Produce industry icon David Bernstein mourned
Produce industry icon David Bernstein mourned
David Bernstein, a past chair of the United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association who also served as vice president of marketing at Sunkist, died Oct. 22. He was 85.
Mr. Bernstein held many positions over his career in law, sales and marketing, executive leadership and board service, all connected to the produce industry he loved. His legacy includes Sunkist's expansion into Asian markets and time as executive vice president of Pacific Fruit in New York. He was also the owner of an import-export consultancy, introducing Moroccan citrus to the U.S.
Anyone who met him was apt to learn something about the fruit business, if not to be left with product samples and instructions to conduct taste tests. With an unmatched work ethic, he ended his career at 84 years old, working with many of the colleagues he had built relationships with over decades.
Many valued him as a mentor, confidante, and role model. He was the executive who would join the junior staff in the lunchroom and the person who changed the trajectory of many by providing an opportunity. Some remember intensity. All remember quick wit and integrity. His work took him around the world, and he loved the opportunities for his wife to join him on these travels.
“Dave was a friend and mentor from my very first day at United Fresh in 1993,” said retired United Fresh CEO and retired IFPA Co-CEO Tom Stenzel. “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.”
Born March 15, 1940, Mr. Bernstein spent his childhood with his brothers in Newton Highlands, MA, where he loved sports, rooting on his beloved Red Sox, roaming the neighborhood with his friends and playing with his dogs. He graduated from Newton High School in 1958 and received his bachelor's degree in business and economics from the University of Maine, Orono. During college, he relied on the diplomacy and negotiating skills of intermediaries (who became lifelong friends) to meet Lois, the love of his life. He earned his Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School, attending nights while working at Sunkist Growers and starting a family.
With an infectious smile and laugh — and a healthy dose of irreverence — Mr. Bernstein’s humor and quick wit were loved by all who knew him. Curious about others, he never missed an opportunity to strike up a conversation with a colleague, friend, neighbor or stranger, especially loving a good debate about sports or politics, sharing news of his family and learning about others’ lives.
Mr. Bernstein possessed tremendous strength of character and generosity. He was a person to be counted upon and simply did what needed to be done without fanfare. Similarly, his generosity was quiet, never for recognition. Over the years he helped many who came into his life, often without being asked.
A true sports fan, he enjoyed many stadiums, arenas and ballparks over the years, with many happy times spent with his son Richard and friends. As his children and grandchildren grew, he added UCLA, University of Oregon, Alexandria City High School, and an endless list of youth teams to the Boston teams on his fan list. He also spent years enjoying the game of golf across the world and the time spent on the greens with his wife and son, father-in-law, friends and colleagues.
Mr. Bernstein 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. He 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.
A memorial with a reception to follow will be held Nov. 7 at 3 p.m. at Everly Wheatley Funeral Home in Alexandria, VA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria (The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria) or the Community Housing Improvement Project in Lincoln County, Maine (CHIP Inc. – Neighbors helping neighbors) are appreciated.
