This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

CLEVELAND– Former chairman and CEO of Sherwin-Williams Jack Breen passed away on Monday at the age of 85, the company announced in a news release.

Breen joined Sherwin-Williams in 1979 and retired in 1999. During that time, the company saw 21 consecutive years of improved earnings.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire Sherwin-Williams family worldwide, we extend our deepest condolences to Jack’s wife, Mary Jane, and the Breen family. Jack was a tremendous leader and well respected across the organization, as well as by customers, shareholders and community leaders,” said John G. Morikis, Sherwin-Williams chairman and chief executive officer.

“Jack is credited with saving the company from the many difficult financial challenges he inherited after being named only the seventh CEO in Sherwin-Williams history. He was instrumental in returning the Company back to its roots of providing unmatched products and services to customers.”

Breen and his wife donated millions of dollars, including $5 million to University Hospitals. Ursuline College named its nursing school and St. Ignatius High School named its performing arts center in their honor.