Tomato Industry Icon Paul DiMare Sr. Passes Away at 81
Paul J. DiMare Sr., tomato industry groundbreaker and longtime leader of DiMare Fresh, passed away Dec. 30, 2022 at 81.
Over his storied business career in which he led his family company to become the largest grower of fresh-market tomatoes in the U.S., DiMare earned the nickname “Mr. Tomato.”
In addition to his accomplishments and accolades in agriculture, DiMare was one of the University of Miami’s most generous philanthropists. He supported many key initiatives at the school. From athletics and the arts to business, scientific research, and medical education, his generosity has made an impact across the institution, according to the University.
DiMare had served on the University’s Board of Trustees since 2004. News@TheU published an editorial piece dedicated to DiMare after his passing. Here are some passages from the article:
The seeds of Paul J. DiMare’s brilliant career as a successful farmer and businessman were sowed nearly 95 years ago on the streets of Boston. Back then, his father and two uncles sold fresh vegetables from a pushcart in Haymarket Square, growing their small venture into a lucrative repacking plant for tomatoes, vegetables, and nuts.
That repacking plant was located across from the Boston Terminal Market, and every day after school, when DiMare was 10, he would catch a trolley to the facility.
The family would eventually invest in farming, and when DiMare moved to Florida in 1964 at the age of 23, he would expand operations to production and distribution locations in Florida and throughout the United States, all the while supporting several causes.
Paul DiMare Sr.
“One of our University’s most ardent supporters, Paul lived a life worth emulating, marked by generosity, leadership, and a gregarious spirit that made him unforgettable,” says University of Miami President Julio Frenk. “He poured his heart into his family, his community, and his every endeavor. We have been fortunate to know him personally and we mourn the loss of this great man.”
To continue reading the dedication article, visit news.miami.edu.
DiMare is survived by his wife, Swanee; sons Anthony, Paul DiMare, Jr., Scott, and Gino, and stepson Jim Husk.
A funeral mass for DiMare will be held Friday, Jan. 6 at noon at Epiphany Catholic Church, 8235 SW 57 Avenue, Miami, FL 33143.
Following the funeral mass will be a committal service at 2:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery, 11411 NW 25th St, Doral, Florida 33172. More details can be found at DignityMemorial.com.
Do you have memories of working with or knowing Paul on a personal level that you’d like to share? If so, please do so in the comments section box below.
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