1925
G.
2014
G. Lezius
October 28, 1925 — September 21, 2014
G. Richard "Dick" Lezius, a lifetime resident of Shaker Heights, passed away on September 21, 2014 at the age of 88.
Dick was Chairman of the Board of the Lezius-Hiles Company, one of Cleveland's oldest and most successful printing firms founded in 1883 by the Lezius family. The firm was owned and operated by brothers Bud and Dick Lezius, who sold the company in 1978.
Dick was Chairman of the Board of Printing Industries of America, Inc., a twelve thousand company graphics trade association, largest in the world. He was chosen "Graphic Arts Man of the Year" in 1985.
He had been a board member for thirty years of Western Reserve Life Assurance Co. of Ohio, a $140 billion-in-force insurance company he helped found. For twenty years he was a board member of the A.L. Garber Co., a large printing firm in Ashland, OH. He co-founded and served on the board of PIA, Ltd., a Bermuda Workers' compensation insurer. He formerly co-owned The Bahama, a Ft. Lauderdale resort hotel, and AIRCO, a St. Petersburg golf course. He was co-owner of The Cleveland Pipers Professional basketball team.
Dick was a graduate of University School of Dartmouth College, where he earned a masters degree in business administration. He was a member of the Alumni Councils of both schools.
An avid hockey fan, Dick, whose family co-owned The Cleveland Arena and Barons professional hockey team, played hockey for many years at scholastic and A.A.U. levels. For two years he was on The University School team which claimed two Cleveland City Championships, one year undefeated.
He was a golf enthusiast and belonged for over 60 years to The Country Club.
Formerly a professional pianist, Lezius played for over 50 years with show and jazz groups at The Hermit Club, where he served as president from 1985 to 1987. After retiring from his business, as an avocation, he played with several local jazz organizations and at many Cleveland area restaurants. In spite of macular degeneration which left him unable to see the keyboard, he made a well received CD album and continued playing at several clubs.
During World War II, Lezius served in the U.S. Army and participated in campaigns in New Guinea and the Philippines.
A member of Bluecoats, Dick served on many civic boards: six years on the Greater Cleveland Growth Association, two terms on the AAA Ohio Motorist, Cleveland Rotary, Printing Industries of Northern Ohio, AAU Jr. Olympics, Cleveland Advertising Association. "Group 66" and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. He was co-founder of the Council of Smaller Enterprises and was secretary of C.O.S.E. during it's first six years.
He was a Vice President and on the boards of The Young Presidents' Organization International. For twelve years he was Chapter Chairman of The Cleveland Forty-niners, a forerunner of the World Presidents' Organization of Cleveland.
Dick was pre-deceased by his brother, Carl R. "Bud" Lezius who died in 2010, and is survived by two cousins.
The family suggests donations in his memory be made to: University School, 2785 SOM Center Road,Hunting Valley, OH 44022; St. Anthony's Library, C/O The Hermit Club,3301 Terminal Tower,50 Public Square,Cleveland, OH 44113; or Tuck School of Business Administration,Dartmouth College,Hanover, NH 03755-9099.
Visitation will be held at Brown-Forward Funeral Home 17022 Chagrin Blvd., Shaker Heights, OH 44120, Sunday from 5 to 7 PM. Funeral Services will be held at Christ Episcopal Church 3445 Warrensville Center Road, Shaker Heights, OH 44122, Monday September 29th at 11 am. Friends are invited to arrive at 10:30 for a musical prelude selected by Dick for your enjoyment.
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Dick was Chairman of the Board of the Lezius-Hiles Company, one of Cleveland's oldest and most successful printing firms founded in 1883 by the Lezius family. The firm was owned and operated by brothers Bud and Dick Lezius, who sold the company in 1978.
Dick was Chairman of the Board of Printing Industries of America, Inc., a twelve thousand company graphics trade association, largest in the world. He was chosen "Graphic Arts Man of the Year" in 1985.
He had been a board member for thirty years of Western Reserve Life Assurance Co. of Ohio, a $140 billion-in-force insurance company he helped found. For twenty years he was a board member of the A.L. Garber Co., a large printing firm in Ashland, OH. He co-founded and served on the board of PIA, Ltd., a Bermuda Workers' compensation insurer. He formerly co-owned The Bahama, a Ft. Lauderdale resort hotel, and AIRCO, a St. Petersburg golf course. He was co-owner of The Cleveland Pipers Professional basketball team.
Dick was a graduate of University School of Dartmouth College, where he earned a masters degree in business administration. He was a member of the Alumni Councils of both schools.
An avid hockey fan, Dick, whose family co-owned The Cleveland Arena and Barons professional hockey team, played hockey for many years at scholastic and A.A.U. levels. For two years he was on The University School team which claimed two Cleveland City Championships, one year undefeated.
He was a golf enthusiast and belonged for over 60 years to The Country Club.
Formerly a professional pianist, Lezius played for over 50 years with show and jazz groups at The Hermit Club, where he served as president from 1985 to 1987. After retiring from his business, as an avocation, he played with several local jazz organizations and at many Cleveland area restaurants. In spite of macular degeneration which left him unable to see the keyboard, he made a well received CD album and continued playing at several clubs.
During World War II, Lezius served in the U.S. Army and participated in campaigns in New Guinea and the Philippines.
A member of Bluecoats, Dick served on many civic boards: six years on the Greater Cleveland Growth Association, two terms on the AAA Ohio Motorist, Cleveland Rotary, Printing Industries of Northern Ohio, AAU Jr. Olympics, Cleveland Advertising Association. "Group 66" and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. He was co-founder of the Council of Smaller Enterprises and was secretary of C.O.S.E. during it's first six years.
He was a Vice President and on the boards of The Young Presidents' Organization International. For twelve years he was Chapter Chairman of The Cleveland Forty-niners, a forerunner of the World Presidents' Organization of Cleveland.
Dick was pre-deceased by his brother, Carl R. "Bud" Lezius who died in 2010, and is survived by two cousins.
The family suggests donations in his memory be made to: University School, 2785 SOM Center Road,Hunting Valley, OH 44022; St. Anthony's Library, C/O The Hermit Club,3301 Terminal Tower,50 Public Square,Cleveland, OH 44113; or Tuck School of Business Administration,Dartmouth College,Hanover, NH 03755-9099.
Visitation will be held at Brown-Forward Funeral Home 17022 Chagrin Blvd., Shaker Heights, OH 44120, Sunday from 5 to 7 PM. Funeral Services will be held at Christ Episcopal Church 3445 Warrensville Center Road, Shaker Heights, OH 44122, Monday September 29th at 11 am. Friends are invited to arrive at 10:30 for a musical prelude selected by Dick for your enjoyment.
PDF Printable Version
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