Blueberry grower Peter Macrie was 76
Blueberry grower Peter Macrie was 76
Peter R. Macrie Sr., a lifelong resident of Hammonton, NJ, which calls itself the blueberry capital of the world, died Aug. 28 at his home in Hammonton at the age of 76. He had suffered from heart problems and Alzheimer's disease for the past few years, according to his son, Peter R. Macrie Jr.
Peter Robert Macrie Sr. was born May 7, 1931 in Hammonton, where he graduated from high school in 1949. After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force, where he spent four years, including service in Geneva, NY, during the Korean War.
He and his brother, Paul (Ginger) Macrie, bought a blueberry farm in the early 1950s, and today the Macrie name is especially well known for its part in the New Jersey blueberry deal. He relinquished his part of the blueberry farm in the 1980s and devoted his time to Paul J. Macrie Inc., a full-line produce distributor started by his father in 1926. He retired from taking an active role in the company two to three years ago as his illness gradually got worse, his son noted.
Mr. Macrie was a former member of the Hammonton Town Council and supported local clubs and organizations.
He is survived by his wife, Helen (nee Donio) Macrie; his son, Peter, and his wife, Toni; two daughters, Bernadette Rodio and her husband, Sam, who works at the produce company, and Elizabeth Macrie; his brother, Paul; his sister, Marie Mango; and seven grandchildren.
Peter Robert Macrie Sr. was born May 7, 1931 in Hammonton, where he graduated from high school in 1949. After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force, where he spent four years, including service in Geneva, NY, during the Korean War.
He and his brother, Paul (Ginger) Macrie, bought a blueberry farm in the early 1950s, and today the Macrie name is especially well known for its part in the New Jersey blueberry deal. He relinquished his part of the blueberry farm in the 1980s and devoted his time to Paul J. Macrie Inc., a full-line produce distributor started by his father in 1926. He retired from taking an active role in the company two to three years ago as his illness gradually got worse, his son noted.
Mr. Macrie was a former member of the Hammonton Town Council and supported local clubs and organizations.
He is survived by his wife, Helen (nee Donio) Macrie; his son, Peter, and his wife, Toni; two daughters, Bernadette Rodio and her husband, Sam, who works at the produce company, and Elizabeth Macrie; his brother, Paul; his sister, Marie Mango; and seven grandchildren.