Andy D’Arrigo was born in Stockton, CA on February 1, 1924 to Stefano and Concetta D’Arrigo. Stefano, an immigrant from Messina, Sicily, arrived at the immigration station at Ellis Island in New York aboard RMS Cretic on May 5, 1911 at the age of seventeen.
At age two and a half, Andy’s picture became the iconic brand for the company. After serving in the Navy in WWII, Andy earned a Bachelor of Science degree from UC Davis, and in 1965 at the age of 41 became President of D’Arrigo Bros. Co., of California.
Andy is most proud of upholding the legacy of the Andy Boy tenets of quality produce by introducing the company’s own seed development program for broccoli rabe and fennel, and with setting up the Andrew and Phyllis D’Arrigo Charitable Foundation which allows him to pay it forward by helping others to help themselves.
Andy’s success is a result of hard work, perseverance and doing all the things they told him he could not do. The produce icon is revered by many (young and old) because of his fearless business acumen to “find his own way” and build a produce empire that will celebrate its centennial anniversary next year. These two amazing milestones are definitely a reason for D’Arrigo California and its employees to celebrate.
Please wish Andy a happy 98th birthday and share your favorite Andy Boy memory on social media using the hashtag #HappyBirthdayAndyBoy to memorialize the special day.
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D’Arrigo California’s commitment to breast cancer research
Myra Gordon, Hunts Point stalwart and champion, retires
D’Arrigo New York buys another facility in South Bronx
