NEWARK, Del. (BRAIN) — Robert W. Gore, whose work with developing performance fabric advancements led to the creation of GORE-TEX Outerwear, died Sept. 17 at home after a long illness.
He was 83.
Gore is survived by wife Jane and a large family of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and four siblings. Memorial plans are yet to be announced.
Since 1958, the company's scientific discoveries paved the way for advancements in additional industries as varied as medical devices, space exploration, and filtration. Gore assumed the chairman emeritus role in 2018 after 57 years of service on the board, 30 of those as chairman. He also served as president from 1976-2000.
With more than 10,500 associates, Gore generates annual revenues of $3.7 billion.
Gore's commitment to research and development led to his 1969 discovery of a polymer form, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). The introduction of this new material opened possibilities for products and further innovations. The substance provided myriad new product applications, including GORE-TEX Fabrics, the world's first waterproof breathable outerwear and a product that through the years has become synonymous with the outdoors.
Gore would earn nine patents for his work with fluoropolymers. He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering for his technical achievements and in 2006 was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
Born on April 15, 1937, in Salt Lake City, Gore was the oldest of five children of Wilbert L. and Genevieve W. Gore, founders of W. L. Gore & Associates. Bill joined the DuPont workforce after World War II and ultimately was transferred to DuPont's Experimental Station in Delaware.
Bob earned his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Delaware and his master's degree and doctorate in chemical engineering from the University of Minnesota.
Like his father, Bob was a born entrepreneur. As a sophomore in college, he solved an early technical challenge that helped kickstart his parents' company, which was founded in 1958 in the basement of their Delaware home. In 1976, Bob succeeded his father as president and CEO of Gore. Under his leadership, the company's technological achievements flourished.
