankruptcy and five employees to 50. He championed the ‘new concept’ of a barcoded warehouse and guaranteed delivery. Under Atlantic’s corporate umbrella, he started SumTotal and Collars & Couplings. He took over Atlantic Fasteners of W. Springfield, MA, in 1981 and sold it to employees as an ESOP in 2005.
He had been president of the New England Fastener Distributors Association and was the 1990-91 president of the National Fastener Distributors Association. He was inducted in the NIFS Hall of Fame in 2004.
He played competitive golf in high school and graduated from the College of the Holy Cross cum Laude and earned his MBA from Harvard Business School.
Survivors include his wife, Nancy; and children, Steven O’Toole, Kevin O’Toole and Kathleen Manning; two step children, Jennifer Scott and Kimberly Stoerker; four grandchildren and three step grandchildren.
Memorial contributions are suggested “to those who most need your help.”
Messages to the family may be sent: NationalCremation.com.
For more on O’Toole, read 2011 FIN – O’Toole: Bar Coding Key to 30 Years of Atlantic Fasteners Growth.
Stephen Chalmers Mahoney Sr., 93, died May 16, 2022, in Green Valley, AZ.
He started his career in industrial sales for Yale & Towne, then joined SPS Technologies as a regional sales manager selling industrial fasteners from New York and Pennsylvania to Texas, Michigan and Illinois. He finished his career as an independent manufacturer’s rep based in Carmel, IN. He was proud of selling SPS Technologies’ aerospace products to NASA for the first Space Shuttle.
Survivors include his children Elizabeth Mahoney, Stephen Mahoney Jr (Maureen), Andrew Mahoney and three grandchildren.
The immediate family will hold a service and private scattering later this summer. The family suggests planting a tree as a memorial. Oasis Cremation & Funeral Care.
Joe Orosz, 84, died April 25, 2022. He started his career in machine repair and maintenance at Canada Forge and eventually became vice president of Niagara Fasteners.
Survivors include spouse of 62 years, Marlene; father to Jolene (Mark) Slack, Michael Orosz and Heather Weaver-Orosz.; and two grandchildren.
The family suggests memorial donations to The Walker Family Cancer Centre, The Pelee Island Bird Observatory or the Niagara Falls Humane Society. Web: EssentialsNiagara.com
John Adams “Johnny” Carson III, 61, died March 2, 2022. He was the general manager of Carson’s Nut, Bolt & Tool Inc. of South Carolina.
Survivors include his parents, John Adams Jr. and Jane Fletcher Carson; significant other Kimberly Sherman; sons John Carson IV and Joshua Carson; daughter Sara Moore; and three grandchildren. Messages to the family may be sent c/o Carson’s Nut, Bolt & Tool Inc., 301 Hammett St. Ext, Greenville, SC 29609-4466. Web: Carsons-nbt.com
The family suggests donations to American Cancer Society, 154 Millestone Way A, Greenville, SC 29615-4466.
He started in the fastener industry in 1976 at age 16 as a temp worker in the Star Stainless Screw Company warehouse. Over the next 46 years he held roles of warehouse foreman, salesman, distribution manager, New Jersey branch manager and director of operations.
He was inducted into the Metropolitan Fastener Distributors Association Hall of Fame in 2017.
Robert J. Harris, 75, retired managing director of the Industrial Fasteners Institute, died January 22, 2022. In 1995, he became the sixth IFI managing director and by the time he retired in 2017 he was longest to serve in the role.
Prior to the IFI, he had been a ship’s captain, corporate VP for a Cleveland aerospace manufacturer and in charge of an industrial division involving vibration monitoring and predictive maintenance.
He took over the IFI when the industry was divided during the legislative process of the U.S. Fastener Quality Act.
The IFI said “his first task was to stabilize IFI’s financial situation, which he did by directly overseeing industry trade shows in Cleveland and Chicago for six years, adding much needed financial strength to IFI’s reserves. Then, with Institute leadership, he reorganized IFI’s divisions and oversaw the onboarding of nationally recognized experts in government affairs, technical standards, research, and training.”
The IFI honored him with its Soaring Eagle Meritorious Service Award in 2018.
