Melvyn Tishler

Mel Tishler, our most loved father, passed away August 13, 2022. Mel was born on October 23, 1928, in Bridgeport Connecticut to David and Estelle Tishler.

To his last day, Mel was a true “east coast guy”- - tough, always moving forward and deeply passionate about the loves of his life - - his kids and grandkids, work, and food! Depending on how hungry he was, that order could change, as few things distracted him more than the yearning for a great hotdog!

After graduation from Bridgeport Central High School, Mel headed west to attend the University of Louisville. Soon he met and married Doris Kort, our beautiful mother, and over time, they raised six kids, Susan, Fred, Bruce, Nancy, Harry, and Jennifer.

Eventually the family settled in Indianapolis. It was here in 1960, Mel started Floor Time Stores of Indiana which was the first chain of floor covering stores in Indiana. His “secret” to growth and success, was opening stores in smaller markets with a solid workforce - - Kokomo, Columbus, Muncie, Bloomington, Lafayette, etc. As a result, flooring became the careers of Mel’s sons Bruce, Fred, and Harry. Fast forward, after Floor Time Stores of Indiana, Mel served in advisory and consulting positions with various floor covering companies around the country. He ultimately left retirement life in Florida to take Fred up on his offer to join Fred’s company in Indianapolis. Initially called Realty Carpet, Inc., with Mel now as President, it grew and became Realty Wholesale Carpet and now is known as Tish Flooring. With Mel’s relentless work ethic, and unmatched experience and knowledge, Tish Flooring has continued to flourish.

In his lifetime, Mel also loved playing handball, racquet ball, softball and being a pilot, but his greatest pleasure for the last 22 years was working with his son’s Fred and Harry, who joined Tish and helped guide its growth. Mel loved working at Tish with the wonderful, dedicated people there. At 93, he was still coming into the office. Following a fall at work in 2019, Covid in 2020 and other maladies, Mel’s health declined, but the tough “east coast guy” never, ever gave up – not a chance! However, in the end, Father Time, as usual, proved too tough of an opponent. We will miss Mel’s incredible wit, and concise thinking, his constant humor and solid, well thought advice (solicited or otherwise).

Mel was predeceased by his mother and father, sister Muriel, beloved son Bruce, and his second wife Susan. He is survived by his aforementioned children, and grandkids, Gabi, Tatum, Beckham, Maxwell, Coblens, Drew Hinton, Ryan, and Melissa. Great grandkids, Anna Beth, Nora Jean, Campbell, Easton, and Landon, and stepson Adam Bray.

We wish to express our sincere thanks to Gloria Pettigrew and Curtis Pennybaker who provided expert care and assistance to Mel and became a part of our family.  Professional, reliable, and nurturing at all times. We will always be grateful.

There will be a private, family only service at Beth-El Zedeck North Cemetery in Fishers, Indiana. Contributions in Mel’s memory can be made to: I.U. Health Simon Cancer Center, 1030 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202

Friends are asked to join the family for a memorial service that will take place on Wednesday, August 17, at 11:00 AM at Aaron Ruben Nelson Funeral Home located at 11411 North Michigan Road, Zionsville, IN 46077 (317-873-4776).