Fred A. Lennon Dies, Founder of Swagelok.SOLON, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 27, 1998--Fred A. Lennon, founder and chairman of Swagelok Company, one of the world's largest suppliers of valves and fittings for industry, died July 23 after a short illness. He was 92 years old. From humble beginnings, Lennon built one of the most respected and successful private manufacturing and distribution companies in the world. In 1947, Lennon borrowed $500 from his wife's uncle to start Swagelok, which he ran from the kitchen of his apartment in Cleveland, Ohio. He pioneered the marketing, manufacturing and distribution of the Swagelok Tube Fitting, a two-ferrule mechanical swaging type fitting for fluid handling systems that revolutionized the industry. Until his illness, Lennon worked in the company every day for over 50 years. Lennon understood the importance of customer service and built his companies around it. His attention to detail, quality and customer service was legendary and gained him and his company international recognition. Today, Swagelok consists of more than 30 major manufacturing facilities around the world that feed six regional distribution centers in 5 countries and serve over 230 distributor stocking locations in over 40 countries. The Swagelok companies reflect Lennon's belief in being the best. He understood the importance of customer service before it became an industry buzz word. He believed in delivering a quality product at all times, killing customers with kindness and instilling associates with enthusiasm, pride and a dedication to excellence. Although Lennon was the chairman of a Fortune 500 size company, he was a private man who was content to be out of the public spotlight. He was an enthusiastic supporter of private enterprise and the Republican Party. Lennon served as Ohio Finance Chairman for his close friend, former President Ronald Reagan during the 1980 and 1984 Presidential campaigns. He later served in the same role for another long-time friend, Ohio Governor George Voinovich. In addition to Swagelok, he was also a board member for many civic institutions. For his efforts and contributions to the Catholic Church, Lennon received the Equestrian Order of Saint Sylvester given by His Holiness Pope John Paul II Pope John Paul II (Latin: Ioannes Paulus PP. II, Italian: Giovanni Paolo II, Polish: Jan Paweł II) born Karol Józef Wojtyła . He received numerous awards and honorary degrees from other organizations he assisted. Lennon was born on November 26, 1905 in Providence, Rhode Island  “Providence” redirects here. For other uses, see Providence (disambiguation). Providence is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. . He was the youngest of nine children of Patrick and Catherine Lennon. He is survived by his two children, son John and daughter Catherine Lozick, nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Alice, his wife of 62 years and life-long partner, died in 1995. He lived in Hunting Valley, Ohio Hunting Valley is a wealthy, suburban village located east of Cleveland in Cuyahoga and Geauga counties in the Northeast Ohio Region, the 14th largest Combined Statistical Area in the United States. . FRED A. LENNON Accomplishments, Activities and Interests Professional Affiliations and Responsibilities: Chairman, Swagelok Company, in Solon, Ohio Chairman Emeritus of the John Ashbrook Center for Public Affairs at Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio Past President of Gilmour Academy in Gates Mills, Ohio Board Member of many civic institutions Awards and Honorary Degrees: Ashbrook Award - Ashland University Benedict Rodman Award - John Carroll University The university is organized into three schools including two undergraduate colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences and the Boler School of Business, and one graduate school, each defining its own academic programs under the auspices of the Academic Vice President. in University Heights, Ohio Distinguished Awards - Catholic Charities Distinguished Fellow - The Cleveland Clinic Foundation Doctor of Humanities Noun 1. Doctor of Humanities - an honorary degree in the humanities honorary degree, honoris causa - a degree conferred to honor the recipient - Ashland University Doctor of Laws Noun 1. Doctor of Laws - an honorary law degree LLD honorary degree, honoris causa - a degree conferred to honor the recipient - John Carroll University Equestrian Order of St. Sylvester
Notre Dame College in South Euclid, Ohio is a Catholic coeducational career-focused liberal arts college. in South Euclid, Ohio South Euclid (a suburb in the Greater Cleveland area) is a city in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, United States. The population was 23,537 at the 2000 Census. South Euclid became a village on October 13, 1917, and was officially incorporated as a city in 1941. Mather Philanthropy Award - University Hospitals of Cleveland University Hospitals is a major not-for-profit medical center in Cleveland, Ohio, United States. With 150 locations throughout northeast Ohio, it encompasses a network of hospitals, outpatient centers and primary care physicians. Interests/Memberships: Active in Republican Party: Served as Ohio Finance Chairman for his close friend, President Ronald Reagan during his 1980 and 1984 Presidential election campaigns. Served as Finance Chairman for long-time friend, Ohio Governor George Voinovich in 1988. The Union Club The Pepper Pike Club Sea Island Golf Club Former Member of: The Chagrin Valley Hunt Club The Valley Hunt Club is a private social club located in Pasadena, California, that is most noted for starting the Tournament of Roses Parade in 1890. Its members were former residents of the East and Midwest eager to showcase their new home's mild winter weather. The Kirtland Country Club The Mayfield Country Club
CONTACT: Swagelok Companies
Chris Hitchcock, 440/248-4600
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