Robert E. Katz

Robert Ernest Katz passed away on December 25, 2023 at the age of 88 years. Born on May 18, 1935 to Charles and Luverne Katz, he was an only child and was raised in New Hyde Park, NY. Some of his fondest childhood memories were of summers spent with his parents at their cabin in Lake Eden, Vermont. Robert was a graduate of Forest Hills High School, 1952, and went on to the U.S Marine Academy where he graduated in 1956 as an engineer. During his time at sea with the Merchant Marine, he traveled around the world and often told stories of the exotic places he visited.
He was not only a brilliant engineer and successful entrepreneur, but also a pioneer in the field of printing, completely transforming the industry. He was the first to recognize the potential of printing and converting a web of paper into a finished product in a single pass, and developed machinery and processes for high-speed, in-line printing that defied conventional industry standards.
Robert had numerous patents to his name that changed the way the web press was used. In 1969, he started Webcraft Technologies which, with Robert at the helm, grew into New Jersey's largest printer and one of the most successful printers in the country with facilities in NJ, PA, MD, and MI. The company focused on specialty printing markets, including direct mail, fragrance samplers, promotional games and stamps, and lottery tickets.
Robert earned distinction as a valued member of the Young Presidents Club, an exclusive organization comprising company presidents under the age of 45.
In 1986, Robert was awarded the Outstanding Professional Achievement Award by the Merchant Marine Academy which is given to those who attained personal achievement in their chosen field, thus lending honor and prestige to the Academy, the Alumni Association and Foundation and to its midshipmen.
Robert was happiest when he was in the air piloting one of his planes, on the water sailing or motor boating, or skiing with his family. He was never without a dog and loved to take them on walks.
Robert leaves behind four children whom he had with his first wife, Rita Katz - Steven Katz and wife Debbie Ross Katz, Jonathan Katz and wife Ileana Martin-Novoa, David Katz and his wife Cindy Miller Katz and daughter, Melissa Goldberg and husband Lewis Goldberg. He leaves behind eight grandchildren, Emily Katz, Neely Katz, Ian K. Martin and wife Lauren, Ben Martin-Katz, Sabrina Katz and fiancé Sivan, Alex Katz and wife Taylor, Elijah Goldberg and Nathan Goldberg.
Robert is also survived by his late second wife Lynne Zorse Katz's children, Chris and Brett Zorse, and grandchildren Kelly, Colin and Nicholas Zorse.
A memorial service will take place on Sunday, January 7 at 10 AM at The Chapels at Short Hills, 451 Millburn Avenue, Millburn. Following, there will be an informal shiva at the home of his daughter Melissa and her husband Lewis, 27 Inverness Court, Short Hills.