In Memoriam: Henry Libicki, Early Nordson Leader and Engineer, Dies at 89

04 Jan 2017

A Holocaust survivor, Libicki immigrated to the United States after being freed from Polish labor camp Hasag-Pelcery.

Eric and Evan Nord first hired Libicki in 1951, and he would prove to be an essential innovator, responsible for many improvements in Nordson's early products. He eventually helped shape Nordson's management structure and global organizational strategy. Libicki was promoted many times in professional and managerial positions until his appointment to Vice President of Manufacturing, a role he served in until his retirement from Nordson in 1985.
Several Nordson employees shared their memories of working with Libicki and the influence he had on Nordson:

'If I were to sum up Henry's Nordson-related legacy, it would be a 'man who weathered the worst of fates yet lived a life that respected his fellow man, giving back to the community in the true spirit of the Nord family and Nordson values - and always a gentleman.' Though he was semi-retired when I joined Nordson in 1985, he and I interacted during Bill Madar's reorganization effort. Henry encouraged me to be sure the management team keeps dear and lives the values of the Nord family. Henry, along with Sam Rosen, and of course Eric and Evan, formed the bedrock upon which this company now stands. That is the best testament to who Henry was.'

Bob Veillette, Nordson Vice President, General Counsel

'Though I started at Nordson after Henry's retirement, I know his daughter and have heard my mother's stories of her career at Nordson while Mr. Libicki led the manufacturing organization. In response to the horrors he faced during the Holocaust, he chose to live his life as an example of the power of love. In his work, that love was demonstrated by Mr. Libicki's passion to continuously search for improvements. Mr. Libicki was a man of the highest character. His influence is felt to this day in Nordson's commitment to improving our operations, products, processes and the communities in which we live and work.'

John Palazzo, General Sales Manager, Nordson de México

'I remember Henry as a polite man. I started at Nordson in 1975 during the strike. I was 16 years old and remember him coming into the nozzle shop and making suggestions to save time. Henry was always looking to make sure Nordson provided the best equipment to customers, but he was also cost conscious while making sure customers always came first.'

Shirley Michalski, Senior Collector, Accounting

'I was fortunate to work directly with Henry for several years thirty years ago when I was a new Nordson employee. He was always patient, deliberate and willing to share his vast knowledge, insight and philosophies with me, making my job much more rewarding and lastingly beneficial. He regularly coupled his thoughtful direction with an obvious sense of honesty, caring and commitment to Nordson. To this day, Henry had a very favorable and lasting impact on me as a person and an employee.'
Tom Petredis, Senior Director, Supply Chain Management

A founding director of the Nordson Foundation, Libicki shared Nordson's founders' passion for philanthropy, leaving a legacy in many ways, with a focus on helping Jewish families and children around the world. Anyone wishing to remember Libicki may donate to Jewish Family and Children's Services or Hospice of Petaluma.