David (Dave) Philip Bernstein of Alexandria, Virginia, passed away on October 22, 2025, at the age of 85. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lois (Ingeneri) Bernstein, his two children, Lara Mathews and Richard Bernstein, grandchildren Alexandra and Katharine Mathews, and brothers Barry and Gerald Bernstein.
© Bernstein Matthews Family Collection
Bernstein built a lifelong career in the fresh produce sector, holding leadership roles across major companies and markets. He served as Vice President of Marketing at Sunkist Growers in California, where he contributed to expanding the cooperative's reach into Asian markets. He later became Executive Vice President of Pacific Fruit in New York before founding an import-export consultancy in Alexandria that introduced Moroccan citrus to the U.S.
His decades-long career in produce combined experience in law, marketing, and executive leadership, with a focus on global trade. Colleagues across the industry remembered him for his mentorship and integrity, as well as for maintaining active professional engagement until 84 years of age.
Bernstein was known for his extensive international work, forming partnerships and friendships across the United States, Japan, Europe, and Morocco. His career reflected a commitment to strengthening market connections and expanding access to fresh produce worldwide.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business and Economics from the University of Maine, Orono, and a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School, completing his studies while working at Sunkist Growers.
Bernstein is remembered as an experienced leader in the global fruit trade, whose work contributed to the development and international reach of the produce industry.
Source: The Zebra
