Chairman of Eyewear Company Dies

He co-founded the firm in 1974.

Yale F. Weissman, founder and chairman of Modern Optical International in Roselle, IL, has died.

Weissman, who was born in Chicago in 1939, co-founded Modern Optical with then-partner Donald Ellefsen in 1974. With Weissman leading the sales team, they built the company’s foundation in the value-oriented eyewear niche.

Weissman’s son Kenneth Weissman joined the company in 1991 and later became its president, with the elder Weissman transitioning to the chairman role. Together they expanded the sales force coast-to-coast and internationally.

Kenneth Weissman said: “Our Modern Family is forever grateful for my father’s strong leadership, vision, and passion to create a company with purpose and integrity. Thank you to everyone for your compassion and support as we honor this remarkable man and his legacy we call Modern Optical. We will miss him dearly.”