Duda Farm Fresh Foods is saddened by the loss of Edward "Ed" D. Duda, Sr., who passed away after a brief illness on Sun., Aug. 11, 2024, in Oviedo, FL. He was 91.
He was the first member of Duda's third generation to lead the company. 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.
His 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. Ed was honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Florida in 1994, alongside his cousin, Ferdinand "F.S." Duda. In 1996, he was named "Produce Man of the Year" by a produce media business.
In addition to his professional industry achievements, he 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, 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 DUDA CEO Sammy Duda, Ed'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."
A memorial service will be held on Sat., Aug. 24, 2024 at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Oviedo. The service begins at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to St. Luke's Lutheran Church and School or the Lutheran Haven Retirement Center, www.stlukes-oviedo.org.