Posted July 25, 2017

 

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Joseph L. “Joe” Gorga, retired president & CEO of International Textile Group (ITG), died unexpectedly on July 22, 2017. He was 65.

 

Gorga, who reportedly died of a heart attack, was a leader in the U.S. textile industry during a tumultuous period of rationalization. During his 10-year tenure at the helm of ITG, he led the company’s transformation and return to profitability before retiring in 2014.

 

“Joe was a friend to us all and a great presence and leader in our industry worldwide,” said Kenneth Kunberger, ITG’s president & CEO. “Joe’s leadership and integrity set a foundation in the company that continues today. He will be sorely missed, both personally and professionally. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family as they go through this difficult time.”

 

Auggie Tantillo, president & CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), was well aware of Gorga’s leadership in the industry on a national basis for many years.

 

“It is sad to have to mourn the passing of another important industry leader,” Tantillo told eTC. “Joe Gorga was very involved in textile policy matters during his career. He was truly committed to working for the betterment of the U.S. textile sector and its workforce. We owe him a great debt of gratitude for his willingness to consistently engage in Washington.”

 

Gorga’s distinguished career in the industry spanned more than 40 years. He began his career with Milliken and Company and served in a variety of executive roles. He later served as chairman and CEO of CMI Industries prior to joining Burlington Industries in 2002. He was named president and CEO of Burlington upon its acquisition by WL Ross & Co.

 

in 2003. Gorga was named president and CEO and a member of the board upon ITG’s formation in 2004. Throughout his career, Gorga has been a proponent and strong supporter of the textile industry, having previously served as a director and vice chairman of the American Textile Manufacturing Institute (ATMI), chairman of the National Textile Association (NTA) and a director at the NCTO.

 

Gorga most recently served on the board of directors of Clearlake Financial Corporation and Sage Automotive Interiors.

 

Born in Paterson, N.J., he received a B.S. degree in textile engineering from Philadelphia University and an M.S. degree in textile engineering from the Institute of Textile Technology in Charlottesville, Va.

 

His father managed a textile plant that supplied fabric to clothing makers in New York City's garment district. It was through an apprenticeship with his father, beginning at age 13 sweeping floors, that he found his lifelong career and passion in the textile industry.

 

All International Textile Group locations will honor Gorga’s memory with flags flown at half-mast through July 27.

 

Visitation will be take place Wednesday, July 26 at Hanes Lineberry Sedgefield Chapel (6000 W. Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, N.C.) from 6 p.m. to 8:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 11 am at Our Lady of Grace Church (2205 W Market St., Greensboro, N.C.).

 

To read the full obituary, please click here.

 

Source: International Textile Group