Current managing director Dan Walker said “Rob Harris was a friend, ardent supporter, mentor, and always willing sounding board for ideas. Rob showed me the ropes when I was the ‘new kid on the block’ after he retired in 2017, and I will be forever grateful for the time we spent together discussing plans for the future of IFI.”
Survivors include his spouse, Patricia Harris; son Nathan (Ashley) Harris; daughter Julie (Kyle); and three granddaughters.
Messages to the family may be set via email: HarrPatRob@gmail.com or 103 Anglers Dr., Chagrin Falls, OH 44022.
The family suggests memorial donations to the Geauga Humane Society Animal Shelter, 15463 Chillicothe Rd, Novelty, OH 44072 or the Pat Meade Memorial Scholarship Fund at Compton College, 1111 E. Artesia Blvd., Compton, CA 90221, Attention: Reuben James
Nancy Roberts, corporate secretary and accountant for Falcon Metal Corporation for 28 years, died of cancer January 11. Bruce and Nancy Roberts founded Falcon Metal in 1979 and sold it to Don Nowak in 2008.
Messages to the family may be sent c/o TR Falcon Fastenings, 10715 John Price Rd., Charlotte, NC 28273-4529.
2021
Don Westby, 78, died November 22, 2021.
His fastener career started with Elco Industries, followed by being a sales engineer with Hoyt Fasteners for 12 years. He started Westby Production Components in Grafton, WI, in 1987, with he and wife Linda as first two employees. After 25 years they sold Westby Production Components in 2013.
He was the National Fastener Distributors Association president in 2003 and in 2012 received the NFDA lifetime membership.
Survivors include his spouse, Linda; daughter Pamela Westby and son Matt Westby (Lisa); and one granddaughter.
A celebration of life will be held in the spring. Messages to the family may be left online at: eernissefuneralhome.com.
Robert Benhoff “Bob” Gogel, 78, died November 14, 2021. His entire career was with Walter Gogel Company, a wholesale fastener and industrial supply business founded by his father, Walter Gogel, in 1939, and located in downtown Toledo. Walter started the business with a loan from his father-in-law, which he used to purchase the assets of the original Gogel family blacksmith shop and spring manufacturing business begun by Walter’s immigrant grandfather in the 1870’s on Erie Street in downtown Toledo.
He started working summers during high school. By the time he graduated, his father was in his sixties and thinking of retiring and selling the business, so Bob faced a decision: whether to go to college, or join the business and learn as much as he could. He had always been mechanically inclined and interested in technical details such as how machines work, and chose to join the company. He worked his way up through various levels of responsibility. After Walter died in 1986, Bob became president until the business was sold in 2006.
Survivors include his spouse, Margo; and six stepchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Ann (Nicely) Zapadka.
The family suggests memorial donations to: Paws & Whiskers Cat Shelter, 32 Hillwyck Dr., Toledo, OH, 43615 or Toledo Humane Society, 827 Illinois Ave., Maumee, OH 43537. Messages to the family may be sent c/o: NewccomerToledo.com
James Alan Banks MacNaughton, 71, best known as ‘Alan,’ died September 29, 2021.
Born in Scotland, he owned several fastener businesses, including Fastener Wholesalers of New Hampshire.
Survivors include daughter Samantha Vachon; son Ross MacNaughton; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Brenda Hatton MacNaughton.
Messages to the family may be sent c/o Fastener Wholesalers, 39 Bridge St, Nashua, NH, 03060-3687.
Howard Reiter, 61, died September 4. He was the third-generation president of the fastener manufacturing company founded by Daniel Reiter in 1934 – Rome Fastener Corporation. He received degrees in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Princeton University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology and held multiple U.S. and foreign patents. He also was president of Rome Fastener Corporation, Romag Fasteners Inc., Romed Fasteners Inc. and Grand Fasteners Limited.
Survivors include his spouse and business partner, Jody Ellant; children Gavriela, Aiden, Ari and Gideon Ellant Reiter; and parents Dr. Stanley & Marcia Reiter.
The family suggests memorial donations be made to Alyn Hospital: alines.org/howard-reiter-zl
Messages to the family may be sent c/o Rome Fastener Corporation, P.O. Box 3013, Milford, CT 06460.
