Zukowski took over a company founded by his father, Zygmunt, who immigrated to the U.S. from Poland. Under the younger Zukowski’s leadership, Euclid grew to become a leading provider of replacement parts for air and hydraulic brakes, suspension, wheel attaching, and front-end parts. He came up with Euclid’s distinctive “yellow box” packaging, developed detailed product catalogs, and created a knurled design for brake shoe rollers that has become standard, according to daughter Michele Canty, who at one time was vice president of corporate affairs at Euclid Industries.
The company grew from a small machine shop manufacturing parts to an industry leader, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. Meritor purchased Euclid in 1998 and continues to market a Euclid-branded line separately from its Meritor aftermarket brand.
Zukowski was presented with the 2009 Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network (CVSN) Heavy Duty Lifetime Achievement Award.
In addition to his wife, Mary Ann, Zukowski is survived by daughters Ann Marie Wakeen (husband Kenneth), Michele Canty (husband Michael), and Christine Zukowski, as well as two grandchildren.
