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Mervyn

(D.)

Lentz

Obituary

Mervyn D. Lentz, husband of the late Wilma (Maier) Lentz, passed away Wednesday morning, February 16, 2011 at his home in West Hartford. He was a Director at Brescome Barton Inc., the company he presided over for more than 60 years. Merv was loved and respected by his immediate and business family.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, he received a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (1943) and later a bachelor’s in commerce at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1948). He later completed the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Association, distinguished as the chairman of the “Style of Leadership” syndicate (1964). He served as a U.S. Navy Lieutenant and Chief Engineering officer during Word War II on two ships in the Pacific before joining his father in the wine and spirits industry. His father, Sam Lentz, a pioneer distiller and founder of Browne Vintners Company, which later merged with Seagram’s, bought Brescome Distributors in Hartford, in 1949. Upon his father’s retirement, Merv became president of the company in 1967. In 1995 his company merged and he became Chairman of the Board of Brescome Barton Inc. A member of the Wine & Spirits Association of America (WSWA) for over 40 years, he served on its Long Range Planning Committee, and served on the board of the Licensed Beverage Industries, Inc for many years. He also belonged to the Wine & Spirits Association of Connecticut (WSWC). Despite being an aggressive participant in the alcohol beverage industry, Merv was equally aggressive and devoted an enormous amount of time and energy promoting moderation and responsible drinking programs to decrease the incidence of alcohol abuse. As chairman of the “Know Your Limits” program committee of WSWC in 1972, Merv launched the first such program in the U.S.; conceived by the wine and liquor industry to educate the adult public to recognize the danger inherent in driving drunk. Since the Connecticut launch, 24 other states successfully conducted similar programs. For his efforts, Merv accepted an award for outstanding public safety by Governor Meskill. In 1975 he was appointed Commissioner of Connecticut Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission by Governor Grasso. Merv’s association in helping educate the public was a business passion. He was known nationally for his efforts to promote programs with the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), The Century Council, National Association of Beverage Retailers, National License Beverage Association, National Alcohol Beverage Control Association, Training for Intervention Procedure (TIPS), among others. Active in community affairs, Merv was a director and board member of Homeward Bound Foundation, Greater Hartford Chamber of Commerce Aviation Commission, Greater Hartford Jewish Community Center, Mount Sinai Hospital Association, Greater Hartford Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Blue Ridge Center, Boneski Treatment Center, Jewish Family Service, Anti-Defamation League, B’nai Birth, National Jewish Hospital in Denver, and Brandeis University. He was an original member of the development committee to found the University of Hartford. Awards and accolades too numerous to list are highlighted with, Time Magazine Distinguished Wholesaler Award (1978) and the U.S. Business Administration Small Business Person of the Year (1992). Four scholarships were awarded in Merv’s name by National Distillers Scholarship Foundation.

Merv’s social circle included Congregation Beth Israel, Tumblebrook Country Club, Hartford Tennis Club, and The Hartford Club. Merv’s loves were family, food, politics, tennis, Chapel Hill sports, friends, and photography.

Merv is survived by his two children Steve Lentz and wife Amy of Woodbridge, and Alison Shlien and husband Paul of Farmington, 4 grandchildren: Benjamin Lentz (Boston, MA), Stephanie Lentz (Canton), Zachary Shlien (Boston, MA), and Alexander Shlien (Farmington); and a sister, Rita Freedman of Boca Raton, FL.

Services will be held on Friday, February 18,2011 at 12:00 Noon in the Chapel of the Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington Ave., Hartford with Rabbi Michael Pincus officiating. Interment will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford. A memorial period will be observed at his home 34 Avondale Rd., West Hartford immediately following the interment and Saturday from 5-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Greater Hartford Jewish Community Center, 333 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford 06117. For further information, directions, or to sign the guest book for Merv, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals.cfm

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(D.)

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From: Sid Rabin

From Ellington, Ct.

