A.J. Trucco Inc. is mourning the loss of Sal Vacca, the company founder and a beloved member of the produce industry. Vacca passed away on March 22, 2023, at age 93.
His journey as a U.S. immigrant from Anacapri, Italy began in 1949 when, at age 19, Vacca set sail for America from Anacapri, Italy. In the U.S., he joined his cousin Domenico D’Angiola’s import business where they started with grocery items, including chestnuts. Vacca eventually began selling chestnuts and canned tomatoes from Italy under his own business, Salvatore Vacca Inc. One of his customers was notably Alfred Trucco, a prominent figure in dried fruits and nuts at the Washington Street Terminal Market.
In 1961, Vacca became a partner in A.J. Trucco Inc. In 2000, it merged with another firm and by 2015, Vacca sold his shares to Nick Pacia.
Vacca is known for his dedicated work ethic, which he maintained until his mid-80s, and he was a beloved Hunts Point Produce Market community member and mentor, guide and “uncle” to young people starting in the business. Proud of his Italian heritage, he also regularly cooked, played tennis and was a dedicated fan of the Napoli soccer team.
Vacca’s legacy will continue to live on through the company he founded. He leaves behind his wife, Diane Vacca; his son, Eric Vacca, his wife and children; daughter, Lisa Vacca-Brown, her husband Michael Brown and their two children, Chloe and Brittny; his grandchild, Alexander Vacca Familant; his nephew, Giovanni Vacca and niece Olimpia Giardiello.
For more information:
Yasmin Pacia
Trucco Inc.
Tel: +1 (866) 258-7822
[email protected]
https://truccodirect.com/