National Clothesline

Albert Pariser, chairman of the board and founder of Pariser Industries, passed away on January 20 at St. Joseph’s Hospice at Wayne, NJ, at age 81.

He was born in Passaic, NJ, and lived in the Passaic/Clifton area his whole life. After beginning his career in the 1940s with E.F. Drew Corp. where he developed and sold solvent and water-related chemistry, Pariser later founded the Anscott Chemical Corp. which later came to be known as Caled.

After surviving a mid-air commercial plane collision, Pariser founded Pariser Industries, a manufacturer of specialty chemicals, in 1970 where he was soon joined by his sons Andrew and Scott, who continue to run the business today.

Pariser was a dynamic salesman and innovator of specialty products for the drycleaning and laundry industry. The holder of several patents for process equipment and chemical applications, he worked until his final days providing his sons and associates with product development and refinement along with unique perspectives and inspirational guidance.

He was a member of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, the Textile Rental Services Association, the Institute of Industrial Launderers of Washington, D.C., the Clifton Jewish Center and the Paterson, NJ, Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Pariser was predeceased by his wife, Lorraine. In addition to his two sons, he is survived by a brother, Herbert of Orlando, FL; a sister, Roslyn Simmons of Coconut Grove, FL; and two grandchildren, Brett Michael and Nikki Lauren Pariser.

Daniel R. Baker, former president of the Minnesota Chemical Co, died Feb. 6. He was 93 years old.

As son of the founder R. P. Baker, Daniel Baker presided over The Minnesota Chemical Co. for 40 years. Along with his brothers, John and Robert, he transformed the company from a small soap manufacturer and distributor into a five-state distributor of commercial laundry and drycleaning supplies and equipment with locations in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa.

Mr. Baker and his brother retired in 1985 and sold the company to their son and nephew, Michael and Stephen Baker.

Mr. Baker is survived by his daughters, Mary Jo Simms of Milwuakee and Jean Ann Baker of New Richmond, WI; a brother, John of Lilydale, MN; and three grandsons.