OVIEDO, FL - We are deeply saddened to report on the recent passing of an industry great. Edward “Ed” Duda, former Chief Executive Officer of DUDA, passed away on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at the age of 91.

Duda was a third-generation descendant of company Founder Andrew Duda and the first of his generation to serve as President of the company. He began his career with DUDA in 1957 as a farm supervisor at its Belle Glade agriculture operation. He held a variety of significant roles within the company before being elected President in 1977. He was later named President and Chairman of the Board, followed by President and CEO. In 1992, he relinquished his duties as President, continuing to serve as CEO until his retirement in 1998. He served as Chairman of the DUDA Board of Directors until 2005. Duda also served as Chairman of The Viera Company Advisory Board, we learned from the company’s announcement.

Duda’s involvement and influence in Florida agriculture were reflected in his various industry memberships and recognitions over the years. He served as Director of the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida from 1982 to 1998, trustee of Florida Institute of Technology from 1989 to 1996, and was elected Chairman of United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association in 1996. He was also a member of The Florida Council of 100 and a Board Member of Sugarland Harvesting Corporation. Duda was honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Florida in 1994, alongside his cousin, Ferdinand “F.S.” Duda. In 1996, Duda was named “Produce Man of the Year” by a produce news organization.

In addition to his professional industry achievements, Duda was a U.S. Army veteran, member of the Oviedo High School Baseball Hall of Fame, former Vice President of the Lutheran Haven Retirement Center Board, and a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Oviedo, Florida, where he also served on their Board of Trustees. Additionally, he served as a Board Member for Southeast Bank and Rabobank, headquartered in Europe, in the 1980s.

“My father had an intense curiosity about people, life, business, and especially farming and the produce business,” says current DUDA CEO Sammy Duda, Edward Duda’s son. “He took a great deal of pride in the role he played in growing and diversifying DUDA into the successful business it is today. I will always remember his sense of humor, his interest in people from all walks of life, and his drive and determination that we could always be better. His humility and ability to connect with people will be an enduring legacy for all of us to emulate in our approach to life, work, and relationships. His love of the company and the people who worked here were a testament to his faith and confidence in God and the human spirit. He will be missed.”

The International Fresh Produce Association issued a statement reflecting on the passing of Edward "Ed" Duda.

“Ed was a critically impactful Chair who always put the fresh produce industry first and a pleasure to partner with during his tenure as an association leader,” said retired United Fresh CEO and retired IFPA Co-CEO Tom Stenzel. “As United Fresh Chair, he was a strong voice for grower-shippers and a tireless advocate for the needs of the fruit and vegetable production community."

Following a private family burial, a memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 24, at 11:00 a.m. EST at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Oviedo, Florida. A luncheon reception will immediately follow the service in the Founders’ Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church or the Lutheran Haven Retirement Center.

We extend our condolences during this difficult time to all who knew and loved Edward Duda.