Gerard "Jerry" A. Parseghian was born March 29, 1921 to immigrant parents, mother from France and father from Armenia. He grew up speaking French and participating in Armenian cultural activities.
He graduated from Akron South High School and the University of Akron.
In 1943 he married the love of his life, Margaret "Maggie" Saus.
Upon graduation, with a degree in mechanical engineering, Jerry served in the Army working as a project engineer for aircraft engines in Cleveland, Ohio, for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA which later became NASA).
After WWII, he was hired as an industrial salesman for the Fuller Brush Company. The family moved from Akron to Columbus, then settling in Toledo, Ohio in 1949. In 1957, Jerry and two partners began Power Brushes, Inc. Power Brushes continues to be a family-run business to this day.
Jerry was a great football fan, particularly of his brother Ara's coaching career, and his grandsons, Jared and Nathan's kicking careers in high school and college. Jerry enjoyed playing golf and was a longtime member at Highland Meadows Golf Club and Island Country Club in Marco Island, Florida.
His answer to "How are you?" was "Terrific and getting better." Jerry enjoyed making people smile and laugh.
During their wonderful 67 year marriage, Jerry and Maggie's favorite activity was getting together with their family. They supported their children and grandchildren in all their endeavors. They also took immense pleasure in hosting their family on numerous vacations.
In his retirement they moved to Marco Island, Florida, to enjoy walking the beach, boating, golfing, watching sunsets and taking worldwide trips with the Nomad Travel Club.
Nothing was more important to him than his loving family.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Maggie, members of the family include daughter, Linda (Don) Runyon; son, Tom (Gayle) Parseghian; grandchildren, Craig Runyon (Deb McLaughlin), Brent Runyon (Tina Egloff), Jared (Erin), Nathan, and Amara Parseghian; great-grand-children, Owen Runyon, Hayden Parseghian, Lillie, Walker, and Hope Allison. Another great-grandson is due to arrive in early December; his brother, Ara (Katie) Parseghian; sister-in-law Bert (Joe) Murray and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Amelia Bonneau Parseghian and Michael Parseghian; sister, Isabelle Parseghian Atwood, and dear friend, Varkes Tavtigian.
With his family at his side, Jerry passed away on September 25, 2010 from complications of Alzheimer's disease.
His family would like to thank all the "angels" at Parkcliffe Community and Heartland Hospice who provided outstanding care.
A celebration of Jerry's life is being planned and will be announced at a later date.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation, 3530 E. Campo Abierto, Suite 105, Tucson, AZ, 85718-3327.
Published in Toledo Blade from September 28 to September 29, 2010
Gerard Parseghian, 1921-2010: Co-founder of niche firm beloved for his honesty
Gerard "Jerry" Parseghian, who helped start a South Toledo company that makes custom brushes for a variety of industrial uses - washing eggs and mirrors to cleaning carpets and harvesting beans - died Saturday in the Parkcliffe Alzheimer's Community, where he lived the last six months. He was 89.
He had Alzheimer's disease for about five years. He and his wife, Maggie, spent summers in Sylvania and the rest of the year in Marco Island, Fla., son Tom said.
He retired about 25 years ago as president of Power Brushes Inc., of which he was a founder, on South Byrne Road. His son is now president, and a grandson, Jared, is in sales.
In the mid-1950s, he and Jack Grogan were colleagues in the industrial division of Fuller Brush. Household goods sold door-to-door were Fuller's stock in trade, and the men believed their customers were being ignored.
"They thought they could treat their customers better," Mr. Parseghian's son said.
The men rented space from Varkes Tavtigian, a social acquaintance of Mr. Parseghian's, at his tool and production company, which went on to make the machines to make the brushes. Mr. Tavtigian provided financing and became a partner.
In this niche business of making brushes for specific uses, Mr. Parseghian "had the ability to understand what the customer's needs were and to be honest and forthright," his son said. "If our company could meet those needs, he then would develop long-term relationships."