Century Fasteners Corp. CEO George Stieglitz, 90, died recently.
Before co-founding Century Fasteners with Jack Schlegel in 1955, Stieglitz served as a U.S. army medic in the Korean War. Returning home, his mind turned to business.
“Early on, George helped to refocus the company from manufacturing to distribution,” Century Fasteners stated.
The first branch was in Charlotte, NC, followed closely by Tampa, FL, and several other locations including offshore warehouses in Puerto Rico and Mexico.
“In addition, George was instrumental in developing inventory management programs and strong supplier relationships that continued to grow the company.”
Elmhurst, NY-based Century Fasteners Corp. is a Master Distributor of fastener and non-fastener components to the military, aerospace, electronics, automotive, sheet metal fabrication, contract manufacturing, telecommunications and medical industries. The company services over 5,000 customers and employs 270 people. Web: CenturyFasteners.com
She was a nurse during WWII and met her husband, Harold John Borchardt, in a hospital during his recovery from injury while serving in the Army.
In 1971, Irene partnered with her husband in starting fastener manufacturer B&B Specialties Inc. After 15 years, they sold B&B to their son Bruce and daughter Krista. She also started a fastener distributorship.
Survivors include her children: Bruce Borchardt (Elena); Krista Stricklin (Doug); and six grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband Harold and son Harold Jr. Messages to the family may be sent c/o B&B Specialties, 4321 E. La Palma Ave, Anaheim, CA 92807-1887.
Survivors include her husband, Jerry Jandl; daughter, Cris Baker; and two grandchildren.
Messages to the family may be sent c/o Woodlands Funeral Home, 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, TX 77384.
John Paul Longyear, 71, who retired from Metric & Multistandard Components Corp. in 2019 after a 47 year career, died June 2 of cancer.
He was the first assistant manager for Metric & Multistandard, and with his wife, Chris Longyear, opened the Southwest branch.
He was a leader in the Southwestern Fastener Association, including roles as treasurer in 1990 and chair in 1991 and treasurer from 2011-2013.
Survivors include his spouse, Chris; daughter Serena; and two grandchildren.
Funeral service will be 3pm Saturday, July 24 at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home, 5725 Colleyville Blvd., Colleyville, TX 76034.
Messages to the family may be sent c/o Metric & Multistandard, 2200 Century Circle, Irving, TX 75062-4902.
Steve Welch, 65, died unexpectedly May 2.
He started his fastener career over 40 years ago in the warehouse and then became an inside salesperson with Service Supply in Tennessee. He then became a Service Supply branch manager in West Virginia. He subsequently became branch manager in Ohio and territory sales manager in Tennessee.
After a stint as district sales manager for Hillman Fasteners he rejoined Service Supply in South Carolina as territory sales manager and then national accounts sales manager. In 2000 he joined Lindstrom Metric as an outside salesperson and in 2016 he formed a rep agency, S.A. Welch & Associates, representing Lindstrom Metric, Titan Fasteners and Stelfast.
Survivors include his spouse, Suzann; daughter Hillary; and son Andrew. Messages for the family can be sent to steveawelch@hotmail.com or Suzannwelch@gmail.com.
He was in some form of construction his entire adult life starting in a cabinet shop; then in pre-cast concrete; before forming Eberle Builders Inc. with his sons in 1984. The Eb-Ty invisible hidden deck fastener is still being used in multiple countries.
William “Skip” English died February 23.
For more than 40 years, English worked in the fastener industry for more than 40 years. In 2000, he partnered with Mike Ratzlaff to own and operate All Apec Fasteners in Irvine, CA.
English is survived by his wife Carol.
A celebration of life will take place once Covid-19 restrictions allow for large group gatherings.
In lieu of flowers, Carol suggests donations “In Memory of William ‘Skip’ English” to either the Ventura County Humane Society or the charity of their choice.
Charles “Charlie” Wilson, 86, died February 22.
Wilson served as the Industrial Fasteners Institute’s technical director from 1963 until he retired in 2007, the longest serving director in IFI history.
“Charlie was a veritable IFI institution and a true icon of the fastener industry,” the IFI stated. “He was highly respected around the world for his immense knowledge and innumerable contributions to fastener technology and fastener standardization.”
