Ercole Carbone

Ercole Carbone, of Medford, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 27, 2026. He was 98.

Legacy

Ercole was a loving, caring and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He loved to be around his family, especially his grandchildren.

He was a musician, artist, talented tailor, clothing designer, manufacturer, and stylist whose career spanned Europe and the United States. Born in Amorosi, Italy, on March 9, 1928, to Immacolata and Giuseppe Carbone, Ercole developed a passion for tailoring at an early age.

As a young apprentice in Italy, Ercole learned the fundamentals of the tailoring trade. By the age of 14, he had opened and was operating his own tailoring shop, an accomplishment that reflected both his natural talent and his determination to build a career in fashion.

At the age of 22, Ercole immigrated to the United States with an ambitious dream: to become an American citizen. He believed deeply in the opportunities America offered, expressing his conviction that he had come to “be a fashion designer, and there’s opportunity in this country. This is the best country in the world.”

Soon after arriving in the United States, Ercole worked for eight months with J. Press, the renowned custom-tailoring firm with stores in New Haven, Connecticut, and New York City. His growing career was interrupted by military service when he was drafted into the U.S. Army.

Ercole served as a combat infantryman in Korea for 20 months, stationed along the 38th parallel. He rose to the rank of Sergeant First Class and was honorably discharged. His Combat Infantryman Badge remained one of his most treasured possessions, representing his service and sacrifice during the Korean War.

Following his military service, Ercole returned to New York and used the G.I. Bill to study at the Chic School of Fashion Design. His education expanded his technical skills and helped prepare him for the long and varied career that followed. After completing his studies, Ercole operated a custom tailoring firm in Philadelphia. He subsequently spent nearly two decades working as a designer for companies including Robert Bruce, Landsam & Katz, and Genesco. During his career, he also owned and operated his own clothing manufacturing firm for several years.

Ercole's practical knowledge extended well beyond design. He understood the entire manufacturing process and was capable of operating the machinery himself. As he explained, “I can operate any of the machines myself. That's helpful in resolving problems in the plant.” His hands-on knowledge gave him a unique ability to bridge the gap between design and production.

Later in his career, Ercole worked as a consultant stylist and designer, with Fashion Star/Multi-Line among his principal clients. Even when many people might have considered retirement, Ercole continued to pursue his craft. He opened an alteration shop in Atlanta before moving to Florida, where he worked for Gilmore Trading, Inc. and designer Mary McFadden.

Eventually, Ercole returned to Philadelphia, where he continued his work in the fashion industry with Mothers Work and Jones of New York.

Throughout his life, Ercole remained devoted to the art and craft of clothing. From the small tailoring shop, he opened at age 14 in Italy to his work with major American fashion companies, manufacturers, and designers, his career reflected an extraordinary combination of craftsmanship, adaptability, perseverance, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Family

Ercole was the son of Immacolata (Maddalena) and Giuseppe Carbone. His siblings were Antonio Carbone, Vincenzo Carbone, Paulo Carbone, and Antionette Mineo (Carbone).

He was married to Marian Carbone (Cingolo) for over 70 wonderful years. Their children are Lisa Anne Warren and Ralph Ercole Carbone, whose wife is Patricia Lynn Carbone (DeFonce). His grandchildren include Aidan Joseph Carbone and Parker James Warren. Ercole's life brought together two worlds: the Italian tailoring tradition in which he was raised and the American fashion industry in which he built his career. His story is one of immigration, military service, craftsmanship, and a lifelong commitment to his family.

Farewell Tribute

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Thursday, September 3rd from 10:00AM to 10:45AM in the Sacred Heart Church 103 4th Street, Riverton, NJ 08077. Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow in Jesus, Bread of Life Catholic Cemetery Mount Laurel Township, New Jersey.

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