Mr. Parseghian told The Blade in 1975 that when prospects found out his brother was legendary Notre Dame coach Ara Parseghian, normal business relationships warmed up quickly - "especially if the guy is a Notre Dame fan."
Dave Bissonette, a retired vice president, said, "Jerry was a solid businessman and was on top of everything and did a lot of engineering for the brushes. Everybody who worked for him loved him, from the brush makers to the office people."
Born March 29, 1921, Mr. Parseghian was a graduate of Akron South High School and the University of Akron. During World War II, he did engineering on aircraft engines for a forerunner of NASA.
He was a member of Highland Meadows Golf Club. He and his wife were members of Nomads, the travel club based at Detroit Metro Airport, and traveled the continent and the world.
Surviving are his wife, Margaret "Maggie," whom he married June 21, 1943; daughter, Linda Runyon; son, Tom Parseghian; five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at Belmont Country Club.
The family suggests tributes to the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation, Tucson, or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
A celebration of Jerry Parseghian's life will be held Sunday, October 24, 2010, at 3:30 p.m. at Belmont Country Club, 29601 Bates Road, Perrysburg, Ohio, 43551.
Article published September 30, 2010
He graduated from Akron South High School and the University of Akron.
In 1943 he married the love of his life, Margaret "Maggie" Saus.
Upon graduation, with a degree in mechanical engineering, Jerry served in the Army working as a project engineer for aircraft engines in Cleveland, Ohio, for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA which later became NASA).
After WWII, he was hired as an industrial salesman for the Fuller Brush Company. The family moved from Akron to Columbus, then settling in Toledo, Ohio in 1949. In 1957, Jerry and two partners began Power Brushes, Inc. Power Brushes continues to be a family-run business to this day.
Jerry was a great football fan, particularly of his brother Ara's coaching career, and his grandsons, Jared and Nathan's kicking careers in high school and college. Jerry enjoyed playing golf and was a longtime member at Highland Meadows Golf Club and Island Country Club in Marco Island, Florida.
His answer to "How are you?" was "Terrific and getting better." Jerry enjoyed making people smile and laugh.
During their wonderful 67 year marriage, Jerry and Maggie's favorite activity was getting together with their family. They supported their children and grandchildren in all their endeavors. They also took immense pleasure in hosting their family on numerous vacations.
In his retirement they moved to Marco Island, Florida, to enjoy walking the beach, boating, golfing, watching sunsets and taking worldwide trips with the Nomad Travel Club.
Nothing was more important to him than his loving family.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Maggie, members of the family include daughter, Linda (Don) Runyon; son, Tom (Gayle) Parseghian; grandchildren, Craig Runyon (Deb McLaughlin), Brent Runyon (Tina Egloff), Jared (Erin), Nathan, and Amara Parseghian; great-grand-children, Owen Runyon, Hayden Parseghian, Lillie, Walker, and Hope Allison. Another great-grandson is due to arrive in early December; his brother, Ara (Katie) Parseghian; sister-in-law Bert (Joe) Murray and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Amelia Bonneau Parseghian and Michael Parseghian; sister, Isabelle Parseghian Atwood, and dear friend, Varkes Tavtigian.
With his family at his side, Jerry passed away on September 25, 2010 from complications of Alzheimer's disease.
His family would like to thank all the "angels" at Parkcliffe Community and Heartland Hospice who provided outstanding care.
A celebration of Jerry's life is being planned and will be announced at a later date.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation, 3530 E. Campo Abierto, Suite 105, Tucson, AZ, 85718-3327.
Published in Toledo Blade from September 28 to September 29, 2010
Gerard Parseghian, 1921-2010: Co-founder of niche firm beloved for his honesty
Gerard "Jerry" Parseghian, who helped start a South Toledo company that makes custom brushes for a variety of industrial uses - washing eggs and mirrors to cleaning carpets and harvesting beans - died Saturday in the Parkcliffe Alzheimer's Community, where he lived the last six months. He was 89.
He had Alzheimer's disease for about five years. He and his wife, Maggie, spent summers in Sylvania and the rest of the year in Marco Island, Fla., son Tom said.
