Article appearing in The Marietta Times – December 12, 2002

Second generation Fenton dies

From staff reports

WILLIAMSTOWN - Bill Fenton, one of the second generation family members to operate Fenton Art Glass, died Wednesday.

The 79-year-old Fenton is being remembered as the person who headed the company with his brother for almost 40 years. It was a period when nearly all the region's glass factories were shutting down, but it was Fenton and his brother, Frank, who kept the company prospering.

"The thing I can tell you is I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Fenton for 25 years plus, and he was, without a doubt, one of the finest men I've ever known," said Don Brown, 55, a Marietta area businessman.

"His contributions to the community are not going to be replaceable."

Fenton Art Glass is one of the nation's premiere glass factories with products all over the world. The company remains in the Fenton family with its headquarters in Williamstown. With about 500 employees, it is one of the area's largest employers.

Fenton was also active in many community organizations. He was a big supporter of Williamstown High School, where he gave a music award every year and a college scholarship to the top band member.

"He was a friend to many, many students whom he helped find employment in his gift shop over the summer," said Jack Jones, a former guidance counselor at Williamstown High School. "He loved the band, really appreciated athletics and through his business was probably Williamstown's most notable ambassador."

Fenton Art Glass was founded in 1905 by two Fenton brothers in Martins Ferry, W.Va. The company was moved in 1907 to Williamstown where it grew and prospered. Fenton grew up in the company and took over operations with his brother, Frank, in the late 1940s after serving as a medic in World War II.

Fenton became vice president of the company at the relatively young age of 25.

One of the hallmarks of Fenton Art Glass through those years was its commitment to its employees and the Williamstown community, which Bill Fenton believed was the strength of the company. The brothers kept the company family owned and tied to the community.

In 1986, Bill and Frank Fenton turned operation of the company over to a third generation of Fenton family members.

But Bill Fenton remained active in the company as an elder statesman and spokesman. He became well- known for his appearances on the cable channel QVC, which sells Fenton glass items.

Fenton was the first guest host for the channel in 1988. He celebrated his birthday on the channel in 1998, and he had a live retirement show on the station in January of this year.

"Bill was my younger brother, and we were a team," Frank Fenton said. "He's been involved in many, many different things in the community and country. Many people are going to miss him."