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Melvin Eisenberg Obituary

Melvin Eisenberg, 79, of Skokie, after a twenty-month battle with cancer. He was the beloved husband of Marilyn Allswang Eisenberg; loving father of David (Karen Lobl), Keren (Larry Zelnick) Eisenberg, Solomon (Terri) and Ronna (Steve Rabinowitz) Eisenberg; adoring grandfather of Ruth, Dan, Sam, Ben, Shoshana, Rabel, Yonina, Cobi, Natan and Pazit; much loved stepfather of Elliot (Margo) Allswang, Shari (Azriel) Feifel and David (Laura) Allswang; adoring stepgrandfather of Gila, Adina, Zivya, Tzvi, Adir, Noam, Eliana, Ezra, Danya and Roni; brother of Sheppard (Clara), Charlene (Jack) Blumenthal and Bailee (Ken) Mendelson; he was loved by many nieces and nephews. He was the founder and President of Plasco, Inc., which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Trained as a Mechanical Engineer, he was the holder of approximately 30 patents in the medical field. Former president of the Associated Talmud Torah, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Ida Crown Jewish Acacemy (ICJA). Member of the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago and member of the Board of Directors of Toward Tradition. Founder of the scholarship fund of the ICJA and a strong proponent of and original advocate for, tuition-free Jewish education. Benefactor of hundreds of Jewish youth for higher education in Israel, including the establishment of an annual one-year scholarship at Bar Ilan University in memory of his parents, Ben and Florence Eisenberg. He served in the United States Air Force during WW II. Funeral Service Wednesday, 11 a.m. at The Weinstein Family Services Wilmette Chapel, 111 N. Skokie Blvd. (1 block North of Old Orchard). Interment Rosemont Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Melvin and Marilyn Eisenberg Endowment Fund of the ICJA, 2828 W. Pratt, Chicago, IL 60645. For Funeral info. call: 847-256-5700.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Apr. 25, 2001.

Memories and Condolences
for Melvin Eisenberg

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Alex Turetsky

June 7, 2001

When I was a Sunday school student at ATT CHHS, I expressed my wishes to go to Israel for the summer in order to explore the land of Israel and my Jewish heritage. Mr. Eisenberg was there to pay for my trip. Years later, I went to Israel again, this time to Yeshivat Or David. When I came back to USA and became a student at Ner Israel Rabbinical College, Mr. Eisenberg was there once again to help me out with tuition. He did so quietly, without any fanfare. Besides his generosity, I was always impressed by the vibrancy and optimism that he maintained under all circumstances, even when he had only a month left to live. I will never forget this great man.

Diane Colosimo

June 3, 2001

I'm sorry it took me so long to write this, but I'm having a hard time dealing with his passing. When Mr. E hired me, he hired me as a Girl Friday, 27 years ago. Right from the beginning, we felt comfortable with each other. He was gentle, kind, caring but demanding. He brought out the best in people, I know he did in me. Now I'm realizing how many other people he touched by reading his guestbook. When my brother passed away, at the age of 16, Mr. E. was there to offer me his moral support. Tragedy struck again when my father passed away and again Mr. E was there to help me get through it. I don't know what I would have done without his moral support and caring ways. When my husband John had open heart surgery two years ago, he was there again for me. On the day of my husband's surgery, Mr. E offered to come to the hospital in Milwaukee to sit with me while the operation was going on, what a friend! His honesty and integrity made him the man he was. He had a great zest for life. He will be truly missed by all of us who were fortunate enough to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family for I know how much he loved all of them.

Mark Selep

May 29, 2001

As I adjust a machine cycle, I swear Mel's voice still whispers in my ear, "Can it run any faster, Mark?" I turn and look but he is not there. A few more adjustments and the job is running perfectly. "Good job!" I am positive the voice behind me states. Mr E. might be gone but he will absolutely not be forgotten. He always inspired me to do my best. I firmly believe he still does. I hear you Mr. E.; I will try my best to not let you down. I know you are watching from above, rest easy, my most respected boss. Your legacy will live on for many years. The lessons you have taught will not be forgotten.

Adir Feifel

May 25, 2001

Saba Mel was a great man. He was always trying to teach the children new things. He bought us tennis rackets so that he could play with us. He cared for us. He was generous with us. He was a great Seder leader. I miss him.

Tzvi Feifel

May 21, 2001

Mel Eisenberg was a very great step-grandfather. He was always there when I needed him. I really enjoyed being around him because of his "soul of gold." I also really enjoyed all the Passovers we spent together. Saba, I will always miss you. Rest in peace.

Marshall Meyers

May 20, 2001

I was priviledged to know Mel Eisenberg in two ways. First as a close friend to his stepson Elliot Allswang, and secondly as one of the people who negotiated for the contract for the local Jewish teachers union.



