Cleveland, Ohio—Richard Kinstlinger, co-founder of Regal Carpet & Tile and a fixture in the floor covering industry, passed away Monday, Oct. 11 here of natural causes at the age of 91.
Born on April 27, 1919 in Austria, Kinstlinger completed his high school education in his native country before escaping from the Nazi party in 1938. After settling tentatively in England, the family relocated to their final destination in America two years later.
Kinstlinger and his brother, Max, started work at Gindhi Carpet, first sweeping the floors and ultimately learning how to sew carpet. Over time, the brothers got accounts with companies like JR Goodman, with Max sewing and binding carpets, and Richard installing. In the mid- to late-1950s, they opened Regal Carpet & Tile on the west side Cleveland, and in 1962 moved to its current location.
His professional career was built on relationships and he had a special knack for maintaining and nurturing them, said his son Howard. “He was reputed to have sold carpet to his neighbor on a flight to Atlanta once,” he said, adding he was just that kind of person.
In Cleveland, Kinstlinger maintained accounts with Ryan and Ryland Homes that ultimately expanded to locations in Atlanta. “His relationship with the Cleveland stores was so strong, the company decided to come to us for their carpet, even though most of the country’s carpet was made 60 miles away,” Howard said. “His energetic, contagious personality supported the strength of his relationships.”
A memorial service was held Oct. 14 at the Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel in Cleveland Heights, with internment at Chesterland Memorial Park.
Kinstlinger is preceded in death by his wife Lillian, and his brothers Alfred and Felix. He is survived by his brother Max; three sons Howard, Marvin and Les; four grandchildren, and five grandchildren.
Donations may be made on his behalf to the Alzheimers Association, P.O. Box 74924, Cleveland, OH, 44194-4924.