WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. — Nick Rajkovich, 93, of West Palm Beach, a veteran of Van Dorn Plastic Machinery Co., passed away peacefully on April 22.
In World War II, Rajkovich flew 50 missions as a waist gunner in a B-17 “Flying Fortress.” He was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Tadmor Shriner's Chapter.
After gaining considerable manufacturing experience at machine tool builder the E. W. Bliss Co., Rajkovich started at Van Dorn in the early 1960s, where he was in charge of production of the first Van Dorn hydraulic injection molding machine. He later served as plant manager of the company's machinery factory in Cleveland.
Rajkovich retired from Van Dorn in 1980.
He is survived by a sister, four children, nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
In addition to his machinery expertise, Rajkovich contributed to the plastics industry through several of his family members.
His son, Nick J. Rajkovich is president and founder of Gem City Plastics Machinery Inc., a manufacturers' representative firm in Cleveland. Another son, Tom Rajkovich, is president and founder of Comet Plastic Equipment, an auxiliary equipment supplier in Riviera Beach, Fla.
Three grandsons are also involved in the industry.
Sam Rajkovich is director of sales and marketing at Sturtevant Inc., a materials processing equipment maker in Hanover, Mass. Robert Rajkovich is manager of technical service at Comet Plastic Equipment. Andrew Rajkovich is president and founder of Ponderosa Plastics Equipment, a manufacturers' rep firm in Layton, Utah.
