Jean M. Scharr, 85, Metalwërks founder

 Services are set for Thursday, Oct. 2, for Metalwërks founder Jean M. Scharr, 85, formerly of Chadds Ford, who died Thursday, Aug. 28, of respiratory failure at his retirement home in Sarasota, Fla.

Mr. Scharr headed Metalwërks from 1968 to 1989 before retiring. The family-owned Kennett Square manufacturer is a specialty contractor for architectural metal cladding and ornamental metal.

Born in Philadelphia, Mr. Scharr grew up in the Drexel Hill area. He graduated from West Catholic High School and St. Joseph's University.

In 1968, Mr. Scharr was employed by the firm of Merchant & Evans in New Jersey, but he decided to start his own business.

"With a family of five children and nine Irish setter puppies to support, Scharr took a leap of faith and started the company" in the basement of his home in Chadds Ford, his family said in a tribute.

As the business grew, Mr. Scharr leased space in a warehouse for his inventory and fabrication equipment. After two moves, Mr. Scharr settled the operation in Kennett Square in 1978.

He had a simple vision: "Find out what your customers need, go out, and get it for them." And: "If you can't find it, make it."

Mr. Scharr learned one of his skills from his father: analyzing a business opportunity from all angles and not being afraid to come up with a new concept or product.

In 1989, when Mr. Scharr retired, three of his sons bought the company.

Mr. Scharr enjoyed golfing, dancing, and traveling. He was a longtime member of the Kennett Square Golf & Country Club and the Bent Tree Country Club in Sarasota. His travels took him to the Bahamas, Mexico, Canada, Australia, France, and Hawaii.

He was married for more than 50 years to Betty Jane Maxwell, who died in 2004. He married Deborah Brandt Scharr in Florida in 2005.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Sandra Palombo; sons David, Stephen, Peter, and Paul; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

The memorial service will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, at St. Cornelius Roman Catholic Church, 160 Ridge Rd., Chadds Ford. Burial was private.

Mr. Scharr made a bequest to his alma mater. Donations may be directed to the St. Joseph's University Scholarship Fund via www.sju.edu.