Elliot introduced me to Mel many years ago, and my whole family always felt a special warmth and closeness for Mel. He always had a smile, warm and caring handshake for my family, and showed us hospitality that was second to none. We felt priviledged to have many meals at his house over the years.



As President of the Associated Talmud Torahs, he negotiated teachers contracts, and I was on the teachers side. I have been on this committee for more than a decaade, and never ever was there anyone who negotiated with us with such an incredible level of respect for what teachers are and what they do. I vividly remember sitting next to him, during negotiations, late at night, as he had a legal pad out, working out a scale, calculating on his mini print tape calculator. That scale is still in effect today, that only he had the fortitude and guts to work out, always lending the utmost respect for the teachers involved. He treated us with a dignity that no else did, and we will miss his openness, honesty, and warm smile. His efforts will never ever be forgotten, and I felt it a priviledge to know him

June Steinberg

May 13, 2001

My husband and I were priviledged to count Mel Eisenberg among our closest friends. All of the tributes that have been paid him are true. He was generous, passsionate about Jewish education, fervent in his conservative idealogy, a concerned and conscientious employer, a loving father to his children, devoted stepfather, proud grandfather and adoring husband.



We, however, knew Mel as a man with whom we had fun!! We will never forget the movies we watched together, the Shabbat dinners, the nights at Bugsy's, the Bull's games and all the laughter. We even laughed together over some of the dinners we shared that were for Mel's causes. For us, he was our beloved friend, and there are no words to tell how very much we will always miss him and how grateful we are for the priviledge of having had had him in our lives.

Sarah Feifel

May 12, 2001

Thank you Mel for being such a wonderful human being. You have fulfilled an important role in our family.It is rare to have met a person like you - so caring and so involved. Your memory is with us constantly. Be at Peace. Love Sarah and Chaim

Bob Edwards

May 10, 2001

Reflecting on the last couple of weeks and days since the mighty oak left us for a better place I realize how fortune my life has been to know and work with many mighty oaks of our industry. This once large grove of mighty oaks has lost another member that can not be replaced. Mel's pursuit of excellence in all endevors professionally and personally is a road map to success. I will miss him. Dad, welcome Mel to his rightful position with all you fallen mighty oaks.

Gerald Tanny

May 6, 2001

Mel Eisenberg was as fine a "mensch" as one could hope to meet, and have as friend and business partner in this life. In the roughly ten years it was my privelege to know him, he gave encouragement, good advice and was prepared to take a risk. An excellent businessman, his most important attribute was that he knew what he was meant to do with the success granted him by Hashem. His multitude of good deeds in his community, support of Torah and Israel were for him the purpose of his financial activities. In business, he strove to be fair to his partners, employees, clients and suppliers. His life was an example to all of those who knew him, and he will be sorely missed. May his memory always be a blessing and a consolation to his family.

James Tropp

May 3, 2001

I did know Mel Eisenberg personally rather I came to know about him through a member of his family. He clearly lived life to the fullest, excelling in business through his entreprenuerial spirt, advancing society with his creative knack and elevating community through his vision and leadership. His devotion to family has been made known. On the lighter side, despite his 'senior' status his tennis game never flagged. I will hold a special place for him in my memory for his dedication to accessible religous education for those who seek it. His contribution in this area as in others are his legacy.

Tony Maru

May 3, 2001

Mel Eisenberg was truly the last of a breed of small business owners who cared about his employees. In this age of corporate giants who care not for people but the bottom line Mel was a breath of fresh air would could tend to both. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and worked with him.

Philip Hauenstein

May 3, 2001

I will remember Mel as someone who thrived on challenge and didn't mind dragging us along for the ride. All the time knowing what meeting these challenges would do for our confidence and self esteem.

With his passing we are on the verge of losing the last of a generation of individuals who had a clear vision of what they needed to do with their lives and did it.

I can only hope that he has some idea of what a great role model he is to all that had the good fortune to know him no matter how briefly. Thank you Mel for my opportunity.

Joseph Bravate

May 1, 2001

The Mel I knew was a dreamer and a builder. And build he did both in his business and personal life. He worked tirelessly to build his dream. He rolled up his sleeves and dug right in. He was passionate and spirited, a force with which to contend, yet he was a caring and scrupulously ethical man. His word and a handshake were his bond. You could count on that!

Mel enriched my life and the lives of the people he touched. He was not only my employer, but a dear and respected friend. Both Fran and I will miss him.

Elliot Allswang

April 30, 2001

I was privileged to be Mel's stepson. He was a man who lived life with a passion and pursued his goals with rare strength and conviction. He also inspired others to reach higher in order to attain their goals. Our sages teach us that the descendants of a righteous person are their good deeds. In this way, Mel leaves this world a better place, as his good deeds will benefit not only those who had the good fortune to know him - but future generations as well.