He retired about 25 years ago as president of Power Brushes Inc., of which he was a founder, on South Byrne Road. His son is now president, and a grandson, Jared, is in sales.
In the mid-1950s, he and Jack Grogan were colleagues in the industrial division of Fuller Brush. Household goods sold door-to-door were Fuller's stock in trade, and the men believed their customers were being ignored.
"They thought they could treat their customers better," Mr. Parseghian's son said.
The men rented space from Varkes Tavtigian, a social acquaintance of Mr. Parseghian's, at his tool and production company, which went on to make the machines to make the brushes. Mr. Tavtigian provided financing and became a partner.
In this niche business of making brushes for specific uses, Mr. Parseghian "had the ability to understand what the customer's needs were and to be honest and forthright," his son said. "If our company could meet those needs, he then would develop long-term relationships."
Mr. Parseghian told The Blade in 1975 that when prospects found out his brother was legendary Notre Dame coach Ara Parseghian, normal business relationships warmed up quickly - "especially if the guy is a Notre Dame fan."
Dave Bissonette, a retired vice president, said, "Jerry was a solid businessman and was on top of everything and did a lot of engineering for the brushes. Everybody who worked for him loved him, from the brush makers to the office people."
Born March 29, 1921, Mr. Parseghian was a graduate of Akron South High School and the University of Akron. During World War II, he did engineering on aircraft engines for a forerunner of NASA.
He was a member of Highland Meadows Golf Club. He and his wife were members of Nomads, the travel club based at Detroit Metro Airport, and traveled the continent and the world.
Surviving are his wife, Margaret "Maggie," whom he married June 21, 1943; daughter, Linda Runyon; son, Tom Parseghian; five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at Belmont Country Club.
The family suggests tributes to the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation, Tucson, or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
A celebration of Jerry Parseghian's life will be held Sunday, October 24, 2010, at 3:30 p.m. at Belmont Country Club, 29601 Bates Road, Perrysburg, Ohio, 43551.
Article published September 30, 2010
Gerard "Jerry" A. Parseghian was born March 29, 1921 to immigrant parents, mother from France and father from Armenia. He grew up speaking French and participating in Armenian cultural activities.
He graduated from Akron South High School and the University of Akron.
In 1943 he married the love of his life, Margaret "Maggie" Saus.
Upon graduation, with a degree in mechanical engineering, Jerry served in the Army working as a project engineer for aircraft engines in Cleveland, Ohio, for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA which later became NASA).
After WWII, he was hired as an industrial salesman for the Fuller Brush Company. The family moved from Akron to Columbus, then settling in Toledo, Ohio in 1949. In 1957, Jerry and two partners began Power Brushes, Inc. Power Brushes continues to be a family-run business to this day.
Jerry was a great football fan, particularly of his brother Ara's coaching career, and his grandsons, Jared and Nathan's kicking careers in high school and college. Jerry enjoyed playing golf and was a longtime member at Highland Meadows Golf Club and Island Country Club in Marco Island, Florida.
His answer to "How are you?" was "Terrific and getting better." Jerry enjoyed making people smile and laugh.
During their wonderful 67 year marriage, Jerry and Maggie's favorite activity was getting together with their family. They supported their children and grandchildren in all their endeavors. They also took immense pleasure in hosting their family on numerous vacations.
In his retirement they moved to Marco Island, Florida, to enjoy walking the beach, boating, golfing, watching sunsets and taking worldwide trips with the Nomad Travel Club.
Nothing was more important to him than his loving family.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Maggie, members of the family include daughter, Linda (Don) Runyon; son, Tom (Gayle) Parseghian; grandchildren, Craig Runyon (Deb McLaughlin), Brent Runyon (Tina Egloff), Jared (Erin), Nathan, and Amara Parseghian; great-grand-children, Owen Runyon, Hayden Parseghian, Lillie, Walker, and Hope Allison. Another great-grandson is due to arrive in early December; his brother, Ara (Katie) Parseghian; sister-in-law Bert (Joe) Murray and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Amelia Bonneau Parseghian and Michael Parseghian; sister, Isabelle Parseghian Atwood, and dear friend, Varkes Tavtigian.
