‘Fearless’ leader Joe Procacci dies
Philadelphia produce legend Joe Procacci, died Nov. 17. He was 90.
“Throughout his life, my dad was a successful and innovative businessman, dedicated to fulfilling his customers’ needs,” J.M. Procacci, president of Santa Sweets Inc. and chief operating officer of Procacci Bros. Sales Corp. and CEO of Procacci Holdings LLC, said in a prepared statement. “He was a fearless and relentless leader in our industry. If the produce industry ever opened a Hall of Fame, my dad would be our Babe Ruth.”
In September this year, Joe Procacci stepped down from his role of CEO of Procacci Holdings LLC, passing that title to his son and transitioning to the role of CEO emeritus.
Legacy
Joe Procacci helped reshape the U.S. tomato market with the marketing of Santa Sweets Grape tomatoes and trademarked UglyRipe heirloom tomatoes.
As long-time CEO and chairman of Procacci Bros., he was a key force on industry issues including pallet standardization, grading standards, food safety, trade agreements and preservation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.
The numerous honors he received include The Packer’s Produce Man of the Year, Eastern Produce Council Man of the Year, National Association of Perishable Agricultural Receiver of the Year and the United Fresh Produce Association Lifetime Achievement Award.
Joe is survived by his wife of 69 years, Teresa, his son J.M., daughters Loretta and Rita, 10 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, brothers Michael and Sam and sister Rose.
No details of services were released.
J.M. Procacci said his father recently got to meet the Procacci family’s first great-grandchild.
“For more than 50 years I’ve had the incredible privilege of working alongside him,” J.M. Procacci said in the statement. “He’ll be missed by colleagues, friends and loved ones far more than I can properly put into words.”
