Lehigh University Athletics
Painter Family Continues Support for Lehigh Swimming and Diving
11/15/2017 4:05:00 PM | Men's Swimming and Diving, Women's Swimming and Diving
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Lehigh swimming and diving program, led by head coach Rob Herb, extends their gratitude to the continued support of the David Painter '60 family. A former swimmer for Lehigh and founder of Mer-Made Filter, Painter passed away at the age of 78 on September 15, 2016. He was a generous financial supporter of Lehigh swimming and diving, and his family has decided to continue their support even after his passing.
Painter was a long-time supporter of Lehigh swimming and diving. He left lasting impressions on the student-athletes and coaches through his extensive knowledge and passion for the sport of swimming.
In addition to his donations, there is also a scholarship in his name and he often assisted student-athletes outside of the pool with internship opportunities. Painter also offered countless hours and supplied materials for the upgrades to the filter systems of both pools at Lehigh.
"Throughout my career at Lehigh, Dave has been so influential in the development of our program and the health of our pool. He loved his family, he loved swimming, he loved Lehigh, but most of all, he loved clear water." said Herb. "I have many fond memories of Dave and I would often call him for advice. He had such passion for our sport and it was infectious. I truly miss him."
Painter was the founder and owner of pool equipment manufacturer, Mer-Made Filter, which he founded in the 1970s. Before becoming an industry leader in pool filtration equipment, Painter got involved in aquatics in the late 1950s as a swimmer for Lehigh University. He went on to become a swimming coach and also spent time participating in swimming competitions through U.S. Masters Swimming.
His love for swimming led Painter to a career in the pools industry. In the 1960s, he got his start in the industry with a position as a manufacturer's rep for Neptune-Benson. He later purchased the rights to several equipment lines, which led to the foundation of Mer-Made Filter. In the 1980s, he acquired a fiberglass plant in South Carolina where all Mer-Made equipment and products are currently manufactured.
Painter remained active in competitive swimming throughout his adult life. He broke the world record for his age group in the 50-meter freestyle even after suffering from a stroke a year prior to the competition.
Painter is survived by his wife, Carol, as well as his two daughters, Stacey Painter and Wendy Padilla.
Painter was a long-time supporter of Lehigh swimming and diving. He left lasting impressions on the student-athletes and coaches through his extensive knowledge and passion for the sport of swimming.
In addition to his donations, there is also a scholarship in his name and he often assisted student-athletes outside of the pool with internship opportunities. Painter also offered countless hours and supplied materials for the upgrades to the filter systems of both pools at Lehigh.
"Throughout my career at Lehigh, Dave has been so influential in the development of our program and the health of our pool. He loved his family, he loved swimming, he loved Lehigh, but most of all, he loved clear water." said Herb. "I have many fond memories of Dave and I would often call him for advice. He had such passion for our sport and it was infectious. I truly miss him."
Painter was the founder and owner of pool equipment manufacturer, Mer-Made Filter, which he founded in the 1970s. Before becoming an industry leader in pool filtration equipment, Painter got involved in aquatics in the late 1950s as a swimmer for Lehigh University. He went on to become a swimming coach and also spent time participating in swimming competitions through U.S. Masters Swimming.
His love for swimming led Painter to a career in the pools industry. In the 1960s, he got his start in the industry with a position as a manufacturer's rep for Neptune-Benson. He later purchased the rights to several equipment lines, which led to the foundation of Mer-Made Filter. In the 1980s, he acquired a fiberglass plant in South Carolina where all Mer-Made equipment and products are currently manufactured.
Painter remained active in competitive swimming throughout his adult life. He broke the world record for his age group in the 50-meter freestyle even after suffering from a stroke a year prior to the competition.
Painter is survived by his wife, Carol, as well as his two daughters, Stacey Painter and Wendy Padilla.
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