Frank Fenton of Fenton Art Glass Dies

August 16, 2005

by Antiques and the Arts Online

WILLIAMSTOWN, W.Va. (AP) - Frank M. Fenton, the longtime president of Fenton Art Glass and son of its founder, died August 9. He was 89.

Fenton, the fifth child and first son of Frank L. Fenton, was born December 1 1915. He attended grade school in Williamstown, but crossed over the Ohio River to Marietta, Ohio, to attend high school. He entered Marietta College in September 1932 and graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in 1936.

He began working for the family company while in college. He tried several times to get a summer job at the factory, but his father turned him down, saying others needed the work more than he did. Finally, he was given a position by his uncle.

For nearly four decades, Frank along with his brother Bill headed Fenton Art Glass.

Fenton Art Glass is continuing a 100th anniversary celebration throughout 2005 with special glass productions. The celebration kicked off in Williamstown July 29, but Fenton was too ill to attend. His most recent public appearance at the factory was when Governor Joe Manchin visited in May to help commemorate the company's 100th year.

"He was a great leader and certainly provided a lot of support and advice,'' said his son George Fenton, CEO and current president of Fenton Art Glass. "He was personally very caring and, in business, very wise and very astute.''
 

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