Eugene Katona

Eugene Katona died on May 29, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana, after a long illness. He was predeceased in Cincinnati by his mother, Rose Hoffner Katona, and later by his father, Dr. Nicholas

M. Katona, MD, and his step-mother, Ella Dorfman Katona. A 1964 graduate of Walnut Hills High School in Cincinnati, Eugene received his BA, MA, and PhD from the University of Cincinnati, then worked as an audiologist for the Veterans Administration as well as consulting audiologist to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. A talented guitarist and songwriter, he performed with a number of bands, including Torquays, Them, The Sacred Mushroom, and Surdy-Greebus.

His versatile career included work as a professional recording engineer and videographer, manager of art house movie theaters and stage companies, including Playhouse in the Park. He was a member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA), but an injury suffered during filming of Independence Day ended his Hollywood career. For nearly a decade he was merchandise manager for nationwide tours of Rick Steiner Productions Tony-award winning musicals, among them Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Hairspray, and Jersey Boys.

Eugene is survived by his daughter, Amanda, and former wife Sharolyn Smith, both of Cincinnati; sister Andrea Pactor (Jon) of Indianapolis; brother Steven Katona (Susan Lerner) of Bar Harbor, Maine, and nephews, a niece and grandnieces in Indianapolis, Connecticut, and California.

No services. Contributions may be made to the Walnut Hills High School Alumni Foundation for the Rick Steiner Performing Arts Fund, 320 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati OH 45027. Arrangements entrusted to Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary.