Albert Lewis

Albert Lewis, a brilliant innovator in glass technology and chemistry, loving father and friend, passed away December 15, 2022, at his home in Southern California, surrounded by his loving family.

Albert was born into a coal-mining family on October 4, 1928, in McClellandtown, Pennsylvania. He was the second son of Albert and Clara (Tippet) Lewis. He was raised in Morgantown, West Virginia along with seven siblings.

Al started work at Morgantown Country Club as a caddie, double bagging for 25 cents a round. It was there he began a lifelong love affair with golf. He graduated Morgantown High School, where he was recruited by the U.S. Marine Corps in 1944. Al served during World War II excelling in the enlisted ranks.

In 1951, Albert received his business degree from West Virginia University. Also, completing WVU's ROTC program, he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. While at West Virginia University, he met Doris Edwards. In 1949, they began a marriage that endured 72 years. He and Doris had three daughters: Dori, Jeannie and Helen.

After serving during the Korean War, Al returned to Morgantown, where he took a management position with Sterling Faucet. He went on to Houze Glass Company in 1958. Typical of overachieving Al, on nights and weekends he, along with his brothers, built and operated Lewis' Restaurant in Morgantown.
It was at Houze Glass where Al was given the opportunity to develop the company's glass fiber technology for commercial and military applications. In the early 1960s, Houze was purchased by Aerojet General. Al and Doris moved the family moved to Azusa, California.
When the opportunity came, Albert acquired the Aerojet glass fiber assets and started his own research and development business. In 1968, he founded Glass Incorporated. In 1973 he founded Glass Inc. International, which licensed glass fiber and glass-making technology. Al and his team built 30 glass and glass fiber manufacturing facilities throughout the world. Albert held 23 U.S. and international patents in glass technology and chemistry.


He was a faithful 60-year member of the Christian Church in Covina, CA. Also, a 70-year member of Morgantown Masonic Union Lodge #4 and a 66-year member of the Osiris Shriners International of Wheeling, WV. Al was also lifelong proud W.V.U. Mountaineer.

Al always humble, did not feel worthy of the accolades he received for his achievements: W.V.U. Distinguished Alumni and West Virginia Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame, among others.

His greatest accomplishment was the ability to help to others. He was always the first to offer help to anyone in need. In the early years he served the local Y.M.C.A., American Red Cross and helped in relocating many Hungarian Refugees to Morgantown. Later in life, he and Doris established the Helen Lewis Medical Research Foundation at W.V.U.'s Neuroscience Institute and Children's Hospital. As well as U.S. Marine Corps & U.S. Army Units on deployment. He exemplified the life of one in the service to others.

He was pre-deceased by parents, his brothers Leonard Lewis and Robert Lewis, and, in 2021, his wife and daughter Helen.

He is survived by his devoted daughters, Jeannie Lewis and Dori Smith (Bob), granddaughter Nicole Christman (Jhunne Caragao) and a great-grandson Sol, of Southern California. Survivors also include brothers and sisters-in-law Don and Mary Lewis, Terry and Ellen Lewis of Morgantown, W.V., Norma and Neil Jubeck of Maryland, Dolores Jamison of North Carolina, Clarann Christy of Indiana, as well as his beloved nephews, nieces and their children. Also, Marcela Montiel, grandchildren-in-law Allison (Jared) Lovett and son Jack, Jenna (Josh) Glory and sons Caleb and Daniel. Many lifelong friends worldwide also mourn Al's passing.

A private interment was held at Forest Lawn Covina Hills. A celebration of his life will be held in early 2023. In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored by a donation in Al's name to the Helen Lewis Medical Research Foundation in Covina, California, or to a church or charity of choice.