Former Wakefern CEO Infusino Dies at 89

SN STAFF

NUTLEY, N.J. — Services are scheduled Wednesday for Thomas P. Infusino, former chairman and chief executive of Wakefern Food Corp., who died Saturday at age 89.

Infusino joined Wakefern, the Keasbey, N.J.-based parent company of ShopRite, in 1953, operating the Nutley ShopRite. He became chairman and CEO of the Wakefern co-op in 1971 and served in that post for 34 years before being named chairman emeritus in 2005.

He was a founding member of the New Jersey Food Council, and received several awards from the group, including Industry Leader in 1990, Lifetime Achievement in 2001 and the Patriot Award in 2005.

“As an integral member of the NJFC Board of Directors from its inception, Tom Infusino was a man of principle whose commitment and resolve ensured the highest standards for the Food Council,” said Linda Doherty, president of NJFC. “His focus has guided NJFC to maintain its status as one of the leading state associations in New Jersey and one of the most respected food industry trade associations in the nation.”

Infusino, a World War II veteran, is survived by three sons, two brothers and several grandchildren. He is predeceased by his wife, Estelle, two brothers and one son, Thomas P. Infusino Jr.