Posted On: February 17, 2011

I have lost a dear, dear friend that I worked for and with for many years. He was my mentor,and I always felt as though he treated me as a son, always sharing his thoughts and concerns with me even though I was only an employee. Always concerned and caring about my family, and on more than one occasion had gone to extraordinary lengths to help with personal problems.
I'm very happy that we stayed in touch, always exchanging birthday greetings and phone calls. I, as many, will miss him dearly. May he rest in peace.

From: Edward Cramer

From Waterford, Ct

Posted On: February 16, 2011

Mervyn's passing marks the end of an era. He, his associates and contemporaries represented an era that has now ended. He will be remembered for his kindnesses and his many accomplishments and will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

From: Robert & Carol Brown

From Leesburg, Fl, 34748

Posted On: February 16, 2011

Merv was the kindest, gentle, loving and helpful person you ever want to meet. I was so lucky to have worked for him for such a short time. I know how much he loved his work and family. God is so happy to have him beside him now and to know he will be watching us everyday is comforting.
Our prayers are with the family.
Sincerely,
Carol Brown

From: Frank E. Russo, Jr.

From South Glastonbury, CT

Posted On: February 21, 2011

As the former Director of the Hartford Civic Center I had a close and personal relationship with Merv. I first met him at the Broad Street Package Store which was owned by my father. Merv was a very good friend and service provider. I am very saddened to learn of his passing. With sympathy, Frank E. Russo, Jr.

From: Deborah H. Scranton

From Marlborough, CT

Posted On: February 16, 2011

He was an excellent businessman & boss. He was punctilious in serving his customers and generous with his employees. We lost a fine man, who believed in serving his community.

From: Cheri McCaffrey

From North Haven, CT

Posted On: February 16, 2011

You're in our thoughts and prayers

From: Rebekah J. Sapienza

From Wallingford, CT

Posted On: February 16, 2011

Dear Merv.
Safe journey to your final destination. You life was blessed.

From: Tina Bettera

From Canton, Ct

Posted On: February 23, 2011

To Steve, Amy, Stephanie and Ben
Please accept our deepest sympathies. Your Dad/Grandfather was very much a gentleman and an astute businessman as well.
We shall always remember him as a fine connoisseur, recalling his love for Steak Tartare.
We also hope that Ben and Stephanie are doing well. You were both such hard workers at LaTrattoria and we enjoyed working with you.
Angelo, Tina & Mark

From: Joe & Ann Marie Tretler

From Wallingford, CT

Posted On: February 23, 2011

Steve, our deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your Father. He was such a gentleman who always looked out for his family and his business associates. His memory will forever live on in his children and grandchildren and those who were privileged to have known him.
Joe & Ann Marie

From: Gene and Marie Dunn

From Middletown,, CT

Posted On: February 18, 2011

Sincerest sympathy to Steve and your family, and to Alison and your family on the loss of your dearest father. Merv was an extraordinary human being, who was kind and friendly to us throughout our years with Brescome. He exemplified all that it means to be a happy person and to be a fortunate Brescome employee.
He will be missed by all. May he rest in peace.

From: LORELEI

From NORTH HAVEN, CT

Posted On: February 21, 2011

We never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their life. My deepest sympathy. RIP Merv.

From: John Coutoupis

From old saybrook, ct

Posted On: February 19, 2011

Merv was one of the few, true gentlemen of the industry. Customers often inquired about him right up to my retirement and it was always obvious that he had many friends. I will always remember and respect the time he took to acknowledge my efforts and accomplishments, a courtesy seldom practiced by others at the company. Thanks again Merv. You will be remembered!

From: David Wadanoli

From Punta Gorda, FL

Posted On: February 18, 2011

My sympathy goes out to Steven and his family for the loss of a great man. I remember Mervyn to be a kind and generous man and enjoyable to do business with. I enjoyed my relationship with him and his son Steven during the years I was with Seagram.

