IN MEMORIAM: John ‘Jeff’ Young, Buyer/sales, A&J Produce

Highly respected and well-liked. A gregarious personality made every sales transaction an adventure. A person for whom business wasn’t just about transactions — it was about people. These are a few of the ways colleagues describe John ‘Jeff’ Young, who passed away April 1, 2025, after a 28-year career with A&J Produce Corp., a wholesaler on the Hunts Point Produce Market in Bronx, NY. Born and raised in Pompton Plains, NJ, moving later to build a life in nearby Newfoundland, NJ. Young graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from William Paterson University of New Jersey in 1984. He first worked in the produce industry as a sales manager for Johnson Associated Fruit Company in Rockaway, NJ, from 1987-1997. Then, he embarked on a successful career in buying and sales at A&J Produce, focusing on citrus and stone fruit, from 1997 until his passing at age 62.

“Thirty-five years a friend,” says Myra Gordon, A&J Consultant and former executive administrative director of the Hunts Point Produce Market. “Jeff and I ate lunch together at Noon around the large kitchen table each Tuesday. I spent time with him at the Eastern Produce Council’s Dinner Gala every year I attended. Everyone in attendance came to chat with Jeff. On the phone, it was obvious from his conversations that the knowledge he provided about the items’ quality, pricing, and availability came from a “straight talker.” It was obvious from his conversations that not only was he highly respected, but he was well-liked by all who had dealings with him.”

Brad Blaine, sales manager for Sunkist Growers, at the citrus grower/shipper’s Long Valley, NJ, location, says, “Jeff was a true friend and partner to Sunkist and all our growers during his time with A&J. He had an in-depth knowledge of the citrus industry and an innate ability to read markets and trends, thus always putting his company in a strong position. His gregarious personality made every sales transaction an adventure, and his storytelling abilities are legendary.”

Incredibly fortunate to have called Young a friend and colleague is how James Tramutola, buyer/sales at A&J Produce Corp., says he feels. “For 14 years, I had the privilege of working alongside him every single day. He taught me so much about the produce business, but more importantly, he showed me the value of building genuine connections. For Jeff, business wasn’t just about transactions — it was about people. His passion for what he did was undeniable, and he made the work feel easier simply by being himself. Jeff was also an incredible storyteller. He had a way of turning even the most routine conversations into something memorable. Whether we were in the office or at a business dinner, he brought laughter and warmth to every moment. One of the things I admired most about Jeff was his incredible memory. He never forgot a face, a story, or a detail about anyone he met. Walking through a convention with him was like accompanying a celebrity — he couldn’t go more than a few steps without running into someone he knew. And the remarkable part was, he always remembered everything about them. The office will never be the same without Jeff. But the lessons he taught me, the stories he shared, and the kindness he showed will stay with me always.”

Al Weiler, Thomas, James, and John Robert Jr. Tramutola, A&J Produce Corp. owners, say Jeff wore many hats. “He was our doctor, stockbroker, newscaster, colleague and friend. Anytime we needed anything, we went to Jeff. He knew everything about what was going on here at A&J and outside. His wisdom and guidance were a constant source of support. Whether we needed professional advice or just a friendly ear, Jeff was always there. His kindness, generosity, and humor made him more than just a colleague — he was truly a part of the family. We will miss him dearly.”

Young leaves behind his wife, Connie, and their two daughters, Jillian and Cassidy.