04.17.06
Casimir “Caz” Grabacki, owner and founder of General Press Colors, Ltd. and a 50-year entrepreneur in the flushed color pigment industry, died April 14, 2006 at the age of 75.
After serving in the Marine Corps, Mr. Grabacki joined Kohl & Madden, and later worked at IPI and Acme Printing Ink. While in the ink industry, Mr. Grabacki rose through the ranks in laboratories, learning about all facets of the ink business, and he decided to go into the pigment business on his own.
In 1956, he acted on his dream, forming Graylan and developing it into a successful flushed colors business. Through determination and business acumen, Mr. Grabacki grew Graylan into a multi-million dollar company before selling in in 1973 to Magruder Color.
However, after three years, Mr. Grabacki yearned to return to the flushed color industry. Always the entrepreneur, Mr. Grabacki believed that the flush color business was about to expand dramatically, and formed General Press Colors in 1976.
Starting with three flushers, Mr. Grabacki worked to build his new company, emphasizing excellent quality above all else, which continues to be the company’s strength today. General Press Colors remains a family business, with Mr. Grabacki’s two sons and one daughter vice presidents. Andy is vice president of sales, Greg is vice president of manufacturing, and Lisa Schneider is vice president of administration. Richard Kuebel is General Press Color’s president.
Mr. Grabacki is survived by his wife of almost 48 years, Arlene; his three children; four grandchildren and two step-grandchildren; one brother, Edward; and two sisters Albina Sebern and Jeannette Ciesel. He was preceded in death by brother Thaddeus and sister Sophie.
Funeral Mass will be held at St. John Neumann in St. Charles, IL, Thursday, April 20 at 11 a.m. There is no visitation. In lieu of flowers, the family asks people to plant a tree in his honor www.Audubon.org, Living Tribute, or Living Tribute Program, National Audubon Society, 700 Broadway, New York, NY 10003.
After serving in the Marine Corps, Mr. Grabacki joined Kohl & Madden, and later worked at IPI and Acme Printing Ink. While in the ink industry, Mr. Grabacki rose through the ranks in laboratories, learning about all facets of the ink business, and he decided to go into the pigment business on his own.
In 1956, he acted on his dream, forming Graylan and developing it into a successful flushed colors business. Through determination and business acumen, Mr. Grabacki grew Graylan into a multi-million dollar company before selling in in 1973 to Magruder Color.
However, after three years, Mr. Grabacki yearned to return to the flushed color industry. Always the entrepreneur, Mr. Grabacki believed that the flush color business was about to expand dramatically, and formed General Press Colors in 1976.
Starting with three flushers, Mr. Grabacki worked to build his new company, emphasizing excellent quality above all else, which continues to be the company’s strength today. General Press Colors remains a family business, with Mr. Grabacki’s two sons and one daughter vice presidents. Andy is vice president of sales, Greg is vice president of manufacturing, and Lisa Schneider is vice president of administration. Richard Kuebel is General Press Color’s president.
Mr. Grabacki is survived by his wife of almost 48 years, Arlene; his three children; four grandchildren and two step-grandchildren; one brother, Edward; and two sisters Albina Sebern and Jeannette Ciesel. He was preceded in death by brother Thaddeus and sister Sophie.
Funeral Mass will be held at St. John Neumann in St. Charles, IL, Thursday, April 20 at 11 a.m. There is no visitation. In lieu of flowers, the family asks people to plant a tree in his honor www.Audubon.org, Living Tribute, or Living Tribute Program, National Audubon Society, 700 Broadway, New York, NY 10003.