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J. Margiotta Co. mourns Phil Margiotta

Philip Joseph Margiotta, who dedicated his life to his family’s very successful wholesale produce business — originally known as M. Trombetta & Sons and now known as J. Margiotta Co. — died Nov. 18 in New Rochelle, NY. He was 99 years old.

Mr. Margiotta and his cousin Steve inherited M. Trombetta & Sons, which they ran together for decades, expanding from the Bronx Terminal Market to Hunts Point Market. Mr. Margiotta was thrilled when his sons Philip and Jimmy joined him in running the Hunts Point location. They worked together as a family and a team until his son Philip’s death in 2010. Jimmy eventually purchased the business from his father and re-branded it as J. Margiotta Co. Jimmy still runs the business today, and never did a day go by without Mr. Margiotta asking for a detailed sales report.

Mr. Margiotta was born June 30, 1924 in New Rochelle to Anna and Philip Margiotta. He was a graduate of New Rochelle High School and a veteran of the United States Coast Guard, having served his country during World War II.

Mr. Margiotta had two marriages, first to Rita Bollettieri, with whom he had one son, Philip James Margiotta. With his second wife, Margaret Fitzpatrick, Mr. Margiotta became the father of two more sons, John Paul and James (Jimmy) Michael Margiotta. Mr. Margiotta immensely enjoyed watching his family grow as his sons married and gave him the gift of many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his dedication to the family business, Mr. Margiotta was a lifelong enthusiastic member of the New York Athletic Club, frequenting both its Central Park South and Pelham Manor locations. He loved the “baths” and could often be seen in the summer relaxing on the Club’s lawn enjoying a cigar, a drink and conversations with his many friends.

Two of Mr. Margiotta’s best qualities were his generosity and his lifelong ability to make and keep close friends. He loved going out to eat with his friends, and he refused to split the check. His two favorite restaurants were Patsy’s in Manhattan and Joe Nina restaurant in the Bronx. As Mr. Margiotta grew older and his friends died, he expanded his circle and continued to make new friends. His sons were often astonished when visiting him, because the phone never seemed to stop ringing. He loved to chat with his friends as he pedaled his stationary bike, rooted for the Yankees and kept his eye on the stock ticker.

Mr. Margiotta lived on his own until he was 98. He had lived in the same home on Interlaken Avenue in New Rochelle for nearly 75 years, though for decades he spent winters first at his second home in Daytona Beach, FL, and later at his son Jimmy’s apartment in the Dominican Republic. Mr. Margiotta also spent several summers in Long Beach, NY, sharing a house with Jimmy.

Mr. Margiotta will be greatly missed by his large family and circle of friends. He is survived by his daughter-in-law Marie Margiotta; his grandson Philip and his wife Jan and their children Zachary, Luke and Katherine; his granddaughter Bianca Olivencia and her husband Eric and their children Mia and Hudson; his son John and his wife Joan and their children Kate, Madeline and Lucy; and his son James and his wife Nicole and their children James, Anna, Isabella and Jack. Mr. Margiotta was predeceased by his eldest son Philip.

A wake will be held for Mr. Margiotta at the Fred H. McGrath & Son Funeral Home at 20 Cedar Street in Bronxville on Tuesday, Nov. 28th 4-8 p.m. A funeral will be held at Church of the Holy Family on 83 Clove Road in New Rochelle on Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 10:30 a.m., with a repass luncheon to be held following the service at the New York Athletic Club at 31 Shore Road in Pelham. 

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