Leather industry veteran dies
Umberto Sammarco died on April 29 at the age of 64.
Professor Dr Sammarco was one of the first graduates at the newly opened Arzignano Leather Tanning School (ITIS Galileo Galilei), in 1964-65. He went on to study at the University of Naples, where he obtained a degree in chemistry.
Following this, he returned to the Arzignano Leather Tanning School as a teacher. He went on to hold managerial positions at multinational leather chemical companies such as Trumpler and TFL, as well as at Gruppo Mastrotto, where he led research activities.
In addition to these roles, Professor Sammarco taught a leather chemicals degree
at the University of Padua and was an international leather consultant for private companies and for the Italian ministry for overseas trade. He was also an active member of the Italian Leather Chemists Association, AICC, of which he was secretary.
Professor Sammarco published a book entitled ‘Tecnologia Conciaria’ (Leather Technology) in 2007. This book was used as reference text for the tanning sector as well as for education purposes.
He was well known for his emphasis on corporate responsibility within the leather making process, both in terms of the environment and in terms of worker health and safety.
Professor Sammarco is survived by his wife Gilda and son Mirko.
