Frank M. Fenton Passes Away

October 2005

Souvenir, Gifts and Novelties Magazine

Frank M. Fenton, historian, past president and past chairman of the board of the Fenton Art Glass Company, passed away last summer.

Born in 1915, Fenton graduated from Marietta College in 1936. Along with his brother Bill, Fenton assumed leadership positions at Fenton when their father died in 1948. For almost 40 years, the organization grew from a modest business to a company known worldwide for its innovative products. Most recently filling the role of Fenton Art Glass historian, Fenton was last seen publicly in May, 2005, with West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin at a celebration for the company’s 100th anniversary.

Active in various community organizations, including 36 years as a Marietta College trustee, Fenton, along with Bill, established the Fenton Foundation to support local community needs. He also donated $25,000 and five acres of land to the town of Williamstown for a park.

Fenton was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth and brother Bill. He is survived by his sons Frank, Tom, Mike and George and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.