CLEVELAND—Richard Kinstlinger, co-founder of Regal Carpet & Tile and a fixture in the industry, passed away Oct. 11 here. He was 91.

Born April 27, 1919 in Austria, Kinstlinger finished his high school education in his native country before relocating to America in 1940.

Kinstlinger and his brother, Max, started working at Gindhi Carpet, first sweeping floors, then learning how to sew carpet. Over time, the brothers got accounts with companies like JR Goodman, with Max sewing and binding carpets and Richard installing. In the mid- to late-1950s, they opened Regal Carpet & Tile and in 1962 moved to its current location.

His professional career was built on relationships and nurturing them, said his son Howard. “He was reputed to have sold carpet to his neighbor on a flight to Atlanta once,” he said.

In Cleveland, Kinstlinger maintained accounts with Ryan and Ryland Homes that ultimately led to locations in Atlanta. “His relationship with the Cleveland stores was so strong the company decided to come to us for their carpet, even though most of the country’s carpet was made 60 miles away,” Howard said. “His contagious personality supported the strength of his relationships.”

A memorial was held Oct. 14 at the Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel in Cleveland Heights with internment at Chesterland Memorial Park.

Kinstlinger is predeceased by his wife, Lillian, and brothers Alfred and Felix. He is survived by his brother, Max; three sons, Howard, Marvin and Les; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Donations may be made on his behalf to the Alzheimers Association, P.O. Box 74924, Cleveland, OH, 44194-4924.