Flexography lost a fixture and one of its most avid historians, Jan. 15, 2016, when Joseph P. Trungale, elected to FTA’s Flexo Hall of Fame in 1985, peacefully passed away at 87…read more His affiliation with the Flexographic Technical Association dates back to 1971—45 years. He first took on the title “flexographer” in 1962 and a passion was immediately born.

He once told FLEXO, “During my 40 years in flexography, I have witnessed growth beyond my imagination, primarily due to the dedication and sharing of information among both suppliers and converters. Flexography has the ability to continue this growth through the energies of new people to our industry. Every flexographer should invest in our future.”

Joe chaired FTA’s 1990 Annual Forum in New Orleans, LA; served on FTA’s Board of Directors and FFTA’s Board of Trustees from 1985-1991; filled the role of National Workshop Chairman from 1982-1985; assisted in the development of FTA’s 1983 Color Conference; at one time chaired FTA’s Operations Roundtables; chaired its Seminars and Conference Committee; spoke by his count at five Forums; took the podium for the first time at a 1973 workshop; contributed to multiple updates to Flexography Principles & Practices; and authored several articles in FLEXO—including a series of FLEXO Pioneer and Hall of Fame Member profiles.

Beyond FTA, Joe served as an instructor in Fox Valley Technical College’s Basic Flexography program and lectured on that campus for nearly 25 years. Clemson University and the University of Western Michigan were among other locations where he made multiple technical presentations.  He was also active in the Corrugated Containers Section of the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI). In 2003, TAPPI presented Joe with its Distinguished Service and Leadership Award.

His professional career in printing and packaging began in the late 1950s. Early experience came as a press operator at Columbia Ribbon & Carbon Manufacturing, where he later rose through the ranks to become printing and production manager. In 1970, Joe joined Pamarco as a technical salesman, then became regional sales manager for the Midwest before being promoted to vice president of national accounts in 1981 and eventually, vice president, general manager Western Division and member of the executive board. He retired in 1999, shortly after writing the book, “The Anilox Roll: Heart of the Flexo Process.”

FTA MEMORIES

“Although Joe had not been actively employed for a number of years, he always remained active and in touch with his flexo friends,” FTA President Mark Cisternino recalled. “He was a great help to me as I progressed in my career…and a very good friend who I always enjoyed re-connecting with. He LOVED going to the Forum annually and most recently made the trip this past year (2015) to Nashville, where he offered FTA his services volunteering as a good will ambassador at the registration desk. Joe’s smiling face was an awesome representation of the FTA! He will surely be missed by all whose lives he touched.”

HALL OF FAME REMEMBRANCES

“Now that I’ve composed myself after learning of Joe’s passing, I’ll admit I’m sending this note with tears in my eye’s and a fluttering heart. It’s not the first time I’ve reacted this way after hearing of the lose of a colleague (I miss them all). But this time, with Joe, it’s a bit different. Joe and I shared so much in so many ways. Joe was dedicated to FTA and the flexo community and we participated together in workshops, committees, Forums, Boards, seminars, etc. We shared an Italian heritage with similar expressions, vocabularies, hand-arm movements and humor. We argued for years over who was a quarter inch “taller.”  At 5’3″, a 1/4″ is very meaningful. Several times he’d surprise me and stack phone books on a chair or on stage for me to sit or stand on to accentuate his point. Once, prior to a meeting, he arranged for a baby high chair to be placed in my seating position. While I was speaking he’d shout from the rear of the room for me to “please stand up.” Needless to say, this always cracked me up and usually had the audience laughing hysterically. We were serious flexographers who were also having fun.

We traveled the country and the globe sharing technical information with new and experienced flexographers. Joe could be dead-pan serious when judging FTA Excellence in Flexography award candidates. He contributed to helping the FTA organization while on it’s Board and even in retirement on the Hall of Fame Committee. Throughout those years, we had so many laughs and shared so many of life’s experiences. I’ll say, with a blush, (and as “younger” men) we both admired and appreciated shapely, beautiful women. So, Joe married one who was a very nice, pleasant person who was a supportive wife and beautiful person. Joe, the FTA and the industry will miss you. I especially will miss you. And, I guess now it’s time to admit…You were always a taller man than I.”
–Tony Bart ’96

“I am a bit devastated as Joe was not only one of my best flexo friends he was one of my best teachers and I learned some very valuable sales and people lessons from him. I wrote a suppliers’ newsletter around 1998 or so all about him and his idiosyncrasies and some of the lessons I learned from him over the years.

Back in about 1982, I worked for a company that had a relationship with Pamarco through a licensing arrangement and we had a client who was not happy with some product and Joe and a very young and green David Burgess flew up to Toronto to join me in a meeting with said client which did not go all that well. We get in the car after the meeting and instead of Joe telling us what happened or giving us his opinion as the senior guy, he asks David what he thinks and asks me what I thought and forms a strategy and gives the two of us all the credit for coming up with a solution. I can’t remember exactly how it all worked out but do remember that an industry icon valued the opinion of two juniors and made both of us feel important.

I also recall meeting Joe at a CMM trade show a few years later and asking him where his booth was (his company that year did not have one) and he replied that he was working the aisles – something I used and did many times when I first started my own company.

When Joe had his first book published he paid me and a few others the ultimate compliment by thanking me in print in his acknowledgements in his prologue and when I thanked him and asked him why he would honour me like that, he responded by telling me that I once in a conversation suggested he write a book which I may have said when he shared some of his sage wisdom with me.

Joe and I had a standing appointment at every Forum we both attended since I retired 10 years ago where we would reminisce and solve a lot of the world’s problems. I will keep it this year as I am sure that he will be there and be listening and I will for sure see in my mind that big toothy smile. Godspeed my friend and thank you for helping me all these years be a better person.”
–Dave Horsman ’01

“We’ll all feel the void when we approach the Forum registration desk this year. It seemed like he was always the first face I saw and it always came with a warm greeting.”
–Page Crouch ‘14

“Joe Trungale was, by any measure, an exceptional human being and a true friend.”
–Alan Leeson ‘04

“I am so sorry to hear of the loss of our fellow Hall of Fame member and dear friend Joe Trungale. I always looked forward to seeing him at the Forums. We will all certainly miss Joe. My prayers go out to his family.”
–John Shreve ’97

“Joe was such a warm and gentle person. Always willing to help younger flexographers and made sure to make you feel wanted. He will be missed.”
–Howard Vreeland ’08

FAMILY & COMMUNITY

Joe served his country in the US Army during World War II as a Warrant Officer, Junior Grade in the 121st Heavy Tank Battalion and 33rd Infantry Division After completing military service, Joe attended both John Marshall Law School and Aurora College, while simultaneously serving eight years as a Chief Warrant Officer in the Army Reserves.

In Geneva, IL, his hometown, Joe is fondly remembered as a PeeWee football coach, as well a past president of the league. He is survived by children Joseph (Candy) and David (Sabrina); grandchildren Joey, Jeffrey, Andrea and David and brother Mario. Joe was preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years, Nancy, who passed away in 2009.