During his career, he led the development of a vast collection of industry standards that continue to be used daily. Wilson received his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Case Institute of Technology and a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Bucknell University. He was also a registered Professional Engineer in Ohio.
Prior to joining the IFI, Wilson taught mechanical engineering at Fenn College of Engineering at Cleveland State University. During this period, he also served as director of the university’s Heat/Power Laboratory. In addition, Wilson served as a consultant to Cleveland Electric Illuminating Co. and participated in research at NASA in the analysis of the two-phase flow of hydrogen for nuclear rocket propulsion.
In 1971, Wilson was appointed secretary of the ANSI Special Committee to Study Development of the Optimum Metric Fastener System and served as a member on all its technical subcommittees. He also served as chair of ASTM Committee F16 on fasteners and of Subcommittee F16.94 on Fastener Terminology. Wilson was a member of the SAE Fasteners Committee and served on ASME Committees B1 on Screw Threads, B18 on Fasteners, and the ASME Board on Standardization. He served as Chair of ASME B18.12 on Fastener Terminology and Format. He was a member of the Research Council on Structural Connections, and of the Bolting Technology Council.
“Charlie was very proud to serve as chair of ASME B18.4, the United States TAG to ISO Committee TC2 on Fasteners and led the US delegation in international standards meetings held in Sweden, Germany, Great Britain, China, France, Italy and the United States,” according to the IFI.
Wilson served as editor of IFI’s iconic Book of Fastener Standards, Inch and Metric.
He was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and served as Chair of the Cleveland Section. He was a recipient of a centennial medallion awarded by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers for excellence of service to ASME and the mechanical engineering profession. He received the ASME Dedicated Service Award and a Certificate of Appreciation from the U.S. Department of Commerce for outstanding service to the nation as a member of the Fastener Quality Act Advisory Committee. In 2001, Charlie was recipient of the ASTM Fred F. Weingruber Award for contributions to fastener standardization. In 2016 he was recipient of the ASTM Frank W. Reinhart Award for his contributions to fastener terminology.
Wilson is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Ann Wilson; daughters Suzanne Wilson and Carolyn Wilson (Bart Terburg); and grandson Daniel Terburg.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers contributions in his name to the ASME Foundation, 1828 Street, NW suite 510, Washington, DC 20036. Web: https://www.asmefoundation.org/donate/
William H. “Bill” Bernard, 66, died February 1.
He started as a parts manager for a Southern California Utility Trailer and became sales manager at Golden State Fasteners in Whittier. He was sales manager for Duncan Bolt Company in Santa Fe Springs the last 12 years of his career before retiring in 2016. He was legally blind for the last 15 years.
Survivors include wife Donna; children Jenalee Bernard Vesneski and Drew Bernard; and four grandchildren.
A celebration of life will take place this summer when it is safe do so.
Messages to the family may email to Donna: Dbpismo@gmail.com
Irvin Cohen, 95, died January 9 in Pennsylvania. He was founder of Eastern Machine Products, Inc., a metal stamping and fabricating business, and Construction Fasteners Inc., an industrial fastener manufacturer based in Wyomissing, PA.
Survivors include his spouse of 70 years, Lois; children Helene Bludman and Richard; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Private services are planned. The family suggests memorial donations to Opportunity House. Web: Opphouse.org GoogleWorks.org Web: HenningerFuneralHome.com
2020
Barry A. Carpe, Sr., 71, died December 29, 2020. He had co-owned All-Tech Specialty Fasteners in Connecticut for 18 years. He co-owned B&B Threaded Components in Connecticut from 1987 to 2003. He was a past president of the New England Fastener Distributors Association and was inducted into the NEFDA Hall of Fame.
Survivors include his wife, Deborah Carpe; sons Barry Carpe, Jr. and Ryan Carpe; daughter Heidi Carpe; , stepson Stephen Petruzzi; stepdaughters Melissa Kubasiak and Karen Condon; and 10 grandchildren.
