John Connell Lewis Jr, 84, died on Friday, April 10, 2020, at Mertens House in Woodstock, Vermont. As the founder of Tucel Industries, he was described as one of the most innovative people in the brush industry. He invented a fusion method of brush making and was well known in the industry as he sold his environmentally-friendly brushes to brush companies across the world. He held over 20 patents and changed the way cleaning products were made. He was described as a caring employer and took pride in creating jobs and crafting a positive atmosphere where his employees thrived.
Lewis was born on August 4, 1935, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, the son of John C. and Ella Lewis and attended the Peddie School. He met his wife, of 58 years, Susan Lockwood Lewis while attending Middlebury College where he graduated in 1958 with a Master’s degree in Chemistry. They settled in downtown Middlebury not far from where they met on campus.
With four kids under the age of 15, he and his wife Susan bought an old farmhouse in Salisbury, VT and rebuilt it from the studs up. He was a strong supporter and actively involved in many local Middlebury groups and organizations including the MUHS School Board, Elderly Services in Addison County, non-profit organizations and his alma mater Middlebury College.
Lewis is survived by his children, Laura Brockett of Randolph, NH., John C. Lewis III and wife Jennifer of Raleigh, NC., Douglas Lewis and wife Kelley of Park City, UT., and Jason Lewis of Boulder, CO., by his sisters, Bonnie von Wettberg, and Elizabeth Roberts, and Glen Ellen Menard. Also, by his grandchildren, Christopher Brockett, Sarah Brockett, Audrey Lewis, Olivia Lewis and Russell Lewis. He is predeceased by his wife Susan Lewis and his brother Grey Lewis.
