Timothy L. Katen

Timothy “Tim” L. Katen, 76, of Erie, passed away on January 29, 2024, just one month after an initial diagnosis of cancer, and only weeks after receiving his specific cancer diagnosis of mesothelioma. Tim is survived by the love of his life and wife of nearly 49 years, Elizabeth “Betsy” (Twaroski) Katen. Together they raised their three children: Philip Katen (Christina), Melissa Siever (Daniel), and Ryan Katen (Halle).

Tim was born in Erie, PA, on December 27, 1947, to the late Allen G. and the late Rita (Drexler) Katen. He was the third oldest child in a family of six children: Allen Katen (Kathy), Kenneth Katen (Ellyn), Greg Katen (Anita), the late Lola Katen, and Christine Pinyot (Stephen). When Tim married Besty in May 1975, his family size more than doubled when he was welcomed into the Twaroski family by her parents, Frank and the late Betty (Krasnesky) Twaroski, along with Betsy’s five siblings: the late Cheryl Rouse (Ted), Trina Zielinski (Len), Dan Twaroski (Karen), Cindy Powell (Dan), and Kelly Twaroski (Patty). Tim is survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins on both sides of the family.  

Tim graduated from McDowell High School in 1965. Upon graduation, Tim enlisted into the United States Navy at only 17 years old. A military veteran who served active duty in the Vietnam War, Tim spent three years in the Navy while assigned to the naval ships USS Northampton (cruiser) and USS Leary (destroyer). After his service in the military, Tim enrolled in trade school where he earned his certificate in Tool & Die. Tim started his mold-making career at Seaway Tool & Die, but quickly set his sights on something bigger. On November 1, 1978, he opened Micro Mold Co., Inc. in Erie, PA, which through the next 45 years has grown from a staff of two, Tim and his partner Dave Mead, to a successful 25-person mold-making company. In 1985, Tim’s entrepreneurial spirit once again spurred him and his partner to start a 2^nd tool & die business, Microlina Company, Inc., in Greensboro, NC. While tool & die was his expertise, Tim soon caught interest in the world of plastic injection molding, and Microlina was closed in order to pursue a new business venture. On March 6, 1989, Tim and his business partner opened Plastikos, Inc. in Erie, PA. Since its opening, Plastikos has grown to over 200 employees and has been recognized worldwide as a leader in plastic injection molding. Tim cared so much for his employees and always made time to know them on a personal level. In 2010, Tim proudly transitioned both businesses to his sons, Philip and Ryan. With Tim’s continued presence and guidance, Philip and Ryan have continued to grow both businesses, adding a third company, Plastikos Medical, in 2019. 

Tim always had a huge heart for charity. Inspired by the feeling that when he gave, he received more in return, Tim always showed thankfulness for his blessed life by giving to local and national charities including two of his and Betsy’s favorites charities, Erie Homes for Children and Adults and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

While true retirement was not something that Tim fully embraced, he did enjoy many hobbies in his golden years. He loved traveling with Betsy, meeting friends (and sometimes winning) at the casino, and golfing with friends. Tim also had a special love of Corvettes, and always searched for his first car, a 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. Tim loved to see Melissa and her family in North Carolina, spending many winters and holidays there. When in Erie, Tim would visit the companies on a weekly (and sometimes daily) basis to spend quality time with Philip and Ryan. He was so proud of his sons, and even in retirement, Tim enjoyed being a part of the continued success of the companies. Most of all, Tim enjoyed spending time with his six beloved grandchildren: Jude Katen, Claire, Christian & William Siever, and Rynette & Hadley Katen. Tim’s favorite name of all was “Grandpa.” He was the loudest and proudest fan at all of his grandkids’ sports or activities, and a constant source of fun and encouragement to each of them. Tim, Dad, Grandpa will be missed more than words can begin to describe.

The family would like to thank the nurses, physician assistants, and doctors of the MICU at UPMC Hamot, especially the following nurses who cared for Tim and the family with such compassion and kindness: Chris, Cassie, Krista, Paul, Jody, and Carly.

Family and friends are invited to call on the family at the Burton Quinn-Scott Cremation & Funeral Services, West Ridge, 3801 West 26th Street on February 9 from 3pm - 7pm and are invited to attend Prayer Services there on Saturday February 10 at 9:15am followed by a 10am Catholic Funeral Mass at St. George Church, 5145 Peach Street. Entombment and military funeral honors will be held at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Tim’s memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital located at 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105

Please leave condolences for the family at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com.