Stanley Wolk, Founder of Rochester Insulated Glass Dies at 83

Mr. Wolk died peacefully, late Sunday evening at his home surrounded by immediate family. His death was the culmination of a long battle with cancer.



Being educated in engineering and business at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard University, Mr. Wolk began his long career after being recruited to PPG Industries, in Ford City, Pennsylvania. While working through the ranks at PPG Industries, Mr. Wolk enjoyed many facets of the glass industry, but his career with PPG concluded after almost 19 years with title of Plant Manager of Works No. 4 & 6, which included the well known PPG Ford City production plants. After leaving PPG, Mr. Wolk spent a brief period working with the Bausch & Lomb Corporation helping to develop their optics program. Thanks to his brief employment with Bausch & Lomb, Mr. Wolk and his family moved to Rochester, New York, where he began what he considered his life’s work. In 1972, Mr. Wolk founded his small family business, Rochester Insulated Glass Inc.



With his guidance, Rochester Insulated Glass had a different market approach, and not only focused on producing standard size glass, but focused his company of producing the largest sized glass in the world. Since its commencement, Mr. Wolk transformed Rochester Insulated Glass from his small family business, into a major leader in the architectural glass industry. He left his mark permanently stamped on many major projects throughout the world, including the Deutsches Museum, in Munich, Germany, the air traffic control tower at Chicago O’Hare airport, many of the most exclusive storefronts, and a vast array of public, office, and high rise buildings throughout the world. Mr. Wolk passed comforted knowing that he would be leaving his business he so treasured in the hands of his Son, Richard Wolk, and his Grandson, Tyler Wolk with a clear goal of continuing the mission he started. During his life, Mr. Wolk not only transformed Rochester Insulated Glass, its employees, customers, and projects completed, but also stood as a prominent member of the community. He served as a member of the board to the Southeast YMCA for many years, and was very involved with many projects.



A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 1st, 2008 at the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsford at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, we are requesting that donations be made to the YMCA of Rochester, Southeast YMCA Endowment Fund, 111 Jefferson Road, Pittsford, NY 14534 on behalf of Stanley Wolk.



Rochester Insulated Glass, is located in Manchester, NY, and also has offices in Miami, FL. The family-owned company, founded in 1972, is recognized as an industry leader and innovator in the fabrication of architectural glass. Rochester Insulated Glass has, and will continue to serve the world market with the highest quality, and innovative product offerings available.