Franklin Jay Jay Singleton

Singleton, Franklin Jay age 88 of Belleair FL, passed away January 6, 2017. Born 7/4/1928 in Punxsutawney, PA, he was the son of the George and Madeline Singleton and the youngest brother of late Robert Singleton and (survived by/late) Jack Singleton. He was predeceased by his wife of 34 years, Patricia Singleton in 2015. He is survived by his children, Terry Singleton of New Milford CT, and daughter, Bonnie Ayers of Randolph, NJ, and his grandchildren LeeAnn Nunnery, Amanda Thomas, Diane Singleton, Julie Ayers and Stephen Ayers and great-grandson, Giovanni Thomas.

Jay was blessed to have a second chance at love and married Patricia in 1981. They lived in New Jersey. Patti had 3 grown children, Lynn Roberts, John Finke and Laura Finke McCoy, and their blended families brought great joy that would ultimately lead to 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Jay’s career and community service started after he served in the US Army. He was in the initial occupation force in Japan in early 1946 and served with the 24th division, 34th Regiment Military Police Company.

Jay retired from L.E. Carpenter as President and CEO after a stellar 36 year career with the company. His knowledge of both the creative and technical aspects of business has been a major factor in the commercial success of Carpenter’s commercial wallcovering line, “Vicrtex.” Jay started with L.E. Carpenter in 1945 as a colorist in the technical department and progressed to chief colorist and then to styling coordinator in the early 1950’s. In 1966 he became manager of Product Design as well as assistant to the President, concentrating his efforts on the development of color design for the quality vinyl wallcoverings market in which Carpenter’s Vicrtex is an acknowledged leader. He became President and Chief and Executive Officer in 1972, a subsidiary of Dayco Corporation, based in Wharton, NJ and continued to serve as President and CEO of Vicrtex, Inc., until he assumed the position of Vice Chairman of Forbo/Victrex in 1991. He also served as Chairman of the Board of Carpenter SA, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

He traveled extensively in the United States, Europe, South America, Canada, Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Far East as a styling and design consultant on vinyl wallcoverings. In his more than 36 years in the vinyl coated fabric field, acquired a number of design and process patents for vinyl materials and has lectured before a significant number of national and regional societies and organizations involved in the industry.

Jay served many years of outstanding service to the Chemical Fabrics & Film Industry, and held the position of President of the Chemical Fabrics and Film Association for 2 years during his tenure. He also served on the steering committee of the Industry Foundation of the American Society of Interior Designers, an association of manufacturers engaged in the coated fabric and film industries as well as numerous other professional organizations. His leadership and enthusiasm represented major contributions to the continued progress of the Industry he served.

Jay was also a leader in his community. He served on the Board of Dover General Hospital from 1972 – 1991 and was elected Chairman of the Board in 1991. He also served as the Chairman of the Dover General/Saint Riverside Task Force and the Dover General/Saint Clares’ Riverside Transition Committee. Jay served on the board of National Community Bank of Northern NJ, served as the VP of the Board at Lake Mohawk Golf Club, Treasurer at Panther Valley Golf Club.

After retirement, Jay and Patti moved to Belleair where they became members of the Belleair Country Club and members of the Anona United Methodist Church in Largo. Jay enjoyed retirement with his wife, and friends in Belleair along with visits from their large family. Jay was a distinguished, loving and caring man who will be missed by his family and friends. He had wonderful neighbors; the Cole and Ford families, including their young children, cared for him like family along with Theresa Bouchey, Connie Black, Ned Henry and Evelyn Grogan who helped him with the care of his home and wellbeing. Jay’s family is so grateful to all of his Belleair support system.

Celebrate Jay’s life in a memorial service on Sunday, January 15, 2017 at the Serenity Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo at 11am. In leiu of flowers, the family would like donations in his memory to the Abilities Foundation of Clearwater, FL, http://www.abilitiesfoundtion.com. Condolences may be offered at: www.serenityfuneralhomelargo.com