In Memory: Reginald J. Borgia, Age 97
Reginald J. Borgia, 97, of Norwalk, CT and Rye, NY, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 14, 2024. He was born on June 13, 1926, in Charlottesville, VA to the late Joseph C. and Frances (Robinson) Borgia.
He attended Norwalk schools and graduated from Norwalk High School in 1944. His career began in the shipping department at The Hat Corporation of America in Norwalk when he was a teenager. He later became a sales representative in the Dobbs, Knox, and Cavanaugh Divisions and later became Vice President and General Manager of Sales in New York City. His tenure at the Hat Corporation spanned over 20 years and was a “family affair” as his father Joseph worked at the company as a hat blocker, dyer, and felt specialist for many years.
Following that, he served a few years as Vice President and General Sales Manager at Byer-Rolnick Hat Company, known for its popular “Resistol” brand name. However, his biggest accomplishment was taking the helm as President & CEO of Kangol Headwear. Kangol is a headwear company based in the UK and was well-known for its signature “Kangaroo” logo. Many celebrities such as Princess Diana, LL Cool J, and Samuel L. Jackson have worn the brand. He was responsible for introducing the popular caps to the professional PGA golfers and contracted the likes of Payne Stewart and many others to wear the famous cap.
He loved to garden and had a tremendous “green thumb.” He loved to travel and enjoy life. He was an avid history buff and was very proud to trace his lineage back to the Borgia Popes.
He was predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Pearl (Ferrante) Borgia.
He is survived by his son Reginald Jr. (Reggie) and his wife Pamela of Norwalk, his daughter Valerie Bucci and her husband Frank of Monroe, CT & Estero, FL, and his beloved grandchildren Brian J. Fischer II, Al and Jessica Bucci. He is also survived by the mother of his children Madeline C. Borgia of Rowayton.
The family wishes to give a special thank you to his caregiver, Taryna Jameson, for her compassionate care and friendship to their father (Pop).
There are no calling hours. Burial services will be private.
