Rental industry pioneer Don Leiser, who founded Leiser’s Rentals in Bethlehem, Pa., died May 19 at his Plainfield Township, Pa., summer home.
Leiser founded a lawn, garden and farm equipment business in 1948, and entered the rental business in Bethlehem after reading an article in Changing Times in 1959.
Leiser was a 47-year member of the American Rental Association, attending 45 national conventions. He remained active in Leiser’s Rentals part time until his death, spending winters in Port St. Lucie, Fla., in recent years. Leiser’s Rentals is co-managed by Leiser’s daughters, Linda Uliana and Sandy Walter.
All four of Leiser’s children are in the rental business. His son Mike owns Indian Peaks Rental in Fraser, Colo., and son Robert and his wife Barbara own Leiser’s Red Barn Rentals in Easton, Pa.
A lifelong hunter, sportsman and pilot, Leiser was also active in the Lions International for more than 30 years and in a local association serving the blind and visually impaired called VIABL.
Leiser is also survived by his wife Genoveve and four grandchildren.
Memorials can be sent to VIABL, 129 Broad St., Bethlehem, PA 18018.