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Leroy Edward Pemberton

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | December 19, 2025

Leroy Edward Pemberton, (known as "Lee"), 93, of Elizabeth Township passed away Thursday, December 18, 2025. He was born in Richmond, Virginia on October 26, 1932 to the late Leroy Pemberton, and the late Elizabeth Hannah (Mabe) Pemberton Hornych. Lee Pemberton, founder of Pembertons Cleaning & Restoration Supply in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, left a legacy marked by innovation, mentorship, and steadfast support for independent cleaning professionals worldwide. Pembertons was founded in 1972 when Lee identified an industry need for reliable products, trustworthy advice, and strong leadership. Over more than 50 years, the company grew beyond just providing cleaning and restoration supplies. It became a dependable partner for carpet cleaners, restoration contractors, textile specialists, and maintenance professionals. But Lee’s influence extended beyond inventory lists and price sheets. He served as a mentor to countless professionals and educators who visited Pembertons’ doors or met him at industry events. Lee deeply believed in the power of education. Long before online learning or branded certification programs became common, Lee, along with Jim, published The CleanTip. This weekly newsletter combined technical and management insights for cleaning professionals. Over more than twenty years, The CleanTip has become a staple in the community, offering straightforward, practical advice on everything from equipment maintenance to business growth. Beyond his contributions to professional knowledge and training, Lee was a model of business leadership rooted in humility and respect. Those who knew him describe a man who always made room for others’ voices, listened carefully, and encouraged people to think critically and compassionately about their work. He didn’t just sell products - he built relationships that strengthened the fabric of an entire profession. For many, Lee’s influence wasn’t just educational; it was personal. His legacy lives on in the countless conversations he sparked, the careers he helped shape, and the community he built within an industry that often feels like family. To those fortunate enough to know him, Lee was more than just an industry figurehead. He was a mentor, a thoughtful conversationalist, and a voice of reason in a noisy world. His presence in McKeesport and across the professional cleaning and restoration industry will be deeply missed.

Still, his legacy will live on in every well-executed task and in every professional aiming for excellence. His legacy will also live on with his son, Jim. Lee Pemberton’s life demonstrated the importance of dedication, humility, and lifelong learning and teaching. His contributions have improved his industry, and those of us fortunate enough to learn from him are forever changed. He is survived by his son, James "Jim" Pemberton; his daughters, Colleen (Bill) Maize, and Cheryl (Jim) Lane; grandchildren, Ashley (Marty) Palla, Joshua Montrenes, Jessica Hoffman, Stephanie & Dan Signorini, and Hannah Pemberton; as well as a great-grandson, Matthew Hoffman; his sisters, Anne Harris, and Carol Lyman; as well as nieces and nephews. Friends are welcome Tuesday, December 23, 2025 from 2-6pm at the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, director. Funeral service will follow in the funeral home chapel at 6pm. Inurnment will take place at Mount Vernon Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Lee asks any of you who want to memorialize him best to do what he did: Find a person in need of a mentor or a comforting presence, and be that person. If you want to contribute to a charity, find one that has helped you along the way and pay it forward. Lee’s favorite was the Ronald McDonald House Charities, which he supported for several years. Condolences can be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com

Originally published December 19, 2025.

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