Jerry Chicone Jr.

Nov. 19, 1934 ~ May 29, 2025
Jerry Jay Chicone, Jr., 90, was a community leader whose deep roots in Florida's citrus industry were matched only by an enduring commitment to family, philanthropy and engagement in Central Florida's progress.
Born at what was then Orange County General Hospital, Jerry grew up in Winter Garden with his sister, Kay. The son of Maude Lee and Jerry Jay Chicone, Sr., he was a member of the final graduating class of Orlando High School in 1952. He went on to earn a business degree from the University of Florida, where he was a proud member of Florida Blue Key and president of the Sigma Chi fraternity.
After graduating and serving in the Army, Jerry returned to Central Florida and began his career in the citrus industry, eventually joining his father at Chicone Groves and Properties. It was not long before he met the love of his life, Sue, at a friend's wedding in Miami. They were married within a year and recently celebrated 65 years of marriage. Sue was the center of his world, and for Jerry, family always came first. Together they raised three children and cherished four grandchildren, remaining deeply involved in every aspect of their lives.
Jerry believed in honoring those who came before him. In partnership with his sister Kay, he gifted the historic train depot to the City of Winter Garden in honor of their parents, helping to establish the Winter Garden Heritage Museum and preserve the community's unique history.
Throughout his life, Jerry lifted others up, often behind the scenes-mentoring young leaders, giving generously of his time and resources, and advocating for causes he believed in. He was the youngest Eagle Scout in Orange County at age 13 and received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award 50 years later.
A leader in Florida agriculture, Jerry served as a director of Florida Citrus Mutual, president of the Florida Citrus Showcase and chairman of the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame Committee. He was also the originator of the iconic slogan, "Squeeze Oranges, Not Growers."
His influence extended far beyond citrus. He served as president of both the Orlando Utilities Commission and the Orlando Chamber of Commerce and sat on national boards for the National Federation of Independent Business and the American Express Small Business Partnership. As chairman of Orlando's Downtown Development Board, he launched the "Good Things Happen Downtown" campaign and played a key role in revitalizing Orlando's city center. Many remember him as a panel commentator on the television program Central Florida Showcase.
In recognition of his service to industry and community, Jerry was inducted into both the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame and the Sigma Chi National Hall of Fame.
A passionate historian and collector, Jerry co-authored two books on citrus crate labels and was a founding member of the Florida Citrus Label Collectors' Association. He donated thousands of labels to museums across the state, helping to preserve a distinctive chapter of Florida's commercial and artistic history.
Jerry's dedication to the University of Florida remained constant throughout his life. A lifelong Gator fan, his love for the team began as a child attending games with his father. He and Sue later traveled to Gator games across the country. He served as president of the Gator Boosters and was named a Distinguished Director, always supporting UF with pride.
Jerry Chicone, Jr. leaves behind a legacy of leadership, quiet generosity and deep devotion to his family and community. His faith was central to his life and his long-standing commitment to St. Michael's Episcopal Church was a source of strength and connection.
He is survived by his wife, Sue Throckmorton Chicone; daughters, Cary Chicone Hollfelder and Susan (Roger) Chicone Chapin; grandchildren, Matthew Hollfelder and Grey Chapin; sister, Kathryn Chicone Ustler; and nephew, Craig (Charlotte) Ustler.
He was preceded in death by his son, Jay Chicone; and grandchildren, Gregg Hollfelder and Blair Chapin.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerry's memory to: The Cure Sanfilippo Foundation, P.O. Box 6901, Columbia, SC 29260 or St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 2499 N. Westmoreland Drive, Orlando, FL 32804.