Messages to the family may be sent c/o All-Tech Specialty Fasteners, 381 Governors Hwy, Unit D, South Windsor, CT 06074-2517. Email: sales@all-techspecfast.com
The family suggests memorial donations to either Wounded Warriors Project, 4899 Belfort Rd., Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL., 32256 or Make A Wish Foundation, 133 Federal St., 2nd fl., Boston, MA 02110. Web: morinfuneralhomes.com
George James Oshkello, 79, died December 29, 2020, in Florida.
Raised in New York City, he worked in sales until retiring from Brighton-Best International in 2005. At BBI he was responsible for building the regional sales team and opening up international markets.
Survivors include spouse Joan; son Craig; and two grandchildren.
The family suggests memorial donations to Living Tree Alliance – a non-profit that George helped build; Hudson Valley Alzheimer’s Association; Community Chavurah of Delaware; or Jewish Community of Greater Stowe; or make an unsolicited act of kindness for someone less fortunate.
Online shiva services were held in early January. Web: bethisraelchapel.com/obituaries/George-Oshkello/#!/Obituary
Winston Leonard “Win” Adams, 78, died December 13, 2020.
He and his spouse Barbara founded Adams Nut & Bolt in 1979 and he was president of the National Fastener Distributors Association for 1986-87. They sold Adams Nut & Bolt to Würth in 1997 and he retired in 2001.
Among his hobbies was golf and he was proud of six hole-in-ones and playing at 79 of the top 100 U.S. golf courses.
Survivors include his wife; daughters: Shawn (Dan) Moloczij and Nicolle (Bill) Woods; and four grandchildren.
Due to Covid restrictions there will be a private family-only service December 16, 2020. There will be a public celebration at Basilica of Minneapolis in the spring: CaringBridge.org/visit/winstonadams.
He was proud of 48 years of sobriety and the family suggests memorial donations for people struggling with addiction to Abbott Northwestern Hospital Foundation, 800 E. 28th St., MR-16509, Minneapolis, MN 55407. Web: Allinahealth.org
See Fastener History section of GlobalFastenerNews.com: 2001 FIN – Win Adams: Getting the Order
Doug Adams, founder of EFC International, died December 8.
In 1968, he started a manufacturers’ representative agency – D.F. Adams & Associates.
In 1983, he founded EFC, which has grown to be a global supplier of engineered fasteners with locations including North America, Europe and Asia.
Part of his fastener pioneering was establishing EFC as an early fastener distributor focused on highly engineered fasteners and branded product lines, and intentionally building a sales team of engineers capable of design and innovation. His contributions to the industry are widespread, including creating what a “master distributor” can evolve into, customer and supplier partnering, and one of the earliest adopters of visionary technologies.
He was an artist, biker, designer, fisherman, art collector, pet lover, boater, philanthropist, husband, father and grandfather.
Messages to the family may be sent c/o EFC International, 1940 Craigshire, St. Louis, MO 63146-4008.
Fastener specialist Bengt Blendulf died of glioblastoma on April 22, 2020.
He started in the fastener industry in 1966 with Swedish fastener manufacturer Bulten. He moved to the U.S. in 1974 to start a subsidiary for Bulten. In 1988 he joined the faculty of Clemson University’s College of Engineering & Science. Following eight years with Clemson, he founded EduPro US Inc., where he was president and principal lecturer until he retired at over 80 years old at the end of 2018.
He was one of the founders of the Bolting Technology Council – which he chaired from 1996 to 2006. He received ASTM’s Weingruber Award in 1996 and the Industrial Fasteners Institute’s Soaring Eagle award in 2013.
He authored more than 100 journal articles and several books –including Joint Technology for Threaded Fasteners, Mechanical Fastening and Joining and contributing to Handbook of Bolts and Bolted Joints.
John F. Firlik Jr., 61, died unexpectedly September 9. He was the automation specialist for Spirol International and had been with the company for 40 years.
Survivors include spouse Dianna M. Firlik; two sons, John Firlik III and Joseph Firlik; a daughter, Julie Firlik; and one granddaughter.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. September 19, 2020, in Evergreen Cemetery, Central Village. Messages to the family may be sent c/o Spirol International, 30 Rock Ave., Danielson, CT 06239.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Putnam Fish & Game Club. Web: doughertybrosfuneralhome.com
Joe J. “Joe” Pivarnik, 91, died August 23, 2020. He had been president of the part of the North Coast Fastener Association and was inducted into the NCFA Hall of Fame. He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene Baliski Pivarnk.
