West Palm Beach, Fla. — Michael Batky, a longtime executive in the plastics distribution and fabrication sector, died Jan. 23 at age 75.
Batky studied mechanical engineering at City College of New York and began his plastics career in Brooklyn in 1963. He had a 23-year career at Laird Plastics that started in 1969. He established the company's fabrication division in 1971, served as vice president from 1981-89 and president of the distribution and fabrication divisions from 1989-1992.
He served as vice president of AIN Plastics from 1992-99, where he initiated and assisted with the sale of the company to ThyssenKrupp Materials NA.
Batky then joined Business Answers International of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., where he did consulting, market research and executive recruitment for more than two decades.
"My dad was a true pioneer when it comes to plastic distribution and fabrication," his daughter Amy Batky said.
"He was grateful for the numerous relationships he developed within the industry. His passion and dedication for the industry was evident to everyone he worked with during his career with Almac Plastics, Laird Plastics, AIN Plastics and Business Answers International."
Batky is survived by his wife, Madelyn; their three daughters, Amy, Shari and Cara; son-in-law Gene; grandchildren Emily and Justin; and nieces and nephews.
The family asks friends to consider donating in his memory to the Trustbridge Hospice Foundation, 5300 East Ave., West Palm Beach, FL 33407 or www.trustbridgefoundation.org.