Joseph Lawrence Gorga

Joseph L. Gorga, 65, of Greensboro, passed away on Saturday, July 22, 2017. Born in Paterson, New Jersey, he received his BS degree in Textile Engineering from Philadelphia University and his MS degree in Textile Engineering from the Institute of Textile Technology in Charlottesville, VA. Joe began his career in 1975 with Milliken and Company where he held a number of positions, beginning as a Management Trainee and later as a Plant Manager and Director of Manufacturing. In 1985 he was named General Manager for the automotive and elastic fabrics business for Milliken and Company. Joe later left Milliken to become President of the Elastic Fabrics of America and the Finished Fabrics divisions of CMI Industries, and then Chairman and CEO of CMI Industries. In 2002 he joined Burlington Industries as Executive Vice President North American Operations to then become the President and CEO and a member of the Board of Directors for the International Textile Group from its inception in 2004 through his retirement in 2014. Most recently, Joe continued his career consulting in the textile industry.

Throughout this career Joe was an activist and strong supporter of the textile industry and took a leading role in industry lobbying efforts. He served as a Director and Vice Chairman of the American Textile Manufacturing Institute, Chairman of the National Textile Association and as a Director of the National Council of Textile Organizations.

Joe was active in his support of the Boy Scouts of America Old North State Council. He received numerous recognitions for his service.

Joe was predeceased by his mother, Margaret A. Gorga, and father, Joseph W. Gorga. 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. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn P. Gorga, his children, Caroline Gorga of St Petersburg, FL and Joseph M. Gorga of Raleigh, NC, his sister, Barbara Berry and her husband Eugene Berry of Seminole, FL, his brother Lawrence Gorga of Upper Saddle River, NJ, and his nieces and nephews.

Joe was a compassionate, generous and fun-loving man and this world is a better place for his presence. He was a true friend, extraordinary father and loving husband.

Visiting will be Wednesday, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Hanes Lineberry Sedgefield Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, 11:00 am at Our Lady of Grace Church, 2205 W Market St, Greensboro, NC 27403. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Boys Scouts of America Old North State Council, 1405 Westover Terrace, Greensboro, NC 27408 or Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675 or a charity of your choosing.

Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com