John Instone, 91, CEO of SL Industries

After John C. Instone had served as an Army lieutenant in North Africa and Italy, he returned to his studies at what is now Drexel University.

But on some weekends, his homework competed for his attention with the likes of the New Wynmar Ballroom, atop the Woolworth building on Ogontz Avenue near Church Lane.

He was the trumpet player and leader of the 12-piece Jack Instone Orchestra, playing dance dates, mostly in Olney and Northeast Philadelphia from 1946 to 1949.

Though the band was relatively short-lived, son John C. Jr. said, "he absolutely loved it."

On Saturday, May 9, Mr. Instone, 91, of Marlton, who retired in 1988 as president and CEO of SL Industries there, died at Virtua Voorhees Hospital.

During his 28 years at SL, it and its subsidiaries in five states and Mexico produced, among other things, sparkplugs for airplanes and jet engine igniters, his son said.

Mr. Instone grew up in the Olney neighborhood of Philadelphia, graduated from Olney High School, and earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at Drexel in December 1947.

He began his career soon afterward with Proctor Electric Co., a Philadelphia equipment manufacturer. It sent him, as its general manager at age 29, to oversee construction of a Mount Airy, N.C., plant that would produce electric toasters.

In 1960, he joined the forerunner of SL as executive vice president. He earned patents for several of his innovations.

Pam Robinson, a longtime family friend, said that after her mother died at age 39, Mr. Instone and his wife, Mary, "not only were friends, they were family."

"They were both very giving people," Robinson said.

The Instones moved to Brightview Greentree, a retirement community in Marlton, in 2011, where he entertained monthly, playing a keyboard for fans of big band music.

Besides his son and wife of 66 years, Mr. Instone is survived by daughter Linda Adamovic; a granddaughter; and two great-grandchildren.

A viewing was set from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 13, at the Bradley Funeral Home, Route 73 and Evesham Road, Marlton, before an 11 a.m. funeral service there, with private interment.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.bradleyfuneralhome-marlton.com.