Obituaries: Azzolina, Brookshire, Kober

Joseph Azzolina Sr.

MIDDLETOWN, N.J. — Services were scheduled last week for Joseph Azzolina Sr., the founder and president of Food Circus Supermarkets, a Foodtown operator based here. Azzolina died at age 84 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, according to reports. Before founding Food Circus, Azzolina had served in the U.S. Navy in World War II and in the Korean War, and later was also very active in politics, serving as both a state representative and senator. Azzolina also served on the board of directors of Food Marketing Institute for 17 years. He is survived by his wife, Roselyn, six children and three grandchildren.

Bruce Glenn Brookshire

TYLER, Texas — Services were held here last week for Bruce Glenn Brookshire, chairman emeritus of Brookshire Grocery Co., who died at age 81. His parents, the late W.T. and Louise Brookshire, founded the chain. Bruce Brookshire joined the chain in 1950 when there were 10 stores and later spent 30 years as chairman, growing the company to more than 150 stores. He is survived by his wife, Carrie, two sons and nine grandchildren.

Alfred S. Kober

OLEY, Pa. — Services are scheduled this Friday for Alfred S. “Al” Kober, known as an innovative leader in the meat industry who spent 50 years with Clemens Family Markets before joining Certified Angus Beef. He died April 17 at age 72 after a brief illness. Kober joined Kulpsville, Pa.-based Clemens in 1952 and eventually became meat director. He was involved at the national level with the American Meat Institute/Food Marketing Institute Annual Meat Conference and with the National Grocers Association. Kober is survived by his wife, Judith, his father, nine children, 21 grandchildren and four siblings.