Name/Title
John Butkowski interviewEntry/Object ID
2025.8.1Scope and Content
Oral history interview with John Butkowski, graduate of the Lorain High School class of 1961.
John Butkowski, born December 22, 1943, shared his family history, highlighting his Polish heritage and the migration of his grandparents to Lorain, Ohio. His father's family also immigrated from Poland and settled in Lorain. John discussed his early life, including his education at Nativity Parochial School and Lorain High School. He detailed his career at Lorain Products, where he worked for 35 years in various roles, including technical writing, industrial engineering, and quality management. Post-retirement, John founded the Lorain County Manufacturing Council to support local manufacturers, organizing a nanotechnology conference that attracted 65 attendees. John Butkowski discussed his efforts to promote exporting among local manufacturers, including a seminar featuring Nordson and other companies. Despite initial funding rejections, he continued the initiative pro bono. He also consulted on powdered metallurgy and helped RW Beckett transition to electronic assembly and energy storage. A $1 million grant funded a 25 kWh energy storage system, but First Energy declined to purchase it. John's daughter, Pam, excelled in marketing, creating a successful food blog and writing cookbooks. His son, Bob, pursued a career in medical equipment sales, working for companies like Pfizer and Medtronics. John also contributed to the LCCC's FAP lab, mem center, and baccalaureate degree in MEMS.Collection
Lorain High School Class of 1961 A&B Story ProjectAcquisition
Accession
2025.8Source or Donor
Butkowski, JohnAcquisition Method
Collected by StaffOral History Details
Interviewee
Butkowski, JohnInterviewer
Molnar, MargaretInterview Date
Feb 25, 2025