With his family at his side, Jerry passed away on September 25, 2010 from complications of Alzheimer's disease.
His family would like to thank all the "angels" at Parkcliffe Community and Heartland Hospice who provided outstanding care.
A celebration of Jerry's life is being planned and will be announced at a later date.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation, 3530 E. Campo Abierto, Suite 105, Tucson, AZ, 85718-3327.
Published in Toledo Blade from September 28 to September 29, 2010
Gerard Parseghian, 1921-2010: Co-founder of niche firm beloved for his honesty
Gerard "Jerry" Parseghian, who helped start a South Toledo company that makes custom brushes for a variety of industrial uses - washing eggs and mirrors to cleaning carpets and harvesting beans - died Saturday in the Parkcliffe Alzheimer's Community, where he lived the last six months. He was 89.
He had Alzheimer's disease for about five years. He and his wife, Maggie, spent summers in Sylvania and the rest of the year in Marco Island, Fla., son Tom said.
He retired about 25 years ago as president of Power Brushes Inc., of which he was a founder, on South Byrne Road. His son is now president, and a grandson, Jared, is in sales.
In the mid-1950s, he and Jack Grogan were colleagues in the industrial division of Fuller Brush. Household goods sold door-to-door were Fuller's stock in trade, and the men believed their customers were being ignored.
"They thought they could treat their customers better," Mr. Parseghian's son said.
The men rented space from Varkes Tavtigian, a social acquaintance of Mr. Parseghian's, at his tool and production company, which went on to make the machines to make the brushes. Mr. Tavtigian provided financing and became a partner.
In this niche business of making brushes for specific uses, Mr. Parseghian "had the ability to understand what the customer's needs were and to be honest and forthright," his son said. "If our company could meet those needs, he then would develop long-term relationships."
Mr. Parseghian told The Blade in 1975 that when prospects found out his brother was legendary Notre Dame coach Ara Parseghian, normal business relationships warmed up quickly - "especially if the guy is a Notre Dame fan."
Dave Bissonette, a retired vice president, said, "Jerry was a solid businessman and was on top of everything and did a lot of engineering for the brushes. Everybody who worked for him loved him, from the brush makers to the office people."
Born March 29, 1921, Mr. Parseghian was a graduate of Akron South High School and the University of Akron. During World War II, he did engineering on aircraft engines for a forerunner of NASA.
He was a member of Highland Meadows Golf Club. He and his wife were members of Nomads, the travel club based at Detroit Metro Airport, and traveled the continent and the world.
Surviving are his wife, Margaret "Maggie," whom he married June 21, 1943; daughter, Linda Runyon; son, Tom Parseghian; five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at Belmont Country Club.
The family suggests tributes to the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation, Tucson, or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
A celebration of Jerry Parseghian's life will be held Sunday, October 24, 2010, at 3:30 p.m. at Belmont Country Club, 29601 Bates Road, Perrysburg, Ohio, 43551.
Article published September 30, 2010
He graduated from Akron South High School and the University of Akron.
In 1943 he married the love of his life, Margaret "Maggie" Saus.
Upon graduation, with a degree in mechanical engineering, Jerry served in the Army working as a project engineer for aircraft engines in Cleveland, Ohio, for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA which later became NASA).
After WWII, he was hired as an industrial salesman for the Fuller Brush Company. The family moved from Akron to Columbus, then settling in Toledo, Ohio in 1949. In 1957, Jerry and two partners began Power Brushes, Inc. Power Brushes continues to be a family-run business to this day.
Jerry was a great football fan, particularly of his brother Ara's coaching career, and his grandsons, Jared and Nathan's kicking careers in high school and college. Jerry enjoyed playing golf and was a longtime member at Highland Meadows Golf Club and Island Country Club in Marco Island, Florida.
His answer to "How are you?" was "Terrific and getting better." Jerry enjoyed making people smile and laugh.
