INDUSTRY LEGEND JULIUS HERTLING HAS PASSED AWAY
MR is saddened to report the passing of clothing manufacturer Julius Hertling, who died on August 15, 2017 at the age of 91. Born in Brooklyn on August 18, 1925, Hertling was the former CEO of Hertling Industries, and was a proud veteran of Patton’s Third Army.
Hertling Trousers was founded by his father, Morris Hertling in 1925; Julius took over as CEO when he returned from his Army service in 1946. Among his loves were the menswear industry, his family, his loyal and long-time employees and his weekly lunches at famed Brooklyn steakhouse Peter Luger (for more than 50 years!) Julius was also a proud veteran of Patton’s Third Army.
Moreover, he was well loved and respected by all who worked with him in the menswear industry. “What a gentleman he was!” says Dennis Dann from Dann Clothing. “The industry has lost another great.” Adds NYC retailer Eliot Rabin: “He was a man of character, integrity, empathy, perseverance and a proud and true patriot. We will so miss you Julie Hertling!”
John Enochty at Peerless says: “Julie was a pioneer and legend who always loved working on the factory floor and getting his hands dirty. Larger than life and a true patriot, Julie was a tough guy with a big heart who will be missed by all.”
“A very talented and very nice man,” adds designer Bert Pulitzer. Says retailer and friend Jon Cline, “Julie had an amazing sense of what the retailer needed and tremendous passion for the industry. He genuinely cared about people and was greatly admired by all.”
Industry consultant Billy Neville was another long-time friend. “I was honored to have known Julie for many decades; he was an industry icon and always the consummate gentleman. He set the standard for honesty, integrity and making top-quality products right here in the USA. More importantly, he was so proud of America and his service to this country. I once bought him a book about American-related items, and for the next decade he never failed to thank me. His favorite quote from the book: ‘It’s AmeriCAN, not AmeriCAN’T.’ It was Julie’s can-do attitude that set the pace for so many others.”
Hertling is survived by his wife Dorothy, sons Richard and James, daughters-in-law Tracey and Sarah, and granddaughter Liliana. We at MR will always remember his integrity, kindness and genuine passion for the menswear industry.