Judy Pietschman

April 30, 2001

He believed in my potential even when I could not see or believe. What kind of friend is that? One in a million and the kind we all hope for all our lives. I was lucky.



Judy Pietschman

Gila Allswang (Age 6)

April 30, 2001

Mel Eisenberg was my step-grandfather. He was a very kind man and whenever I came to Chicago, he always was there to greet me. Last Passover , my stepgrandfather taught me how to play tennis. I loved him and miss him very much.

April 30, 2001

My father worked for Mel for 20 years,(Dave Daugherty) and during that time I heard Mel's name alot. My mom had a struggle with with cancer. As an employer Mel was more then understanding to let my Dad take any time off and was more then willing to lend a supportive ear during a very rough time for our family. We as a family will always think of him as a close family friend and he will be missed.



Becky Daugherty

Adam Zakroczymski

April 30, 2001

I had the fortune to work with Mel for just short of 12 years. When my father died he took dad's place. We had many invigorating conversations about business, life faith and family. We traveled to many ports of call together and he never ceased to amaze me with his vitality, youthfullness and wisdom. The Zakroczymski family hold him in our prayers and our thoughts go out to his family. Mel has gone and an era has ended.

Ken Maydew

April 30, 2001

I remember Mr. Eisenberg for the many leadership and entrepreneurial traits he possessed. I admired him greatly and am thankful for the years I new him. One measure of a man is how he is remembered after his passing. The Maydew's of Colorado will always honor his memory.

Julie Wojnarowski

April 30, 2001

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Mr. Eisenberg. I thought he was a great person. I will miss making his haircut appointments with Dan at the Hairloft around noon. He was always there to give me good advise and correct my grammar!! I will never forget "Mr. E". I enjoy working for Plasco Inc./MDi and will miss him in the office.

Ken Bratt

April 30, 2001

While I have worked for Mel/Plasco, Inc. for only three and one-half years I have known him for 22 years as the companies CPA/auditor/tax preparer. I will miss him greatly. He was one of the hardest working and honest people I have known. The products he has made and the company he has built will last long after his passing.

Nick Frederick

April 30, 2001

Mr Eisenberg was a man of great vision and will be missed by all. His inventions have saved lives and his legacy will live on forever.

Art Edwards

April 30, 2001

Mr Eisenberg will be missed by all of us who worked for him. His honesty, dedication, and loyalty towards his family and all of us at Plasco/MDI will remain a part of our lives forever.Mel, we will continue to work toward the goals you have set for your company.

Dave Daugherty

April 30, 2001

I had the privledge of working with Mel for just over 20 years. During those years he became not only my friend, but also my mentor. He was always quick to encourage me to better myself. My fondest memory will always be from last fall when he introduced me to someone as his friend. I will miss him.

Donald Nuttall

April 29, 2001

Mr. Eisenberg was a great guy and will be greatly missed.

Heather Hook

April 28, 2001

I never thought anything could get the better of Mr. E. He didn't have time for that; he had tennis to play, grandchildren to spoil, and Plasco to nurture. When I left Plasco to attend graduate school, he was full of kind words and encouragement for me. I will always be grateful for my time at Plasco with him and thankful for the many things he taught me. He leaves behind a wonderful legacy that anyone could be proud of.

Ed Doerr

April 28, 2001

I am indebted to Mel Eisenberg for selecting me to represent him in the Western United States and Canada. In my travels people frequently relate to me their experiences having used products he created to save lives. Despite our loss the impact of his life’s work continues to grow. There can be no finer legacy.

Wendy Dowell

April 28, 2001

Mr. Eisenberg was a wonderful man to work for. I have always admired his honesty and integrity. I will miss him greatly.

David Allswang

April 27, 2001

Mel was my step-father. He loved and cared for his family and guided his family with clear convictions. He was appropriately tough and uncompromising. We all miss him and will continue to miss him forever.

Larry Zelnick

April 26, 2001

Melvin Eisenberg was my father-in-law. His loss is immeasurable to his family, friends, and all those in the community who relied on his strength and wisdom.

JOANNE HERMANO

April 25, 2001

MR. EISENBERG HAS PLAYED AN IMPORTANT PART IN MY LIFE. HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN A KIND AND GENTLE MAN. ONE OF THE MOST HONEST PEOPLE I KNOW. IT HAS BEEN BEEN A PLEASURE TO WORK FOR HIM FOR ALL THESE YEARS. HE WILL BE MISSED.

Mary Nilsson

April 25, 2001

Mr.Eisenberg was a wonderful man. I loved working for him. I will always remember all he's done for me. God bless his family and friends

Barb Darsnek

April 25, 2001

Mr.Eisenberg was a very good man. We will all miss him very much.

cheryl edwards

April 25, 2001

Mr. Eisenberg was a tough man to work for but he was always fair. He has and will always be missed at Plasco.

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