During their wonderful 67 year marriage, Jerry and Maggie's favorite activity was getting together with their family. They supported their children and grandchildren in all their endeavors. They also took immense pleasure in hosting their family on numerous vacations.
In his retirement they moved to Marco Island, Florida, to enjoy walking the beach, boating, golfing, watching sunsets and taking worldwide trips with the Nomad Travel Club.
Nothing was more important to him than his loving family.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Maggie, members of the family include daughter, Linda (Don) Runyon; son, Tom (Gayle) Parseghian; grandchildren, Craig Runyon (Deb McLaughlin), Brent Runyon (Tina Egloff), Jared (Erin), Nathan, and Amara Parseghian; great-grand-children, Owen Runyon, Hayden Parseghian, Lillie, Walker, and Hope Allison. Another great-grandson is due to arrive in early December; his brother, Ara (Katie) Parseghian; sister-in-law Bert (Joe) Murray and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Amelia Bonneau Parseghian and Michael Parseghian; sister, Isabelle Parseghian Atwood, and dear friend, Varkes Tavtigian.
With his family at his side, Jerry passed away on September 25, 2010 from complications of Alzheimer's disease.
His family would like to thank all the "angels" at Parkcliffe Community and Heartland Hospice who provided outstanding care.
A celebration of Jerry's life is being planned and will be announced at a later date.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation, 3530 E. Campo Abierto, Suite 105, Tucson, AZ, 85718-3327.
Published in Toledo Blade from September 28 to September 29, 2010
Gerard Parseghian, 1921-2010: Co-founder of niche firm beloved for his honesty
Gerard "Jerry" Parseghian, who helped start a South Toledo company that makes custom brushes for a variety of industrial uses - washing eggs and mirrors to cleaning carpets and harvesting beans - died Saturday in the Parkcliffe Alzheimer's Community, where he lived the last six months. He was 89.
He had Alzheimer's disease for about five years. He and his wife, Maggie, spent summers in Sylvania and the rest of the year in Marco Island, Fla., son Tom said.
He retired about 25 years ago as president of Power Brushes Inc., of which he was a founder, on South Byrne Road. His son is now president, and a grandson, Jared, is in sales.
In the mid-1950s, he and Jack Grogan were colleagues in the industrial division of Fuller Brush. Household goods sold door-to-door were Fuller's stock in trade, and the men believed their customers were being ignored.
"They thought they could treat their customers better," Mr. Parseghian's son said.
The men rented space from Varkes Tavtigian, a social acquaintance of Mr. Parseghian's, at his tool and production company, which went on to make the machines to make the brushes. Mr. Tavtigian provided financing and became a partner.
In this niche business of making brushes for specific uses, Mr. Parseghian "had the ability to understand what the customer's needs were and to be honest and forthright," his son said. "If our company could meet those needs, he then would develop long-term relationships."
Mr. Parseghian told The Blade in 1975 that when prospects found out his brother was legendary Notre Dame coach Ara Parseghian, normal business relationships warmed up quickly - "especially if the guy is a Notre Dame fan."
Dave Bissonette, a retired vice president, said, "Jerry was a solid businessman and was on top of everything and did a lot of engineering for the brushes. Everybody who worked for him loved him, from the brush makers to the office people."
Born March 29, 1921, Mr. Parseghian was a graduate of Akron South High School and the University of Akron. During World War II, he did engineering on aircraft engines for a forerunner of NASA.
He was a member of Highland Meadows Golf Club. He and his wife were members of Nomads, the travel club based at Detroit Metro Airport, and traveled the continent and the world.
Surviving are his wife, Margaret "Maggie," whom he married June 21, 1943; daughter, Linda Runyon; son, Tom Parseghian; five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at Belmont Country Club.
The family suggests tributes to the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation, Tucson, or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
A celebration of Jerry Parseghian's life will be held Sunday, October 24, 2010, at 3:30 p.m. at Belmont Country Club, 29601 Bates Road, Perrysburg, Ohio, 43551.
Article published September 30, 2010
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