BEDFORD, PA — Bedford Reinforced Plastics is saddened to announce the passing of Melvin Stahl. The company founder and chief executive officer (CEO) died May 22, 2024, at the age of 88. Stahl started the fiberglass-reinforced plastics manufacturing company in 1974. His passing comes as the company marks 50 years of business.
Under Stahl’s leadership, Bedford Reinforced Plastics expanded from a small barn in rural Bedford County with a dozen employees to a full-service supplier of fiberglass-reinforced polymer (FRP) products to a global market. Today, the family-owned company has more than 200 employees and 200,000 square feet of manufacturing and fabrication space at two facilities. It produces $60 million in annual revenue in the same township where Stahl’s vision began.
Stahl was raised in Bedford, Pennsylvania. He attended Bedford High School before enlisting in the United States Army in 1956. While stationed in Germany, Sgt. Stahl met and married his wife, Carin, before returning to Bedford permanently.
An avid outdoorsman, Stahl enjoyed spending time with family and watching the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was active in the community as a member of the Bedford Masons Lodge and Elks Lodge. Stahl also remained active in the family business, with sons Brian and Allen serving as president and vice president, respectively.
Those left to honor Stahl include his wife of 65 years, Carin, sister Eileen (Joe), two sons Brian and Allen, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, along with the entire Bedford Reinforced Plastics family.
A private funeral service was held by the Stahl family.