Steven Mark Katz, CEO of ThermoSteam Systems and Kay Industries, died on Aug. 20. He was 63.

He was born and raised in South Bend, IN, and was a 1966 graduate of Riley High School. He attended Indiana University and graduated with a degree in history on 1970.

After graduation he returned to South Bend where he began his career in business beginning in janitorial distribution and eventually serving as the CEO of Kay Equipment and Supply Co. Throughout his career, Katz also served as CEO of ThermoSteam Systems, a manufacturer of packaged steam boilers, and Kay Industries, a producer of phase converters.

He was active in the Textile Care Allied Trades Association, serving on its board of directors for four years and as treasurer for two years. He chaired TCATA’s business program, for the 2004 annual conference.

He was also known as an extraordinary orator and often emceed events around South Bend over many years. He was an active member of his congregation, Sinai Synagogue, and enjoyed golfing, fishing with his grandchildren and Notre Dame football.

He is survived by his wife, Laurie, his children Hal, David, and Jamie; three brothers, Larry, Marty and Stuart Katz; a sister, Debbie Sandock; and four grandsons.

Memorial donations may be made in his memory to Sinai Synagogue, 1102 E. LaSalle Ave., South Bend, IN 46617; or to the Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley, 3202 Shalom Way, South Bend, IN 46615.

Eugene G. Blumenthal, the founder and president of Metro-Chem, Inc. in Kearny, NJ, passed away on July 30 at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold, NJ. He was 71.

He was born in Paterson, NJ, and resided in Rockaway, NJ, West Orange, NJ, Long Beach Island, NJ, and wintered in Marco Island, FL, before moving to Marlboro, NJ, four years ago.

He began his career in the late 1960s as a sales representative for Stauffer Chemical before moving on to become a regional sales manager for PQ Corp. in the 1970s.

Building on his personable style, technical knowledge and ability to formulate innovative laundry chemistry, Blumenthal became founder and president of Metro-Chem, a formulator of chemicals for the laundry industry, in 1980. He oversaw the company until his death.

His business partner of 32 years, Pete Potocki, has assumed the role of Metro-Chem’s president.

He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Elizabeth; his son, David Blumenthal of Bridgewater, NJ; his daughter, Helaine Blumenthal of Cresskill, NJ; his mother, Beatrice Blumenthal of Westwood, NJ; his brother, Allen Blumenthal of River Vale, NJ, and four grandchildren.

The family requests that donations be made to The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation at www.themmrf.org/donate and can be done in lieu of flowers.

Wilbur “Bill” Skloff, a long-time industry veteran, passed away May 14.

He worked in various facets of the drycleaning industry for more than 60 years, including as an owner/operator of a plant in Massachusetts, an account representative for FH Bonn Co., a field representative for the National Cleaners Association and an independent distributor of equipment and supplies for drycleaners.

He was the husband of Rosalie Skloff and father of Laurie Meyer, Steven Skloff and Michael Skloff, the brother of Ronald Skloff and grandfather of Kyle, Jordann, Brittany, Christopher and Cory.

Funeral services were held in Cherry Hill, NJ. Memorial contributions can be made to the Ostomy Association or the American Cancer Society.



								National Clothesline


						Obituaries Steven Katz CEO of ThermoSteam Steven Mark Katz, CEO of ThermoSteam Systems and Kay Industries, died on Aug. 20. He was 63. He was born and raised in South Bend, IN, and was a 1966 graduate of Riley High School. He attended Indiana University and graduated with a degree in history on 1970. After graduation he returned to South Bend where he began his career in business beginning in janitorial distribution and eventually serving as the CEO of Kay Equipment and Supply Co. Throughout his career, Katz also served as CEO of ThermoSteam Systems, a manufacturer of packaged steam boilers, and Kay Industries, a producer of phase converters. He was active in the Textile Care Allied Trades Association, serving on its board of directors for four years and as treasurer for two years. He chaired TCATA’s business program, for the 2004 annual conference. He was also known as an extraordinary orator and often emceed events around South Bend over many years. He was an active member of his congregation, Sinai Synagogue, and enjoyed golfing, fishing with his grandchildren and Notre Dame football. He is survived by his wife, Laurie, his children Hal, David, and Jamie; three brothers, Larry, Marty and Stuart Katz; a sister, Debbie Sandock; and four grandsons. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to Sinai Synagogue, 1102 E. LaSalle Ave., South Bend, IN 46617; or to the Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley, 3202 Shalom Way, South Bend, IN 46615. Eugene Blumenthal Founder of Metro-Chem Eugene G. Blumenthal, the founder and president of Metro-Chem, Inc. in Kearny, NJ, passed away on July 30 at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold, NJ. He was 71. He was born in Paterson, NJ, and resided in Rockaway, NJ, West Orange, NJ, Long Beach Island, NJ, and wintered in Marco Island, FL, before moving to Marlboro, NJ, four years ago. He began his career in the late 1960s as a sales representative for Stauffer Chemical before moving on to become a regional sales manager for PQ Corp. in the 1970s. Building on his personable style, technical knowledge and ability to formulate innovative laundry chemistry, Blumenthal became founder and president of Metro-Chem, a formulator of chemicals for the laundry industry, in 1980. He oversaw the company until his death. His business partner of 32 years, Pete Potocki, has assumed the role of Metro-Chem’s president. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Elizabeth; his son, David Blumenthal of Bridgewater, NJ; his daughter, Helaine Blumenthal of Cresskill, NJ; his mother, Beatrice Blumenthal of Westwood, NJ; his brother, Allen Blumenthal of River Vale, NJ, and four grandchildren. The family requests that donations be made to The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation at www.themmrf.org/donate and can be done in lieu of flowers. Bill Skloff Life-long industry veteran Wilbur “Bill” Skloff, a long-time industry veteran, passed away May 14. He worked in various facets of the drycleaning industry for more than 60 years, including as an owner/operator of a plant in Massachusetts, an account representative for FH Bonn Co., a field representative for the National Cleaners Association and an independent distributor of equipment and supplies for drycleaners. He was the husband of Rosalie Skloff and father of Laurie Meyer, Steven Skloff and Michael Skloff, the brother of Ronald Skloff and grandfather of Kyle, Jordann, Brittany, Christopher and Cory. Funeral services were held in Cherry Hill, NJ. Memorial contributions can be made to the Ostomy Association or the American Cancer Society.