MELBOURNE, Fla.—Industry veteran Nathan Krome died at Holmes Regional Hospital in Melbourne on Aug. 31, after a brief battle with cancer. He was 75 years-old.

Krome’s optical industry career spanned more than 50 years. He started out working with his mother, Amelia Krome, who owned Krome Opticians in Baltimore, Md. He also owned several optical companies including Mid-Atlantic Optical, a retail chain and wholesale laboratory. Most recently, Krome came out of retirement to help Conant Optical establish a presence in the U.S.

Survivors include his wife, Violet, son Michael, daughter Marcie, brother Morris, Violet's daughter Suzan, granddaughter Elizabeth and grandson Zachary, plus many friends.