John Nasseff: Global Philanthropic Leader and West Publishing Company Executive Leaves Legacy to Remember
Today we celebrate the life of John Nasseff, who died last evening at the age of 94. So much of what this business is today is built upon a foundation of its past – be it West Key Number System, our location in Eagan, Minn., our legacy of innovation or our commitment to quality. John is an important part of this foundation and in much of what makes this business special.
John’s parents were poor immigrants from Lebanon, and he worked hard all of his life, built relationships with people at every station, helped lead and influence a great American business that he worked at for 50 years, and generously (and quietly) supported individuals and causes for his entire life.
He began his career unloading freight cars at West Publishing Company in his hometown of St. Paul, Minn., and with a brilliant financial mind and strong work ethic became vice president of global facilities and real estate, ensuring employees both then and now work in clean, safe, accessible facilities. He retired when West Publishing Company was sold to The Thomson Corporation.
We share our condolences with his wife and family, close friends and the many employees who knew and worked with him. He was a West Publishing Company and Thomson Reuters family member. He is fondly remembered today in the Pioneer Press for his very visible philanthropic work in St. Paul, and the many private projects he undertook in support of the less fortunate in the United States and in many other countries across the globe.
