Born to Ralph and Beatrice Katz on July 5, 1940, in Cleveland, Martin graduated from the Shaker Heights High School class of 1958 and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Case Western Reserve University. Martin later served in the U.S. Army Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1963.
Martin founded Performance Forms Inc., a business forms distributor, in 1989. He started the business from the ground up with just himself and a receptionist tucked away in a Warrensville Heights industrial park. The business quickly grew, and Martin eventually moved to an office in Solon where he worked until retiring around 2010. Even as the business expanded, Martin served all of his customers with a smile, showing up at their office on a regular basis to count inventory.
Prior to founding Performance Forms, Martin managed several retail stores, including Kabat’s Art Center, an art supplies store founded by his late father-in-law, Arthur Kabat. Martin continued working after retirement, for a period of time as a consultant with the company he founded and as a manager of a shopping center in Westlake. During his free time, Martin enjoyed working in his garden, cooking and walking his dog, Lilly. He was a devoted Cleveland Indians and Browns fan and loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Beloved husband of Penny Katz (nee Kabat); devoted father of Jody (Victor) Heyman, Jonathan Katz and the late Amy Katz; loving grandfather of Ryan and Ally Heyman; dear brother of Richard (Michele) Katz; cherished uncle of Mara, Joshua, Michael, Andrew and Julie; dearest brother-in-law of Judy Kabat (Gary-deceased); adored by Lilly, his 4-footed companion.
Private graveside services were held May 24, 2020 at Mayfield Cemetery with Rabbi Robert Nosanchuk officiating. The funeral video may be viewed here: https://youtu.be/pGsFbSf-Wmw
No Visitation at the home.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bkbmc.com for the Katz family.
Arrangements under the direction of BERKOWITZ-KUMIN-BOOKATZ MEMORIAL CHAPEL (216) 932-7900.
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