NAUMD and the entire uniform industry mourns the passing of HWC’s patriarch Lloyd Hamburger. Lloyd died peacefully on Sunday, December 5. He was 93.
Newcomers to the industry may not be familiar with the name, but for seasoned veterans, Lloyd was a powerhouse, a trailblazer who was a mentor to many, and who always took the time to offer advice to all who sought it.
Family-owned HWC was founded by Lloyd’s father, Irving, in 1940, at a time when there were no synthetics or polyester uniform fabrics. While large manufacturers could purchase hundreds to thousands of yards, there was no way that small companies could manage to either afford or warehouse the huge quantities that were mandated by many mills of the era. So he decided to become a distributor by buying full lots of goods. He warehoused them himself, cut them up and resold them to smaller manufacturers on an “on demand” basis.
Lloyd and his brother Stuart took over the business in 1953, growing and expanding the product line to include whistles, accessories and handcuffs. Ilene Rosen, who is Irving’s granddaughter and Lloyd’s daughter, continues the family ownership tradition today.
Lloyd was active in NAUMD for many years, serving on numerous committees and was a member of the board of directors. Hamburger Woolen, as it was previously known, also sponsored the convention’s popular tennis tournament during the ’80s and ’90s, at which Lloyd would eagerly offer up tips to those seeking to improve a failing backhand.
While many relish retirement, Lloyd chose to remain active in HWC’s day-to-day affairs in later years. Prior to the pandemic, Lloyd was still going into the office 4 days a week, offering his expertise to staff and assisting in daily operations.
A sports enthusiast, Lloyd was a true New Yorker, and was fiercely dedicated to the only teams that mattered – the New York Giants and New York Rangers. He adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren, his daughters, and the entire HWC family. Besides his extended family, he is survived by his bride and love of his life, Judy.
Learn more about services for Lloyd here.
