NEW YORK — The pest control industry mourns the loss of Harry Katz, renowned entomologist and former PCT columnist. Harry passed away on Sunday surrounded by family. He was 101.
Harry was raised in the Western Pennsylvania town of Cannonsburg, and introduced to the pest control industry by family friend, Fred Pollack, a pest control operator and supplier who sparked Harry's interest in the trade during the 1930s.
Harry served our country during WWII, and upon his return took over the Elco Manufacturing Company operation, in Pittsburgh.
Harry was one of the pest control industry’s leading educators and advocates for association involvement. For example, in 1961, Elco acquired a one-acre site near Pittsburgh where the company built a warehouse, office and training room for PCOs. Harry’s association involvement includes becoming a founder of the Western Division of the Pennsylvania Pest Control Association in 1953. He served continuously as secretary of that association until the 1980s. Harry also held a membership in the Entomological Society of America and was an honorary member of Pi Chi Omega, the pest control industry’s national fraternity.
During the 1950s and 1960s, Harry struck up a friendship with Pittsburgh resident Arnold Mallis, and was instrumental in preserving and archiving much of Mallis’ research. He also authored several chapters in past editions of the Mallis Handbook of Pest Control and wrote a monthly column in PCT, Myth Conceptions.
Faygie Katz-Sillman told PCT her grandfather used entomology to connect with her and her siblings. “As a child, he would take me out with a net to catch bugs and put them under the microscope. He taught me and my siblings how to recognize many different insects. He saved every issue of the magazine, and I would read them when I came to visit. “
In addition to his industry involvement, Harry founded the Parkway Jewish Center, which is still in operation, in suburban Pittsburgh. Harry's wife, Ruth, passed away in 2002, and in 2008 he moved to New York from Florida, where he lived across the street from his son Elliot and daughter-in-law Linda.
Harry is survived by son Elliot (Linda); eight grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandson (born last year). His funeral was held on Aug. 29.
Harry was very close to the Yeshiva (seminary) where his son Elliot was ordained, and any (tax-deductible) contributions could be sent to:
Rabbinical Seminary of America
7601 147th St.
Flushing NY 11367
in memory of Harry Katz
Harry Katz Memories
“I met Harry Katz about 30 years ago at a conference. I had read his Myth Conceptions column in PCT and introduced myself. At the time, I was a nobody in the industry but Harry took the time to answer my questions and ask his own to get to know me. After a while, chats at conferences led to sharing ideas over lunch or dinner at various conferences and then to lifetime friendship. Harry was Arnold Mallis’ best friend, so when I took on the duties of Editorial Director for the Mallis Handbook, I looked to Harry for guidance and he expressed confidence that I would do the job well. After the 8th Edition was published, Harry called me to tell me that Arnold would’ve been thrilled with the results and to tell me “good job.” Harry’s approval meant the world to me. Whenever I was in South Florida, I would take time to visit Harry at his apartment in Deerfield Beach, and he was always happy for the visits. We talked regularly on the phone and Harry would send me articles and books that had been owned by Arnold Mallis as he sorted through his cluttered library at his home. Many of the older publications are in German.” — Stoy Hedges, Stoy Pest Consulting
“Harry Katz was a legendary figure in the pest management industry who played a pivotal role in its growth and development. Dedicated to lifelong learning, Harry had an incredibly agile mind and an insatiable appetite for knowledge, which manifested itself in his lifelong commitment to industry education. Harry and another industry icon, Arnold Mallis, were the best of friends, who collaborated on many projects together, most notably the Mallis Handbook of Pest Control, a book Harry championed throughout his career. They are now reunited in death to regale one another with stories about interesting pest encounters and their latest entomological adventures. For the rest of us, Harry will be missed, but never forgotten.” — PCT Publisher Dan Moreland
“I always enjoyed my chats with Harry about everything from termites to bed bugs. One of the very first columns I read each month in PCT was Harry’s. I’ll never forget seeing him at conventions with his trusty backpack vacuum — the first to champion vacuums to our industry. Such a kind and thoughtful person, self-made and self-taught. — University of Kentucky Entomology Professor Dr. Michael Potter
"When I think about Harry, words like engaging, thought-provoking, dedicated, knowledgeable, and encouraging come to mind. He truly loved our industry and always wanted to see it move forward. He gave a lot and asked for very little. We will miss this gentleman and this very gentle person." — Gary Bennett, entomology professor, Purdue University
"He truly was an encouraging entomologist who cared about the industry. I met him while working at NPMA and he helped me through several projects. He was already in his mid-90s! "— Kathy Heinsohn, American Pest, Fulton, Md. “I met Harry when he was 94 and it was a special evening. His apartment was filled with books and file folders. He could tell you anything about the history of pest management. I wish I had met him sooner, but I always admired his writing. He had this incredible grasp of the industry from the early days that he was able to weave into modern times, and boil it to down to a simple but meaningful message. He had a real art for doing that.” — Dr. Richard Cooper, Cooper Pest Solutions
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