Marco Andrea Corbo, produce veteran and vice president of sales and operations for Toronto’s J.E. Russell Produce Ltd., died June 18.
Corbo, 46, had been with J.E. Russell Produce since he was 15 years old, the company officials said.
“We are deeply saddened and distraught with grief to let you know that our beloved Marco Corbo has passed,” company officials said in a tribute. “Marco worked for J.E. Russell Produce for 28 years. He was loyal, dedicated and played a crucial role in the success of the business. Marco was liked and loved by many friends. He, with his great personality made a difference in so many people’s lives. He cared for everyone’s wellbeing and worked so hard to make it happen for J.E. Russell Produce and all our employees. All of us have lived a better life through our experiences with our beloved Marco and that is how he will be forever remembered.”
Hutch Morton, senior vice president, said Corbo began working at J.E. Russell Produce when he was 18 after graduating high school. Corbo already had been working with J.E. Russell Produce through his father Vince’s trucking company, Falconcrest, and would load and unload trucks arriving at Pearson International Airport and deliver to the terminal.
“Marco began his career at J.E. Russell, like so many, as a dock worker,” Morton said. “He rose up the ranks in the operations side of the business ultimately being responsible for all receiving, shipping, quality control and logistics. Marco was an able leader of men and all of his workers had a deep respect for him. He always took good care of the people under his charge and elevated many in to new roles as he mentored them. Marco wore many hats at the company, and ultimately rose up to become the vice president of sales and operations, and the category buyer for berries. Marco was beloved by customers who came to visit him daily to eat, have a warm drink and conduct business.”
Morton said Corbo was a man who contributed much to the company beyond his blood, sweat and tears.
“He was a key personality that built up the Russell team that works as a family,” Morton said. “Marco will never be replaced because it was his big heart that attracted employees, customers, vendors and even competitors to come be with him every day and to share the experience of the Ontario Food Terminal.”
According to his obituary, Corbo was the father of Juliano and Bianca, the son of Vincenzo and Filomena, and brother to Domenic (Vanessa) and Francesco.
Visitation is planned for at Bernardo Funeral Home in Toronto (2960 Dufferin St., south of Lawrence Ave. W.) on Saturday, June 22, and Sunday, June 23, from 2-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Charles Borromeo Church (811 Lawrence Ave. W., at Dufferin St.) on June 24 at 9:30 a.m.
