SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA - We are deeply saddened to report the recent passing of a dedicated industry leader. Allen (Al) James Vangelos passed away on Thursday September 5, just four weeks after his 92nd birthday, after sharing his love with the produce industry for more than 50 years.
After serving in the U.S. Marines, Vangelos lived in St. Louis, Missouri, where he was set up on a blind date with Mary Panos. It was literally love at first sight, as he proposed just four months later on Christmas. They married in April, 1954, and had six children during the next 13 years.
The Vangelos moved from St. Louis to Northern California in 1959, as Al started work in the food/produce business for Birdseye. Soon after, he moved to Dole Foods Corporation in its processing division and was then transferred to the fresh pineapple and vegetable side of the business.
After over 25 years with Dole, where as company President, he helped facilitate the sale of Bud Antle Lettuce to Dole Veg in the late 1970s, he then had the opportunity to become the Chief Executive Officer and President of Calavo Growers in 1987. He spent 11 years with Calavo, where he built its avocado business to become one of the largest avocado suppliers in California. He pioneered avocados being packed and shipped from Mexico by opening the first packing shed there.
In 2000, after leaving Calavo, he and partners opened the Novelle Consulting group. Vangelos loved to share stories of working with the Russian Government, opening the first branded co-op for potatoes and meeting with all the leaders in Russia, including Mikhail Gorbachev. This was all during the time Russia was considering becoming a democracy. He was rightfully proud of his work in Russia as the brands he developed still exist today.
In 2002, he was the President and CEO of US Harvest Green. Then, in 2008, he accepted the offer to become the CEO and President of Sun World International. He transitioned the company to become solely a developer and grower of grape varieties and proprietary grapes, and successfully led it through a company sale.
Vangelos served on many private company boards, including BC Hothouse (as Chairman), Sun World International, Key and Company, Naturipe Growers, and the Russian Farm Project. He proudly served the produce industry when he was elected Chairman of United Fresh Produce Association in the mid-1990s.
A little-known fact about Vangelos is that he worked with an entrepreneur who developed the flak jacket for the NFL and improved helmets that today most quarterback’s wear. The first adopters were Dan Pastorini and Joe Montana. Both were using the jacket to protect broken ribs and injuries.
Vangelos was most proud of his Greek heritage and his family, we learned from his obituary. He is survived by Mary, his wife of 70 years, six children (Jim, Mary Kaye, Chris, Vasi, Dan, and Steve), 14 grandchildren, and one great grandchild. His sons, Jim and Chris are active in the produce industry and Al was able to work alongside them on many projects during the past 30 years.
A memorial funeral and celebration will be held on Tuesday, September 17, at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Dana Point, California.
Below are some industry members' thoughts on Allen Vangelos:
Karen Caplan, Founder and Executive Coach, Karen Caplan Growth Catalyst
“When I first joined the United Fresh Produce Board in 1995, Al Vangelos was the Board Chair. I respected that he approached everything with a sense of humor coupled with deep passion for our industry. He was definitely a role model for me, when I became Chair. Four years ago, I learned that we lived 10 minutes from each other and I was fortunate to have had many dinners, walks and conversations with Al and Mary. His quick wit and strategic thinking will be missed by me, and so many others in our industry.”
Tom Stenzel, Principal, The Stenzel Group
“When I joined United Fresh in 1993 as a newbie in produce, Al reached out immediately and brought me under his wing. His professional leadership was unparalleled, matched only by his personal charisma and grace. He was a true mentor to me, and my wife Kathy and I valued our friendship with Al and Mary as a highlight of our lives in the produce industry.”
Dawn Gray, President, Dawn Gray Global Consulting
"What to say about Al Vangelos…he was, of course, a legend in our industry. I suspect that anyone who had the great gift of spending time in his company would have wonderful stories of just how special Al was—at making you feel special. He was a friend, a role model, and someone in whose company you were always inspired to be just a bit better. Truly one of the greats."
David Marguleas, Chief Executive Officer, Sun World International
“Al Vangelos touched countless people throughout his life. His energy, curiosity and sense of humor were legendary at the many produce businesses he led. To me, and undoubtedly to many others, he was an inspiration, a character in the best sense of the word, a teacher and, importantly, a wonderful friend.”
Dick Spezzano, Retired Industry Veteran
“I have known Al for over 30 years. He was a constant professional, always ready to listen, and family was most important to him.”
We share our deepest condolences to those who experienced this great loss.
