Nelson J. Bleisch, age 85, died Wednesday August 22, surrounded by his family.
He worked for 25 years at Thomas Industries of Louisville, Ky., where he held several positions in multiple states, including General Manager of PhilMar Lamps in Euclid, Ohio. After leaving Thomas, he returned to Cleveland as General Manager of Kichler Lighting, during which time he served as president of the American Lighting Association (ALA) and was subsequently inducted into the ALA Hall of Fame.
After serving in the US Army during WWII, Nelson graduated from Washington University in St. Louis. In Louisville, he was twice named as honorary Kentucky Colonel.
He was the beloved husband of 59 years to Gertrude (nee Cowan) Bleisch; a dear father of N. David (Dr. Sarah Lochner) Bleisch of Boca Raton, Fla., and Cindy Bleisch Jackson of Meriden, Conn.; and devoted grandfather of Chris Jackson, Riley and Kyle Bleisch.
Contributions can be made to Breckinridge Village Life Care Fund, 36500 Euclid Avenue, Willoughby, Ohio 44094 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 74924 Cleveland, Ohio 44194-4924.
