Textile Exec Kroner Dies
Longtime textile industry executive Marvin Kroner died March 7 in Los Angeles from cancer-related complications. He was 83.
Kroner was owner and president of Acme Thread and Supply Inc., which was a key supplier of notions and supplies to the Los Angeles apparel community for more than 40 years. He was also vice president of Mark Textile Corp., a supplier of linings and interlinings.
A former Textile Association of Los Angeles (TALA) Man of the Year, Kroner held numerous posts with industry organizations. He was on the TALA Board of Directors and served as director and vice president. He also served as president of the Coalition of Apparel Industries and was executive vice president of California Fashion Creators.
Additionally, Kroner was active in several charities and civic organizations, including the City of Hope, Cedars-Sinai Fashion Industries Guild and the National Conference of Christians and Jews, and was named Man of the Year by the American Jewish Committee. He also served in World War II.
Kroner was a popular figure in the Los Angeles fashion district up until his death and was recently remembered by industry colleagues as a successful businessman who was ethical and generous.
“When you’d call him, you’d get to speak to him no matter who you were,” said Hal Kaltman of Hal Kaltman Textiles, who worked with Kroner for several years. “He didn’t have his calls screened. Every call got through. In the 40 years I’ve been in this business, I’ve never heard a derogatory comment about him.”
TALA president Ann Davis remembered Kroner as “a true gentleman who was generous...and an inspiration to everyone. He certainly will be missed.”
Marjorie Carne, who served with Kroner at California Fashion Creators, a now-defunct marketing association, said Kroner was instrumental in helping to promote the local apparel industry and was active dealing with governmental issues affecting the industry.
Larry Irwin, Kroner’s partner at Mark Textile, remembered Kroner as someone who was active in overseeing the welfare of his employees. “He was a very caring, gentle man. He boasted that he was a true liberal. He certainly did a lot for our employees,” he said.
Kroner is survived by his wife, Esther, son Paul, daughters Lynn and Patty, sister Adele and two grandchildren, Michael and Elizabeth.
Donations can be sent to the City of Hope in care of the Marvin Kroner Memorial Fund, Attn: Cynthia Savage, 1055 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90017. —Robert McAllister
