John Celesia, 95, Remembered
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a letter to F&FI from Stan Fradin, who was a former president of Rockland Mills. “When I joined Rockland in 1966, one of the very first people I met, was John Celesia. “He was, for decades, a vice president of Rockland… Read more.April 28, 2020
Industry Greats Remembered: Porter Depiro Kallish and Elliot Prizant
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a letter from Kathy Carr Rickwood. “During my enforced stay at home, I look the time to call former colleagues that I had lost touch with, only to find out that some had passed away. None died from COVID-19,… Read more.April 23, 2020
Don Greene Retires From Heritage Fabrics, But Not his Duties to the Family Business, A. Hoke Ltd.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — When Don Greene retired as the executive vice president -- and a part-owner -- of Heritage Fabrics one year ago, he thought he was going to spend more time on the golf course. Don Greene's daughter, Elaine Hougham Greene,… Read more.April 20, 2020
Simone Rejoins Kravet After 14 Year Absence
BETHPAGE, N.Y.—Claudine Simone, a well-known member of the fabric industry, rejoined Kravet Inc. as its North Carolina accounts manager last October. Claudine Simone She will be based in the Kravet office in High Point, North Carolina,… Read more.April 15, 2020
Bert Rosenberg, Textile Agent, 88
SYDNEY—Bert Rosenberg succumbed to the effects of pancreatic cancer on April 6. He was 88. Bert was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a month ago. He was born January 16, 1932 in Cape Town, South Africa. Textile stylist Addy Bois maintained… Read more.April 9, 2020
James Wong, Who Built Acacia Fabrics into Asian “Powerhouse,” Coronavirus Victim at 52
James Wong, one of the founders of Acacia Fabrics, a leading European fabric distributor in Southeast Asia, has died from the coronavirus, or COVID-19. He was 52. “It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that Group Managing Director of… Read more.April 6, 2020
Cancer Takes Industry Great Tom Byrnes, 61
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Tom Byrnes, vice president of marketing at Springs Creative in Rock Hill, died on March 21 from cancer. Services will be held for only family due to the coronavirus pandemic. He was born Feb. 2, 1959. He raised two children… Read more.March 25, 2020
Prestigious Names Rob Surtees U.K. Sales Director
BRADFORD, U.K.-- Rob Surtees has been named U.K. sales director for both Prestigious Textiles and Styleline Blinds (SLX). Surtees replaces Graham Bateman, who held this position since 2003. Bateman died in an accident last August. Surtees… Read more.March 23, 2020