From: Lorraine Guilmartin

From Wet Hartford, CT

Posted On: February 17, 2011

Dear Steve and Alison, I have known your father for over 50 years. I was employed at the State Senate and had many occasions to work with Merv during this time. He was always a gentleman and a pleasure to work with. He really cared about his issues and worked so very hard for his industry. He was always kind to me and I will miss our many political discussions. Please accept my sincere sympathy on the death of your Dad. Sincerely, Lorraine

From: Marilyn D’Andrea

From Wallingford, Ct

Posted On: February 17, 2011

I would like to extend my sincerest condolences to Mr. Lentz's family and his many cherished friends. A finer gentleman I have never had the pleasure to know. His days here were a blessing to so many people, including myself who will be eternally grateful for all the help he had given to me and my family. May the hand of the Lord rest gently upon your shoulder.

From: Douglas E Bailey

From New Britain, CT

Posted On: February 17, 2011

Steve, Allison, Ben, Steph, & family on behalf of the entire Bailey family I would like to offer our sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Mervyn was truly a thoughtful and caring person to our family ..He will be missed!

From: Pat and Pam Majewski

From East Granby, CT

Posted On: February 17, 2011

June, 1973 was the start of my working career at Brescome and my unwavering admiration of Merv. He exemplifed hard to find qualities of leadership thru his demeanor, words and actions. His sincere interest and caring for people and causes set him apart as a champion. An unassuming giant of intellect, focus and insight who enriched the lives of those fortunate to have known him. Our sympathy to his family and countless friends.
Pat and Pam Majewski, East Granby,CT

From: Diane D’Andrea

From Wallingford, CT

Posted On: February 17, 2011

My heart goes out to Steven and his family. Merv was a distinguished and lovely man to know...I'm blessed that I had the chance to be a part of all he loved so much. He touched my life and gave me many words of encouragement when I needed them most. He will always be remembered as a beautiful and caring person, who when thought of will always bring a smile to my face and a fond memory to mind.

From: Willowbrook Spirit Shoppe

From Cromwell, ct

Posted On: February 17, 2011

Steve ,

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Your dad was a great man.

Chris and Jay
Willowbrook Spirit Shoppe

From: Tim Morrell

From Southington, ct

Posted On: February 17, 2011

Mervyn was one of the happiest persons that I have ever met. He was always smiling and made everyone around him feel better regardless of what was going on in their lives at that time. He was a gentlemen that would go out of his way to help his friends, family and extended family (Brescome Employees).
I thank him for where I am today in my professional life!
Keep Smiling and Keep Selling

From: Mickey Albini

From Waterbury, CT

Posted On: February 17, 2011

It was a privilege to have worked for and to have known Mervyn Lentz. He was not only the most revered man in his industry but just a "great guy" who could have been the originator of the "pay it forward" concept...he was that unselfish and kind! Rest in peace Mervyn, I will have a V.O. in your honor!

From: Susanne

From Simsbury, CT

Posted On: February 17, 2011

Merv was a very special friend of our family. He was one of my
parents closest and dearest friend. He was also very special to
my brother John who passed away almost four years ago. Merv never
forgot a birthday or anniversary. He called me often when my parents were ill to check on them and to tell me he loved them. I
can not say enough about what a wonderful man Mevvyn was to everyone who came in contact with him. I know my brother Bill
will be saddened to hear of Mervyn's passing. The Wechsler family
sends their heartfelt condolences to his children Steve and Alison
and to their families. I'll never forget running into your Dad at
the West Hartford Post Office - he had a huge smile on his face and
gave me a big hug. I know many people will miss Merv. I can't think of anyone more caring and thoughtful. He gave so much to his family, friends and community and will be missed! I know that your Mother and my parents have already greeted him in Heaven.
We need to celebrate Merv's life and remember all the great times we all had with him. I know I will miss the phone calls I received from Merv. Mr. Lentz I will never forget you.
Susanne Wechsler Spear - Simsbury, Ct.

From: Stephen & Roberta Meltzer

From Simsbury, CT

Posted On: February 17, 2011

Merv was a great guy and a great boss.
I'll never forget the things he did for me and my family.

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