You probably know Andy D'Arrigo's face, at least as it was captured in cartoon form in his childhood: A photograph of him at age 2-and-a-half served as the inspiration for the iconic "Andy Boy" brand of vegetables grown and packaged by his family.
D'Arrigo was not only a marketing image, but a long-time leader in the Salinas Valley produce industry, assuming leadership as vice president of D'Arrigo Bros. at age 27 after his father, Stefano D'Arrigo, died unexpectedly in 1951.
Andy D'Arrigo died this week at 102 years old.
He was born in 1924 in Stockton to Stefano and Concetta Piccioto D’Arrigo. That was just a year after Stefano and his brother, Andrea D'Arrigo—both immigrants from Sicily—started D'Arrigo Bros. After Stefano's death, Andrea became president and his nephew Andy became vice president of the company. After Andrea died in 1965, Andy became president at the age of 41.
In a video published by D'Arrigo Bros., he retold the origin story of the company. His father was sent out from Boston to buy juice grapes—legal during Prohibition—and immediately saw potential for growing crops.
"Coming out, he could see the weather differences," Andy D'Arrigo said. "My father would get produce out here, and ship it back to my uncle in Boston, and he would sell it."
As far as growing, it began with broccoli: Stefano got some broccoli seed from his father, planted in San Jose, then loaded it in a train car to ship to Boston—it arrived in good condition, and a multi-generational business sprouted.
Today, more than 3,500 employees work for the Spreckels-based company, which produces a range of specialty crops such as lettuce, broccoli, celery and Brussels sprouts.
Andy D'Arrigo was known for a guiding philosophy in business, according to a biography published by the company: "His lifelong passion for the family business and produce industry has stemmed from understanding the importance of three fundamental truths: 1) do what you love, 2) do what is right, and 3) do what is in the best interest of everyone involved."
The company is still in the family, run by the third generation with Andy's son, John D'Arrigo, serving as president, CEO and chairman.
According to a report by D'Arrigo Bros. and Western Growers Association, a D'Arrigo served on the board of the influential trade organization 82 percent of the time since its founding and John's appointment as WGA chair in 2004 marked a first in the organization's history for a grandfather, son and grandson all to serve in the top leadership role.
Andy was a dedicated advocate for agriculture and the fresh produce industry. He served as Chairman of the Western Growers Board of Directors in 1978 and was a director from 1951–1962, and 1967-1984. Throughout his career, Andy earned widespread recognition for his leadership, including Western Growers’ Award of Honor in 1983.
"To many, he was the face on the label. To us, he was part of the family legacy that helped build a brand that generations have come to know and trust," according to a statement issued by D'Arrigo Bros.