Rydal’s Louis G. Malissa, the executive who helped build Penn Ventilator into an international corporation, died on July 23 at Rydal Park Senior Community aged 93 after complications from a fall, writes Bonnie L. Cook for Philly.com.

Malissa grew up in Logan where he attended high school before joining the Army during World War II. During the war he fought in France and Belgium and was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal.

On returning home, Malissa tried his hand at journalism. But after marrying his wife, Irma Silver, he started a new career path in his father-in-law’s ventilation firm, Penn Ventilator. There he quickly rose through the ranks to become CEO and chairmen of the board.

Under his leadership, Penn Ventilator established factories across North America and developed a strong international customer base. He retired two decades ago when the company was sold.

In addition to his wife and daughter, Malissa is survived by his son, Dean, four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

At six-foot-six-inches tall, Malissa stood out his entire life. “He was a gentleman of towering presence as well as a great influence,” said daughter, Phyllis Malissa Finkelstein.

Read more about Malissa’s life at Philly.com by clicking here.