OBITUARY: Mel Kirsner
John Wolz
Mel Kirsner, founder of Pell-Mell Supply and Mel’s Fastener Museum, died November 4, 2008, at age 77.
Kirsner started in the industry in 1958 working for his grandfather at Reliable Pipe, which was a distributor for Bethlehem Steel and Russell Bolt Manufacturing. In 1962 Kirsner became a salesperson for Gould Hardware & Machinery. In 1963 he sold his house to raise $9,000 to start Pell Mell. During his career Kirsner became a partner in Fresno Bolt, Nevada Bolt & Nut, Non Ferrous Mfg., Bolt & Nut Export, Action Valve & Fitting and Centennial Fastener.
He was a founding member of the Western Association of Fastener Distributors and had been a member of the National Fastener Distributors Association. Kirsner was inducted into the NIFS Hall of Fame in 2000.
In retirement Kirsner was a part-time curator for his fastener museum, which included bronze fasteners dating back to 3 A.D. and an 1853 photo of the Girard Steel Rolling Mills. The Southern California fires destroyed the museum in the mountains above Julian, CA, in 2003.
Survivors include his wife Judy, son Kraig Kirsner and daughter, Kim; stepchildren Jerr, Mollen and Jennifer; and seven grandchildren. Messages to the family may be sent to: 726 Deal Ct., San Diego, CA 92109. �2008 FastenerNews.com
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