Survivors include daughters Christine Thompson, Susan Lee Horn and Anette Concannon; three grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Messages to the family may be sent c/o Misencik Funeral Home, 36363 Detroit Rd., Avon, OH 44011.
Due to COVID-19 services will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s School Endowment Fund or Cypress Hospice, 2 Berea Commons, Suite 1, Berea, Ohio, 44017.
Messages to the family may be sent to: Rendace & Associates, P.O. Box 281, Port Washington, NY 11050.
Born in Yugoslavia, as a refugee of World War II at age 13 he and his family immigrated to Los Angeles. He studied drafting in junior college. His first job was as a draftsman and machinist at an aerospace company, Gilfillan.
He and his brother, Peter Thierjung, who was working at fastener manufacturer Dumont Aviation, founded Astro Tool & Die as a machining company for aerospace companies. Astro expanded to produce tooling.
In 1967 the company became Astro Punch Corporation, which subsequently expanded into automotive, high tech and construction fastener industries. Astro Punch was acquired by Precision Cast Parts in 1996.
Survivors include spouse Theresa; four sons; and seven grandchildren.
A native of England, he obtained a degree in mechanical engineering and spent his career in the fastener industry. He owned G.T. Specialty Fasteners Inc. of Michigan.
Watson Woodrow Stanley, 96, died May 18, 2020.
He was the founder of Darling Bolt in 1958 in Warren, MI. Upon selling it to a partner, he started Stanley Industries in 1967. Both businesses still exist today.
In the Army, Stanley was shot in Europe on V-E Day – the last day of World War II. He was awarded a Purple Heart.
He was a Detroit Institute of Technology graduate.
Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth; three children, William (Barb) Stanley, Robert (Lana Kenny) Stanley and Judy (Jim) Cash; 10 grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.
A celebration of life is being planned for late summer. The family suggests memorial donations to Shepherd of the Lakes Church, Brighton, MI. Web: sotlchurch.churchcenter.com/giving or WWII Legacy Memorial at Memorial Park, Royal Oak. Web: michiganww2memorial.org/
John Kenneth “Ken” Hinson, 68, died May 5, 2020.
He started with Century Fasteners Corp. in Charlotte in 1978. In 1985 he opened a Century branch in Columbia, SC. He continued as branch manager even after becoming a double amputee. He retired in 2019.
Survivors include his daughter, Kelly Hinson, and his personal friend, Barbara Caraturo. He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Blair Hinson.
Messages to the family may be sent c/o Century Fasteners, 2500 Leap Hart Rd. Suite 1, West Columbia, SC 29169. Email: ColumbiaSales@CenturyFasteners.com
Neil Hadfield, 75, died April 28 in San Diego.
He was co-founder of Western Pacific Data Systems in 1979, which became Faspac Fastener Solutions. In 1981 co-founders Margaret Jackson and Hadfield acquired the fastener distribution software developer from co-founders Bill Vollmer and Dennis Marteeny and went on to sell 500 systems in the next 22 years. Faspac was sold to Prophet 21 in 2003.
Survivors include his spouse, Margaret Jackson; three children; and four grandchildren.
Messages may be sent to the family: 6026 Vista De La Mesa, La Jolla, CA 92037-6544.
Tim Graham, 60, managing director of Archerdale Ltd, died from Covid-19 in a UK hospital, Fastener + Fixing Magazine reports.
Archerdale chairman Glyn Brown had worked with Graham for 40 years in several Yorkshire fastener companies. Archerdale was established in 1983, with Brown joining the family business in 1992 to form the fastener segment and Graham joining a year later.
“A recruitment I was never to regret,” Brown said, “which is not to say we didn’t have some moments when the relationship crackled – but that was always a measure of Tim’s personal strength, his commitment to the business, and to getting it right.”
Graham was appointed managing director at the end of 2019 when Brown became chairman, according to Fastener + Fixing.
