Longtime New York produce wholesaler and importer Sal Vacca, who died March 22, 2023, at the age of 93, appears to be one of those rare people who was universally respected and loved.

“Sal was the nicest man I have ever met in my whole life… a true gentlemen,” said Thomas J. Tramutola of A&J Produce Corp., a wholesale operation located on the same Hunts Point Terminal Market in the Bronx, NY, as Mr. Vacca’s AJ Trucco produce house.

Another industry colleague, Matthew D’Arrigo, owner of D’Arrigo Bros. Co. of New York, was equally clear in his assessment. “Sal Vacca was the last of the generation of great New York produce wholesalers whose business career straddled the old produce world of the Washington Market and the new world market of Hunt’s Point,” he said. “Sal’s entire persona was without question from a bygone era where men were gentlemen and he fit that bill to a tee. Sal, having emigrated from Italy in the 40s was the embodiment of the American Dream and was a man of great character, style, wit and intelligence.”

Vacca retired in 2015 but he remained a constant presence in so many lives. His employees remember him fondly, including his weekly habit of cooking pasta lunches for the crew — a practice he kept up well into his retirement.

The love of his life was undisputedly Diane Vacca, whom he married in 1971, but she unabashedly admitted that he loved many, many people. “He absolutely loved women. Ciao bella, would be his greeting to all women,” she said of the Italian phrase that literally means “Hello beautiful.”

Salvatore Vacca was born in Anacapri on the island of Capri in Italy in 1929. He was in school learning English when World War II ended in 1945. He also had a business buying locally made espadrilles and taking them to Naples to sell. That year a cousin of his father, Domenico D’Angiola, approached Sal with the idea of coming to the United States.

“Domenico had already moved to the U.S.,” Vacca told The Produce News at the time of his retirement. “After the war he returned to Italy to re-establish his import business dealing in grocery items, including chestnuts. He asked me if I would like to come here, and I said yes, without even asking my parents.”

Vacca arrived in the United States in 1949 and worked for the firm for about eight years. Diane Vacca said Sal was the company’s best salesman and asked for a 5 percent raise, which was refused. He subsequently quit the company and went to work for others. Eventually, he bought the original company and began working for himself.

Alfred Trucco, who dealt in dried fruits and nuts at the Washington Street Terminal Market in Manhattan, was one of Vacca’s customers. “Alfred suggested we join companies, and we formed AJ Trucco,” said Vacca in 2015. “We incorporated in 1961. When Hunts Point opened in March 1967, we were among the first to relocate.”

He eventually owned five companies, with dried fruit, nuts and canned tomatoes from Italy being his signature items. AJ Trucco continued to grow, adding other commodities along the way, and remained a very respected house on the Hunts Point market for decades with Vacca at its helm. In 2000, Vacca took on another partner in Nick Pacia. “We were doing business with Nick, who was supplying us with kiwifruit and other items,” said Vacca in 2015. “We had developed a great relationship and agreed to join forces.”

Pacia recently spoke of his relationship with Vacca, noting that it went well beyond business partners. “He was a cherished father figure in my life. Our paths first crossed back in 1996/1997. From the moment we met it felt as though we had known each other for a lifetime. We embarked on a business journey together, and in 2000, we made the decision to merge our companies, with me joining AJ Trucco Inc.,” he said. “Sal’s immense knowledge and ability to provide invaluable advice were always there for me. He took it upon himself to teach me the intricacies of the wholesale business at Hunts Point. The respect he commanded within the industry was unparalleled, and even to this day, people speak of him as the epitome of a gentleman.”

Pacia was among those that fondly recalled Sal’s passion for cooking. “Every Thursday, he would treat us to his culinary creations at the office. Even after his retirement, he would occasionally drop by just to cook and say hello, reminding us of his warmth and infectious spirit. His presence at Hunts Point was cherished by all, as he served as a beacon of inspiration to everyone fortunate enough to cross paths with him. His profound impact on my life, both personally and professionally, cannot be overstated.”

He also had a profound influence on the life of Diane Vacca, who was a divorced mother of two when she met Sal in 1969. “We went on a blind date,” she recalled it being January 18, 1969. “I wore a simple green dress. I remember that because it turned out he didn’t like that dress. I had a small waist, and that dress didn’t show it off.”

