Joel Zane Kessel, former president and CEO of WEHSCO, passed away April 25, 2012.

He started his career in 1954, when the company was known as West End & Hub Spring Co. Steering the company for more than 50 years, he grew the metal bedding manufacturing business from a small regional concern into an internationally respected leader in quality metal bedding products for rental, hospitality, health care, retail, childcare, camping and institutional markets.

The company was founded in 1908 by Joel’s grandfather, Louis Kessel. In October 2007, WEHSCO became a division of Mantua Manufacturing Co. Ed Weintraub, Mantua’s CEO, reflected on his relationship with Kessel spanning over five decades and said, “The world has lost a beacon of high standards, warmth, intelligence, humor and love.”

Throughout his entire career, Kessel was involved in many charitable causes locally and internationally. He was a past president of both Temple Beth Abraham and the Home Furnishings Lodge of B’nai B’rith.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Temple Beth Abraham, 1301 Washington St., Canton, MA 02021 or Pan-Massachusetts Challenge, 77 4th Ave., Needham, MA 02494.