Industry Mourns the Loss of Mel Mahler
Industry veteran Melvin “Mel” Mahler passed away on July 21 at the age of 82, leaving behind an impactful legacy on the electronic security and life safety industry.
Mahler, the 2005 Morris F. Weinstock Person of the Year, spent years working to provide security to people and improve the industry through many avenues of service, including co-founding a successful business, ADS Security, where he was chairman and CEO until his retirement in 2012 and served as chairman emeritus thereafter.
“Mel was an unselfish visionary whose business acumen served his company and the industry well,” says ESA President Chris Mosley.
Mahler, and active member and advocate of ESA, served as SIAC vice chairman and as chairman on the ESX board, where he helped to launch the industry-owned tradeshow. He served as president of TMA from 2001-2003.
“While we mourn the loss of an industry icon, we find peace having had the honor of knowing a true servant leader,” says ESA CEO Merlin Guilbeau.
“Mel was always there to help, answer questions and help raise the bar of the profession. This will be a huge loss for all of us,” says Ralph Sevinor, CEO of ESA Member Company, Wayne Alarm. “Mel’s legacy will clearly live on, his impact on our profession and community will endure. His keen sense of humor will continue and will remain in our hearts and minds as a shining example … of the positive aspects that we should all strive for.”
Mahler is survived by his wife Carol, three children and several grandchildren. The family has arranged a private ceremony in Illinois, where Mahler was raised. They request donations in Mel’s honor be made to:
Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center
Vanderbilt Gift and Donor Services
3322 West End Ave Suite 900
Nashville, TN 37203