On that first date they went to the Rainbow Room in Manhattan and ended up staying out very late, having a great time and getting to know each other. It was on their second date, that Sal first introduced Diane to his culinary skills, cooking her Spaghetti Diablo. By Valentine’s Day, they were a couple. Soon thereafter, Sal asked Diane to marry him as they were entering her apartment building. “Are you crazy,” she said. “We just met.”

Diane said he never asked her again, but they did marry on September 3, 1971, after taking their first trip to Italy together in the spring of that year. In fact, Sal bought a house in Capri that year and they went to Italy for about a month every year from 1971 to 2019.

Eric and Lisa, Diane’s children, were adopted by Sal and took his name. It was one of the many, many things that has given Diane a deep, deep affection for her husband of more than 51 years. “Sal was an extremely generous person, and he was also very caring,” she said. “When he would meet someone, he was always very interested in them, and he would remember their story. He knew everything about everybody. He really was loved by many people.”

A few weeks after his death, Diane took out his computer and logged into his Facebook account as she knew he had many friends all over the world that would like to know the news. “I wrote it in both Italian and English and the flood of responses I received was such a wonderful thing.”

Diane noted that it was her quest to learn Italian — to be able to speak to Sal’s relatives — that led her to another great period in her life that deserves a special thanks to her husband. Diane, who is of Cuban descent, spoke Spanish as her first language so she figured that learning Italian wouldn’t be that difficult. She went back to school to take some Italian courses and Sal encouraged her to continue to take more and more classes. “Sal worked very hard, but he really helped me out doing most of the shopping and cooking. Eventually I got my degree and went to grad school. By this time the kids were in high school. Sal always would say I want you to be happy.”

At the time, the family lived in Scarsdale, NY, which is less than an hour’s drive to New Haven, CT.  “I ended up going to Yale and eventually got my PhD in medieval studies and did my dissertation on a medieval Italian artist. Sal was very proud of me. He liked doing things for people and would always remember what they liked and would cook it for them.”

Lisa Vacca-Brown was adopted by Sal in the early 1970s after he and her mother were married in 1971. “He showed me what a father, businessman, mentor and uncle to many is,” she said. “Sacrifices for the greater good, the love of simple things, glances and winks of mutual understanding, dedication and perseverance in his professional life and making his word count in every facet of life, while always being fair, honest, sensitive and confident in his decisions — and loving a good party for every anniversary and occasion.”

Diane and Lisa’s memories of their husband and father were shared by many, including these comments by colleagues and friends.

Denise Goodman of M&R Tomato Distributors Inc.: “When I would take my morning walks from Row A to Row C I would walk past AJ Trucco. Sal was in the booth working. He was selling, taking orders, chatting with the customers or on the phone with his family in Italy. He would always take time out to talk with me. We quickly became friends. Sal shared stories about why he left Italy to come to the United States, his experience in the old Washington Market and his views about the market of today. I was also fortunate to celebrate his 80th and 90th birthday celebrations with him and his family and friends. Sal had a twinkle in his eyes. He was not tall in stature but when Sal was in the room, he had a giant presence.”

Myra Gordon, retired executive director of the Hunts Point Terminal Produce Cooperative Association Inc.: “I knew Sal for 35 years. I found Sal’s story fascinating from how he arrived, to the story of his chestnuts. Determination was a mantra to Sal, which is how he went from the lower east side to the then terminal market in lower Manhattan to Hunts Point. He enjoyed selling on the walk most of all as to Sal, the best part of his day was the interaction with his customers. Many of these customers became regulars and friends. When my son and daughter-in-law and their young daughters came for a visit, Sal stopped to talk to each as they left with his generosity, a box of blood oranges they had never tasted. This just a small example of his generosity. A genuine side of Sal who was also a sharp businessman striving to increase and grow his business.”

Tracey Monahan of Southern Specialties: “I have so many wonderful memories of Sal Vacca. He was my employer and became a wonderful friend over the years.  I was hired by Sal to work for AJ Trucco back in 1994 then left the company in 2007, when I relocated to Florida. I learned a lot from Sal. Over the years that office became like a family. He was the most humble, generous, kind man that I have ever worked for. One of my best memories was one of his big birthday parties in the Botanical Gardens. All I can say was that man can dance. The energy… he had me and all the ladies dancing on that floor all night long. Ciao!”

Valerie Denardo of AJ Trucco Inc.: “Sal hired me 16 years ago and he made me feel so welcome with his beautiful smile. He always made it a joy to come to work and treated us like family. Once a week making his pasta, so we can all sit like a family and enjoy a meal together. What I will miss most is Christmas time, since we both loved Christmas and Christmas music. How we would sing and dance to the songs. It was an honor to know and work with Sal.”