Archerdale, a manufacturer and distributor of fasteners and associated products, has been operational throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
“We have a significant number of key customers operating in essential industry sectors, who are reliant on Archerdale maintaining a reliable and effective supply chain,” Brown explained. “As a result, and I believe combined with our performance as a supplier and quality of our team, we have not really experienced the top-line impact felt by many other companies in the fastener sector.”
Brown has resumed the managing director role.
Survivors include his spouse Amanda and children Sam and Sara.
Messages to the family may be sent c/o Archerdale Ltd, Hirstwood Works, Hirstwood Road, Shipley, West Yorkshire, BD18 4BU. Email: sales@Archerdale.com
Keith E. Mantis died unexpectedly on April 19. He was the founder and principal owner of Fasteners Inc / Southwestern Supply, internet retailer ToolUp.com and Professional Contractors Supply. He started San Diego Fasteners Inc. in a storage unit in San Diego in 1987 as a construction supply company.
He joined the Evergreen Marketing Group in 1994, served on the board 1997-2000 and as president 1999-2000. He served 25 years on Evergreen’s education committee. Mantis also served on the Specialty Tool & Fasteners Distributor Association board.
Survivors include his son, Michael Mantis (Jennifer) and one grandson. He was preceded in death by a son, Keith E. Mantis Jr.
Messages to the family may be sent c/o Fasteners Inc., 4170 W. Harmon Ave. #4, Las Vegas, NV 89103. Web: FastenersLV.com
Brighton-Best Socket Screw Mfg. co-founder Perry Rosenstein, 94, died April 3 from COVID-19, the New Jersey Globe reports.
His company, which he sold in 2008 to a consortium of Taiwanese investors led by Ta Chen International president Robert Shieh, became Brighton-Best International, the largest fastener importer in North America.
“Sad new for us old timers that had the privilege to know Perry,” stated Don Haggerty of Stelfast.
“This is terrible news, especially for those of us at Brighton,” added BBI president Jun Xu. “I can only say that we would not be where we are today without the work Perry put into BBSSMI. It was an incredible platform to build off of. We are humbled and proud to carry on a part of his legacy in the work we do everyday.”
Rosenstein was born in the Bronx to Polish emigrants “who instilled in him a tremendous work ethic and a passion for social justice,” his website biography said. He served in the South Pacific during World War II and and graduated from Indiana University, after which he earned a masters degree from Long Island University.
Rosenstein started his post-college career as a school teacher.
“The experience of learning to be a teacher” was excellent training for his career in fasteners, Rosenstein told GlobalFastenerNews.com in 2007.
His first fastener job was with Globe Bolt & Screw Co. He then joined Stevens Socket Screw Co., which was later bought out by MSL Industries and became a part of Heads & Threads. Rosenstein then became a VP of Heads & Threads.
Stanley Sevell and Rosenstein founded Best Socket Screw Co. in New York City in 1965. Three years later they formed Brighton-Best Socket Screw when they acquired Brighton Screw Co. of Cincinnati and merged the names. Brighton-Best grew to a major supplier of inch and metric hexagon alloy socket screws.
After retiring in 2008, Rosenstein gave even more attention to his foundations. He told GlobalFastenerNews.com he donated hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to support the arts in New York, New Jersey and Ohio.
“We support the arts – especially those by ‘people with beliefs, color or gender which are out of the mainstream.’”
In 1983, Rosenstein founded the Puffin Foundation, a Teaneck-based progressive non-profit that he self-funded to provide over 400 grants for the arts and culture. He also created the Abraham Lincoln Brigade Archives, which preserved the history of Americans who fought against Franco and fascism, and started an awards program that recognized individuals and groups that impact human rights. The Puffin Gallery for Social Activism is a permanent exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York.
Puffin reportedly provided $100,000 annually to the National Associates for a creative citizenship award. Recipients included Reverend Barber, Ben Jealous, Colin Kaepernick, the Parkland Students, and the Sunrise Movement.
Another Rosenstein favorite foundation, Teaneck Creek Conservancy, turned garbage dumps into parks or wetlands where birds return to nest.
His philanthropy was all a part of “giving back” from his successful career and in fighting global warming and pollution, he told GlobalFastenerNews.com.
Click here to visit the Facebook page created by the Puffin Foundation to celebrate Rosenstein’s life.
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