Passings: Fred B. Powers Jr.

Fred B. Powers Jr., 72, former chairman and president of Powers Fasteners Inc., passed away on Dec. 20.
A native of Bronx, N.Y., Powers entered the business in 1958 with The Rawlplug Co., a small fastener company founded by his father. Powers grew New Rochelle, N.Y.-based Powers Fasteners into a multinational firm with locations in Australia, Europe, New Zealand and Southeast Asia, manufacturing facilities in four U.S. states, and 28 regional sales locations nationwide. He was inducted into the Fastener Hall of Fame by the National Industrial Fastener Association in 1998, the year after he stepped down as president of Powers Fasteners in favor of his son, Jeffrey R. Powers.
The company also includes his son Christopher as CEO; Steven, vice president of MIS; and Frederic III, vice president of materials. Powers felt his most-notable achievement was the continued operation and expansion of the business by his four sons.
Powers is survived by his wife of 50 years, Virginia; his four sons and their wives; and 13 grandchildren.