<p>Lifetime National Association of Produce Market Managers member, John Armenta passed away away peacefully on June 23, 2013.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>John was one of the founding fathers of NAPMM as well as one of its most committed advocates. Jim Farr, NAPMM GreenSheet Editor, remarks, "I remember fondly meeting John at my first NAPMM meeting, me a young kid who knew next to nothing about markets in the midst of some of the industry’s legends. John immediately made me feel welcome and part of the group with his ready smile and engaging manner."<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Longtime member George Maroulis contacted other veterans for their remembrances and notes, "I spoke with Richard Overheim and Clarence Hughes yesterday. Clarence and I remember John as the unofficial “Sergeant of Arms” who insisted on enforcing a then requirement that all members and attendees of meetings wear and display their ID badge. Prior to the start of a meeting would stand up and announce the name of anyone in the room not wearing their badge and issue a fine of $1.00 that he would collect. Attendees would smile and laugh as this served as comedic relief and a way of making the meetings more personable. John recognized the importance of group problem solving and would stress the importance of setting aside time for the roundtable Managers discussions."<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">He continues, "John was a veteran of WWII, a marine who was part of the early military forces that landed in Tokyo Harbor. He was a Senior Vice president of the Union Pacific Railroad and managed many of the Food related warehouses to include the 7th Street Market (referred to by John as the “Big Market in LA”) the largest market in LA until they constructed the LA Wholesale Produce Market in 1987-88. He had a close relationship with mayor Tom Bradley and introduced many NAPMM members to him, was involved in cultural and civic causes throughout his career assisting immigrants groups and businesses establish themselves in the LA area, as well as the formation of the Food bank in LA."<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Peter Fleming offers his thoughts on John’s life, "John Armenta began his career in the "real world" after serving his Country in the United States Marine Corps. He began at the Los Angeles Union Terminal division of the Southern Pacific Railway Company. He claimed that he started out as an "apprentice's part time helper". LAUT stretched to the port of Los Angeles, to Fontana, to Downtown warehouses and, of course the Los Angeles Union Terminal Market. John had to travel across this vast area to learn all the parts and people involved. Shortened to Seventh Street Market as time went on; and later to "the old market". John finally was given full time status and went to work as an apprentice carpenter and never, ever strayed too far from the shop. He came to know that place like the back of his hand which helped him as he came into the office in about 1970. He worked for the "President of LAUT" a guy named Larry who turned out to be a crook and when they led him away, John handily took the reins, though technically in his junior position. It wasn't until around 1980 that he was rewarded for his loyalty and given the title of Vice President."<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Mr. Fleming goes on, "John was married and they had a beautiful daughter that was raised in the very traditional and strict Armenta household. He swam every day in his pool and reminded all of us that his doctor said he had the "heart of an 18 year old".<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">"We all know that a produce terminal Market needs more attention than most real estate investments. John started his day with a stroll through the 16 acre Market. When the market was sold in later years, John stayed on to consult, but could never convince the management team of "Beverly Hills MBAs" that you absolutely had to be amongst the merchants every day. John was ignored and sadly resigned his position into retirement."<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">"When the new market opened in 1981, the ever proud and loyal John Armenta would announce to anyone listening that "The toilet seats would not have a chance to get cold" before new tenants took the place of those relocating. Not exactly true, but it showed his heart. We miss John Armenta's enthusiasm for life and for the Market. And we would be wise to emulate him every day."</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Mr. Farr, continues, "Please join me in offering our heartfelt condolences to John’s family. His legacy and love for markets, people, the City of Los Angeles and NAPMM will live in our hearts forever. We will miss you John, they don’t make them like you anymore. We will think of you often and know that you will be watching to make sure we carry on your legacy of service and passion for life."</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>AndNowUKnow would like to extend our deepest condolences to John's family and friends.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
