MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO, CANADA - Recently, our industry felt an immense sadness, as news of produce great Sam (Salvatore) Bertucci's passing was announced.

A veteran in the industry, Bertucci began his lifelong career in produce early on, working for his family’s supermarket in Toronto, Canada. He then continued his career at the Ontario Food Terminal, where he interacted with several companies and touched many lives. For the last 21 years, he has been with Catania Worldwide, providing incomparable knowledge and dedication in the Sales division that will never be forgotten.

“Sam was a special man in many ways. He had an extremely strong work ethic, a very dry but great sense of humor, and he was a walking produce encyclopedia, but you had to ask! Sam spoke 5 languages and was our go-to in-house doctor. He spent 7 years interning at the old Queensway Hospital. Sam was an extremely intelligent man,” Paul Catania, Owner and President, commented. “I first met Sam when he and I were 21 years of age and loading trucks at the Ontario Food Terminal when Provincial Fruit began. Our paths kept crossing, I as a broker, and Sam in charge of tropical produce at Ontario Produce, until to my great good fortune, he came to work for me 21 years ago. Over the years, I enjoyed catching him eating sweets, or salami, neither of which he was supposed to eat, and I would say, ‘Hey, what you got there?’ It was worth it just to get that look from him! Sam was a guiding hand for me, my sons, and all my staff, all these years, our go-to for so many questions. I will miss my friend very much.”

Bertucci played a significant role in guiding Catania Worldwide on the path that would see the company grow to be one of the largest players in the U.S. and Canadian produce markets, as well as helped introduce many new commodities and varieties into the marketplace. His guidance and forward-thinking made an impact that has forever left an imprint on the company.

“I first met Sam when I began working at the Ontario Food Terminal in 1995. As competitors, I quickly came to respect his knowledge of produce. When I joined him at Catania Worldwide as a colleague, I quickly came to respect and appreciate the man. I dearly miss the impromptu learning sessions and chats. Looking forward to sharing more stories when I see him on the other side. Riposa in pace,” Mario Masellis, Director of Sales and Marketing, commented.

Bertucci is survived by his wonderful wife, Linda, and two beautiful daughters, Sarah and Andrea. His passion for family, horses, produce, and mentoring made him a remarkable storyteller and an even better teacher to all of the Catania staff. His knowledge never failed to amaze anyone who would speak to him, and everyone at Catania will miss him deeply.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and daughters during this incredibly difficult time.