Louis Shatkin, 88

EAST GREENWICH, R.I. – Louis J. Shatkin, of East Greenwich, passed away unexpectedly on April 9, 2024, in New Jersey. He was the loving husband of Danielle L. (Hogg) Shatkin. Louis was born June 25, 1935, in Providence, to Simon and Carrie (Garber) Shatkin. He was the youngest of three children, having two older sisters. As a young boy, his sister Selma remembers him as a rascal with a lot of energy. He was not a student, but this did not affect his ability to succeed in business.

Louis established Tower Manufacturing Corporation in 1957, in Providence. Under his leadership, Tower has grown from a regional player to global corporation supplying many Fortune 500 companies. Louis remained actively involved in the day-to-day operations and was known throughout the industry as an expert in design and manufacturing of safety devices and components. In 2020, Louis opened Lou’s Cigar Lounge on Atwells Avenue, in Providence, as both an homage to his love of cigars and as a legacy in his hometown. He enjoyed many of his afternoons there smoking his beloved Padron cigars and spending time with new and old friends. Louis Shatkin left an impact on anyone who crossed his path. His friends and family will miss his charisma, tenacity and outspoken ways.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one daughter, Dominique Shatkin; two sons, David L. Shatkin and his wife, Fannie, and Drew Shatkin and his wife, Kiki; one sister, Selma Kopelman; two grandsons, Phillip Shatkin and his wife, Maura Iv, and Aaron Shatkin; one great-grandson, Leo Shatkin; one nephew, Robert Kopelman; and one niece, Marcy Kopelman and her husband, Rob. He was also the father of the late Samuel Shatkin and brother of the late Lois Cohen.

Contributions may be made to Joslin Diabetes Center, Inc., One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215 or https://www.joslin.org/giving.