He worked for the company nearly 30 years, serving as CEO from 1989 until he retired in 1999. He was the brother of Ila Lewis, currently chairman of Gerber Plumbing Fixtures Corp.

He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his warmth, kindness and his generous philanthropic endeavors. He enjoyed being with his dogs, fishing, and racecar driving (Sports 2000 and vintage cars). He was an avid Bulls fan.

Lewis volunteered as a tutor for the WITS program at the Jordan School and was a Board member of the Scleroderma Foundation, as well as a member of the Illinois National Guard.

He is survived by his wife, Lillian Thaler Lewis; his sisters, Ila Lewis and Nancy Pollack; and his extended family.

Memorial contributions may be made to either Moriah Congregation, the Scleroderma Foundation of Greater Chicago, Room 1318, 330 S. Wells, Chicago, IL 60606, or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation-Westchester Chapter, 30 Glenn St., White Plains, NY 10603.