George Wilson Kistler Jr., 77, of Marco Island, Fla., formerly of Emmaus, died peacefully March 18, 2018, in Pinehurst, N.C. He was the husband of Velma Gould Kistler. Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late George and Verna Kistler.

He was a graduate of Allentown High School, Mercersburg Academy and Tufts University, Boston, Mass.

He was a prominent businessman and real estate entrepreneur in the Lehigh Valley for over 50 years. His career started by working for his father in a business endeavor of recharging fire extinguishers.

He honorably served in the United States Air Force.

He became the first full-time employee of Kistler Fire Protection. He grew the business progressively by adding key accounts to the company’s portfolio and acquisitions. He was an innovator and pioneer in the fire protection industry. Most notably, he was instrumental in developing the applications and technologies of commercial cooking fire suppression systems and “clean agent” fire suppression systems for the preservation of high valued assets.

He served on many trade associations and regulatory boards and was highly regarded for his knowledge in the fire protection field. As chief executive officer he developed the company’s three locations, which serves customers in the mid-Atlantic region, nationally and internationally. Kistler Fire Protection eventually evolved into Kistler O’Brien Fire Protection, which is celebrating its 85th year.

He served as chairman of the Industrial Development Corporation of Lehigh County, a member of the Good Shepherd Work Services Board of Trustees, was instrumental in creating the East Penn Chamber of Commerce and community, was a member of the Rotary Club, Sales and Marketing Executives Club and a contributor to many local charities.

He was an avid automobile enthusiast and golfer and enjoyed the company of his wife, family and friends.

He is survived by his wife; daughter, Cynthia and her husband David Hallock; grandchildren Claire, David E. and Hope, of Lakeland, Fla.; son, Vance, of Boca Raton, Fla. He was predeceased by a brother, Frederic.

Contributions may be made to Hospice Foundation of FirstHealth, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, N.C. 28374 or Burn Prevention Network, 236 N. 17th St., Allentown, 18104.