Massachusetts industry pillar Samuel Strock dies

Samuel Strock, long-time president of Chelsea, Mass.-based S. Strock & Co., died Dec. 5.

Strock, 90, started working in 1950 at the family produce business, established in 1897 by his grandfather, also named Samuel.

Strock was recognized as the 2013 New England Produce Person Of The Year, presented to him at the New England Produce Council’s annual expo.

In his early years with Strock & Co., Samuel worked with his father, John Strock, alongside uncles and cousins, according to an obituary. Later, he enjoyed working with his sons Bruce and Rick, and most recently with several of his grandchildren. Strock worked at the company until January 2018, according to the obituary.

Even when he didn’t come to the office, Strock would call daily to see what was happening, and he asked that daily sales reports and the trade newspapers be brought to his house so he could still enjoy the business, according to the obituary.

“Sam loved people and people loved him,” the family said in a remembrance. “He was kind and thoughtful and generous and extremely well respected in both his personal life and business.”

The family said donations in Samuel Strock’s memory can be made to Camp Casco, P.O. Box 330, Sudbury, MA 01776, one of many groups supported by Strock & Co.