April 1, 1916 - April 4, 2011

Morton Lester Charlestein was born April 1, 1916 in Philadelphia to Rae and Julius Charlestein, the founder of Premier® Dental. After graduating West Philadelphia High, Morton earned a BCE degree at Temple University in Philadelphia.

1937
Immediately after graduating in June 1937, he began working full time for his father and was joined shortly thereafter by his brother-in-law Adolph Frezel. It was there that he learned the first lesson in salesmanship: “ask for the order.” Traveling the length and breadth of the country, he met all of their customers and in the difficulties of post-depression America, began to cut his teeth in the dental industry.

1941
On June 8, 1941, Morton married Malvina Moore, a New York fashion model who brought the verve and flair of her Hungarian background and the Big Apple upbringing to the Charlesteins of Philadelphia.

1943
July 1, 1943, Morton was drafted into the U.S. Army and rose to the rank of T/5 (Corporal), serving in Com Z Headquarters in Paris, where he began in a fledgling way his first international exposure to dental marketing.

1944
November 1944, the couple’s first child, Gary, was born and six years later, their daughter, Ellyn. Their family presently includes 6 grandchildren: Julie and her husband Darryl, Elysa, Amy, Ari and his soon to be wife, Sarah, and two great grandchildren, Ruby and Maccabi.

1961
Morton served from 1961-1964, a lengthy term of office, as President of the Dental Manufacturers of America, strengthening his deep friendship with Dr. Ed Shils. In 1965, Morton took over the Presidency of Premier Dental from his father. His philosophy of finding innovative products to be brought to the dental profession through the dealer network continued to guide Premier. His personable, positive, affable manner had won the hearts of all who knew him and with his vast experience, had made him a leader in the industry and a role model for community involvement.

1986
Morton became Chairman of Premier’s Board of Directors. While still actively involved in the business, he turned over the day-to-day running of the operation to his son, Gary, and his nephews Jerry and William Frezel.

1994
“Mr. M.” became Chairman Emeritus, turning the CEO position and Chairmanship over to Gary. He and Malvina set up residency in Florida (but, only for six months and a day out of each year). Morton was known for his charitable giving to a wide variety of causes. This is best exemplified by the support of Premier for the ALS Association. In 1984, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) claimed the life of Morton’s son-in-law, Alan Phillips, leading the entire family to be actively involved in ALS-related activities, creating a local chapter of the ALS Association with national impact and import.

-2011
Morton continued to have an active presence within the hallways of Premier Dental as well as the dental industry.

His kind, gentle and always fair management style had won him the respect of employees, suppliers, and competitors alike. He was a man ever grateful to be alive who exuded a warm positive glow toward all humanity. Morton was extremely active in two synagogues, in Philadelphia and Florida. He held leadership roles in many charitable campaigns and contributed generously to dental education in the U.S. and Israel. The example of his life and his attitude towards life and faith continue to inspire everyone around him. He was everyone’s elder statesman.

Our crown has fallen.
There will never be another like him.
Blessed be the righteous judge.

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