Cathy Moeller of AJ Trucco Inc.: “I started working for AJ Trucco in 1995. It was great working here with him; he would cook for us and tell lots of stories and we had a lot of laughs. It was family time. We would go out to lunch or dinner for certain occasions and on one of those occasions everyone had to follow me to the Pine Tavern. I got lost coming from the back way and so I kept passing it and made so many U-turns. Sal gave me a big hug and thanked me because he said he never saw so many beautiful roses in one area. Sal was an amazing person and I’m blessed to have had him in my life.”

Grandson Alexander Familant: “My grandfather, Nonno, or as everyone else knew him, Sal, was the greatest man that I knew. He lived every day to its absolute fullest. I remember one time when I was speaking with him, he looked at me and told me ‘Alexander, I have no regrets,’ and he said it in such a calm and cool way, I know he 100 percent meant it. He was always one to get to places early. Waking up at 4 a.m. to go into work every day until he was 85, cooking dinner most nights with his amazing Italian recipes, going to Italy every summer. I would have dinner with Nonno and my grandmother quite often and I also went into the office with Nonno many times. The thing about Nonno was that everywhere I went with him in the market, someone would pull me aside and tell me what an amazing grandfather I have. At his celebratory events, there were always multiple speeches of how my grandfather had changed their lives with an opportunity or conversation. They say that one’s life is only as valuable as the number of people that remember it and the impact that it has on people after your death. In these terms, my grandfather lived one of the best lives that one could and will always be remembered for his warm demeanor, his passion for Napoli soccer, his love of his family and his role at AJ Trucco and the friendships he made along the way.”

Daughter Lisa Vacca Brown: “My first vivid memory of me dancing and singing and having so much fun was with Papà. It was a 45 record of Carina in Italian. I started learning Italian while dancing with him — so much fun. I ended up learning Italian fluently and dancing with Papà until he was 93. Papà wasn’t just a great cook, he was also a great host.  Papà, you left a big hole that no one can fill, however we carry on, as you would and as you want us to. There is a lot of beauty in the world, if we focus on that and bring light to those who feel dark, we’ll feel better. I know I will always be able to connect to your spirit and guidance when I am still and in a receiving place. Grazie per tutto Papà.”

Claudio Dalimonte of Trucco: Sal Vacca was not only an exceptional boss but also an incredible and devoted friend. As I reflect on our shared experiences, tears stream down my face as I put my thoughts into words. I can’t help but ponder the fact that if it weren’t for Sal, my best-case scenario would have been retiring as a sanitation worker. Sal’s impact on my life was immeasurable, and I attribute everything I possess to his guidance and unwavering support. His belief in me propelled me toward success and the possessions I hold dear today. The void left by his absence is profound.

Tony Biondo of Trucco: Sal meant so much to me. He was like a grandfather or father figure to most of us. Everyone in the office, including me, would ask him for advice because he was so knowledgeable. He was always willing to help people. Everyone who knew him always paid the utmost respect to him, but he could relate to anyone he came across and was so understanding. He had such a beautiful smile, and would light up the room when he walked in. He was very proper and well-mannered man and rarely ever cursed. He was pure class. Sal touched the lives of so many and the memories will forever be in our hearts. Sal knew my father before I was even born. He used to bust me saying he was the reason I was born because he advised my father to marry my mother to avoid going to the Vietnam War.  He loved to tell stories like this and everyone loved to listen to him.

Vito Cangialosi of Trucco: Sal was a friend, an advisor, but most importantly family. I have always been a private person and family driven, and so letting someone in my inner circle was very new to me. Sal understood that and my passion for things — and also my stubbornness. Our conversations are what I miss the most. Sal just related to me, and I miss him very much. Every morning when we saw each other, my greeting to him would be “What’s Going on?” He would look at me, and even if it was a rough morning at work, he would smile and repeat “What’s Going on?” I love you Sal and I know you are watching over us. Thank you for being in my life and guiding all of us, as you could only do.

Sal Vacca on his life in 2015: “America has served me very well. It provided me with a great opportunity, which it still does today if you work hard. It afforded me the greatest group of people with which to work and form friendships, from suppliers to customers and especially our neighbors and friends at Hunts Point.”

Top photo: Tony Biondo, Nick Pacia, Vito Cangialosi, Sal Vacca and John Magna.