John "Jack" Gulbin

Jack Gulbin of Old Forge, PA, former President and CEO of Schott Glass Technologies, Duryea, PA, and former Clarks Summit, PA resident, died July 27, 2024, just shy of his 89th birthday. 

He was the son of John and Ann Gulbin. His survivors include his three sons: John Gulbin III (wife Darcy) of Bluffton, SC, Paul Gulbin of Fairfield, CT, and Jeffrey Gulbin (wife JoAnn) of Wilton, CT; eight grandchildren – Margaret Gulbin of Los Angeles, CA; John Gulbin IV of New York, NY; David Gulbin of Charleston, SC; Campbell Gulbin of San Francisco, CA; Thomas Gulbin of Charleston, SC; Peter Gulbin of Charleston, SC; Claire Gulbin of New York, NY; and Matthew Gulbin of Wilton, CT; and his dear friends Annette Gryzbicki, Sandra Barton-Gryzbicki, and Lana Gryzbicki. of Old Forge, PA.

Jack's unwavering commitment to his family was a testament to his character. His deep love and care for his three sons and grandchildren were evident in his life. Before returning home to his beloved Pennsylvania, he enjoyed several years close to his sons and their families in Connecticut, where he relished countless Sunday dinners and college football watch parties with his grandchildren and friends.

He graduated from Forest City High School in 1953. Jack served four years at the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, and was discharged honorably with Petty Officer First Class rank. He received a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Scranton in 1961. He graduated with high honors and several Excellence in Business annual awards.

Upon graduation, Jack held high level finance positions for past employers Arthur Anderson, a CPA firm in New York City, and Stanley Works in New Britain, CT. He spent the last 30 years of his career building Schott Glass Technologies (Schott), the first manufacturing and research facility established in North America by its parent, Schott Glassworks, Mainz, Germany.

Under his leadership, Jack grew Schott Glass Technologies from a startup operation in the 1960s with 50 employees into a business with over 500 employees at its peak, and over 300,000 square feet of plant facilities today. He launched the company with initial responsibilities of incorporation, plant and facilities construction, financing, supply chain, and operations.

Jack's strategic foresight was the driving force behind the company's North American expansion. His vision culminated in significant growth initiatives during the 1990s and early 2000s, including four plant expansions and three acquisitions. Jack's unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence positioned the Duryea facility as a cornerstone of Schott's United States operations, housing leading-edge production, technology, and research facilities.

During Jack's tenure, he served in every officer position, including Controller, Secretary, Treasurer, VP, Executive VP, President, and CEO. He was well known by all company employees. He enjoyed walking through the plant early every morning, conversing with employees about the previous day's production yields, their families, and sports. He was the company's vocal leader, negotiating and signing eight consecutive three-year union contracts without a strike. Due to Jack's efforts, Schott was one of the first companies in the United States to offer 401(k) plans with a company match to salaried and union employees.

This remarkable growth propelled Schott to become one of the largest and most influential companies in Northeastern Pennsylvania, catalyzing economic development in the region. Jack's legacy extends beyond Schott; he was President of the Pittston Chamber of Commerce, and his efforts significantly contributed to job creation, regional warehousing and distribution expansion, and overall economic vitality in Northeastern PA.

Jack's love for sports was a significant part of his life. He enjoyed playing golf with his three sons and was a Penn State booster and season ticket holder for over 40 years. Always loyal to his home state of Pennsylvania, he was also an avid Eagles, Phillies, and Sixers fan. He spent countless hours supporting his sons and grandchildren in their youth, high school, and collegiate athletic endeavors. Later in life, he became a fan of Wake Forest football, where his youngest grandson is a team member. His passion and dedication to his teams were a significant part of his life. Jack's unwavering support and enthusiasm for sports brought him joy and created lasting bonds and cherished memories with his family. This legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Saint Joseph Church on September 21, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in Forest City. Interment in St. Anthony's Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to the Kevin M. Lesjack Funeral Home, 513 Main Street, Forest City.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart in Jack's memory.

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