David Bernstein, a past chair of the board for United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association (an International Fresh Produce Association legacy organization), died on Oct. 22 at the age of 85.
During his long career in the fresh produce industry, Bernstein also served as vice president of marketing at Sunkist Growers in California, executive vice president of Pacific Fruit in New York, and owner of an import/export consultancy in Alexandria, where he introduced Moroccan citrus to the U.S.
“Dave was a friend and mentor from my very first day at United Fresh in 1993,” said Tom Stenzel, retired United Fresh CEO and retired IFPA Co-CEO, in an IFPA statement of mourning. “Through it all, he led with a steady hand, encouraging insightful dialogue from his fellow board members as well as emphasizing the importance of advocacy on behalf of the industry.”
Per his obituary, Bernstein spent his childhood in Massachusetts, received his bachelor’s degree business and economics from the University of Maine, and earned his Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School, where he attended nights while working at Sunkist Growers. Throughout his life, he was known for educating anyone he met on the fruit business and often leaving people with product samples and instructions on how to do proper taste tests. He retired at the age of 84.
Bernstein was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Muriel (Brown) Bernstein; brother Robert Bernstein; parents-in-law Philip and Roslyn Ingeneri; and brother-in-law, Philip (Flip) Ingeneri. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lois (Ingeneri) Bernstein; his two children, Lara Mathews (Daniel) and Richard Bernstein; his grandchildren, Alexandra and Katharine Mathews; and his brothers Barry and Gerald Bernstein.
A memorial with a reception to follow will be held Nov. 7 at 3 p.m. at Everly Wheatley Funeral Home, 1500 W Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family says memorial contributions to the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria or the Community Housing Improvement Project in Lincoln County, Maine (CHIP, Inc. – Neighbors helping neighbors) are appreciated.
