Dewey Gargiulo, tomato industry icon, dies at 84
Dewey Gargiulo, tomato industry icon, dies at 84
Dewey Oliver Gargiulo, a legend in the fresh tomato business, died May 9, after a long illness. He was 84.
Before moving to Immokalee, FL, to farm tomatoes in 1952, Mr. Gargiulo began his career in the produce industry working for his uncle in a produce market in the Bronx, NY.
Upon his arrival in Florida, Mr. Gargiulo recognized the opportunity to create a high-quality brand and he worked to grow and pack a premium tomato. He branded the tomato “Beefstake,” which quickly became the standard in the industry.
Mr. Gargiulo was also one of the original founders of the Florida Tomato Exchange, an organization that has continued to work for and represent the Florida tomato industry.
“It was that kind of forward-thinking leadership that Dewey was known for,” said Florida Tomato Committee Manager Reggie Brown, who first met Mr. Gargiulo while working as Collier County’s agricultural extension director in the early 1980s.
“Although he had retired from the business a number of years ago, a leader of Dewey’s caliber left his mark on the industry in a rather permanent way,” Brown said. “Even though he was a relatively quiet individual, when he made a comment or provided input, it was to be recognized and treated as comments from a leader.”
Mr. Gargiulo was born Jan. 7, 1930, in New Rochelle, NY, to Dewey Dante Gargiulo and Margaret Frances Oliver. He attended Villanova University, and upon graduation served with distinction as a captain — one of the youngest commanding officers — in the U.S. Marine Corps.
The longtime Naples, FL, resident is survived by Janet Gargiulo, his wife of 63 years; their three children, Jeff, John, and Lisa; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
A closed private service was held for the family and a few friends. The family requested remembrances, in lieu of flowers, be made to the Neighborhood Health Clinic or Avow Hospice.
