Joseph CERNIGLIA Jr.

CERNIGLIA, Jr., Joseph Anthony Joe passed away peacefully with his family at his side in his hometown of Atlanta, Ga. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, Catholic, and friend to many. Joe is preceded in death by his wife Velma, and sister Rose Agnes Willingham. He is survived by his sister Barbara Flowers, his 4 children, 11 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Joe attended the Marist School and was a graduate of the class of 1949. He followed his father, Joseph A Cerniglia Sr, into Cerniglia Produce Co, the family produce business, after graduating from Marist. After the passing of his father in 1964, he led Cerniglia Produce Co. to many years of success. Joe served the produce industry in several national leadership positions and in several capacities. Among several positions, he was nominated, chosen and served as Chairman of the Board of the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association. He was named "Produce man of Distinction" by a prominent industry news agency. He was tapped several times as a contributor for USDA panels and studies. He was appointed by Secretary of Agriculture Earl Butz to serve on his advisory committee. He was a great ambassador for the produce industry. He was chosen to lead a US delegation of industry leaders to visit the USSR and advise growers, dealers and merchants of agriculture in the best practices for growing, packing and distribution of perishables. This tour took him, and his delegation, to the USSR and areas behind the "Iron Curtain" forbidden to westerners for decades. He served on many Boards of Director throughout the years; The Boys Club of Atlanta, YMCA, Atlanta Jewish Community Center and many others .He also served several terms as president of the Atlanta produce dealers association. Joe conceived, developed and executed unique production and marketing strategies for regional growers and farmers in the southeast to the benefit of all involved. Joe was doing "local" before "local" was cool. He was tapped to advise on major growing operations in Malaysia. Joe was named to Marist sports Hall of Fame as the starting centerfielder on the first state championship team ever at Marist, the 1949 Marist Baseball team. Joe was an avid golfer, tennis player, runner and Braves fan; he was a member of the Atlanta Athletic Club, he led an active life. He was the definition of the eternal optimist. He never met a stranger, literally. Joe was a true southern gentleman. Services will be held in Atlanta, GA at Holy Spirit Catholic Church at 10 am on Monday, December 22. Following the funeral mass there will be a reception at McDonough Hall and internment at Westview Cemetery where Joe and Velma, his beloved wife of 63 years, will rest together. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cancer Home of Atlanta, or St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.