Obituaries
The California congressman is being remembered by ag groups throughout the state for his steadfast advocacy for rural California and agriculture.
Baldor Specialty Foods credits him with being the first to bring now-common items like endive and French shallots to the U.S.
He had served as a past chair of the board for United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association among other leadership roles.
Jonathan W. Field, who worked on behalf of the state’s tree fruit, nut and leafy greens industries, died Aug. 5.
Brad Moorer, who died unexpectedly Aug. 7, is remembered as a strong advocate for the domestic berry grower.
Barnes, a leader of the North Carolina sweetpotato industry, died July 12. A memorial service will be held July 20.
With a career spanning more than six decades, the potato supplier says its former president’s vision and leadership helped grow the company’s reputation.
With the passing of Advisory Board Member William Sheridan, Chestnut Hill Farms honors the industry leader and trusted adviser for his integrity and dedication.
The longtime citrus and stone fruit buyer was known for his passion for the industry, mentorship and kindness.
The organization said Scott Marboe whose leadership and mentorship helped shape the Northwest tree fruit industry, will be remembered for uplifting and inspiring those around him.
Williams, who had battled cancer, joined the company in 2023 as vice president of sales.
The Fresno, Calif.-based company announced the death of Levon Ganajian, its vice president of retail relations, who worked for the company for more than 10 years.
Leaders, innovators and industry stalwarts were among those who died in 2023, with their peers remembering their professional contributions and impact on the produce industry.
During his 45 years of ownership, The Dramm Corp. grew to a four-segment business that included commercial greenhouse equipment and other products.
In a recent call with The Packer, Jeffrey Nagelberg’s son, Eric, recounted his father’s wisdom in the produce business and in life, specifically admiring his ability to find the middle ground in produce relationships.
Volpe, who died peacefully June 10 at age 100, is recalled for his commitment to the table grape business, his family and charitable giving.
Benny “Buck” DeTroy Shuman Jr. died May 31, 2024, at 91. He was the patriarch of Shuman Farms, one of the largest growers of Vidalia onions.
David Whitmore, a longtime employee of and former vice president for Peak of the Market, died April 16 at age 60.
“Bobby was an original ‘produce man,’” said Robert Bassetti’s brother, Jimmy Bassetti of Little Bear Produce.
Marco Andrea Corbo, produce veteran and vice president of sales and operations for Toronto’s J.E. Russell Produce Ltd., died June 18.
Longtime Kentucky produce industry veteran Al “Buzz” Horton died Sept. 4 at age 79.
Kenneth Fox died April 17 at age 91, the McAllen,Texas-based flexible packaging company announced.
Vangelos, whose career spanned over 50 years and included leadership roles for companies and industry organizations, died Sept. 5 at age 92.
Harold Weisfeld, founder of Fruit Distributing Corp. of California, Commerce, has died.
Richard “Dick” Allen Symms, who led and grew the family business, Symms Fruit Ranch, Caldwell, Idaho, died July 13. He was 84.
Mario Basciani, a mushroom grower known for his tireless work ethic and founder of Basciani Foods, has died.
Ken Martin, who left a short career as a funeral director and mortician in Missouri to manage what became one of the Rio Grande Valley’s major citrus operations, has died.