A&J Produce said its longtime citrus and stone fruit buyer Jeff Young, 62, died on April 1.
He was born Sept. 15, 1962.
He had worked at A&J Produce for 28 years, and the company said he brought unparalleled knowledge and passion to his role. Young started in the fresh produce industry through his cousin, Bob Johnson, currently with Johnson Associated Fruit Co.
“For 14 years, I had the privilege of working alongside him every single day. He taught me so much about the produce business, but more importantly, he showed me the value of building genuine connections,” James Tramutola, manager of A&J Produce Corp., said. “For Jeff, business wasn’t just about transactions — it was about people. His passion for what he did was undeniable, and he made the work feel easier simply by being himself.
Those at A&J Produce said Young was like family and treated everyone at A&J Produce with kindness.
“One of the things I admired most about Jeff was his incredible memory. He never forgot a face, a story or a detail about anyone he met,” Tramutola said. “Walking through a convention with him was like accompanying a celebrity — he couldn’t go more than a few steps without running into someone he knew. And the remarkable part was, he always remembered everything about them. The office will never be the same without Jeff, but the lessons he taught me, the stories he shared and the kindness he showed will stay with me always.”
He also represented the industry at the Eastern Produce Council and the International Fresh Produce Association.
“Jeff’s presence was always felt at these gatherings, where he represented A&J with pride and dedication,” the organization said. “He consistently worked to strengthen and maintain relationships with growers, shippers and customers.”
A&J Produce said Young was deeply invested in fostering the next generations at the company, mentoring young employees and offering guidance and support.
“Throughout his career, Jeff’s extensive knowledge, experience and skill were evident in everything he did, from managing relationships with both shippers and customers to his unwavering commitment to excellence,” the company said in a statement. “His dedication to the company and willingness to always go the extra mile made him a standout representative of A&J. His daily efforts were integral to our success, and his contributions will be hard to replace.”
Young leaves behind his brothers, Matt and Cliff; his wife, Constance; and his daughters, Jillian (son-in-law Naro) and Cassidy.
Those wishing to leave a message of condolence can do so on his obituary: www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/nj/newfoundland/john-jeffrey-young-19582949
