Nov 11, 2019
Nunes Co. founder Bob Nunes dies in California at 88

Frank Robert (Bob) Nunes passed away peacefully on Nov. 6, at his home in Pebble Beach, California, a short distance from the Salinas Valley where he grew up and made his career.

Frank Robert (Bob) Nunes

With his brother Tom, Bob Nunes founded the Nunes Co. in 1976, building the business into one of the most recognized and respected fresh produce companies in the United States. An industry pioneer in the marketing of fresh produce to consumers, Nunes was the recipient of numerous awards for his significant contributions to agriculture as well as his extensive giving to philanthropic organizations throughout California over the past four decades.

According to his obituary, Nunes was a child of Portuguese immigrants. He came from humble beginnings and lived an enviable life. He was an authentic example of the American dream. He was raised on a farm in Chualar, and through hard work, family love, and education, he enjoyed personal independence, culminating in a creative and determined vocation in the produce industry. He was owner and co-founder, with his brother Tom, of the Nunes Co. based in Salinas.

Nunes loved to snow ski in winter and waterski in summer. He was at his most relaxed when sitting alone on the end of a pier contemplating the beauty of Lake Tahoe. Intuitive, with a killer instinct, he was his truest self during one of his extended breakfast breaks while produce buyers phoned in eager to buy lettuce. He would leave the office to let demand rise; when he’d return, he’d get his price. He was competitive in all things, but also honest and fair. Throughout his lifetime he sat on many boards and received industry awards.

In high school he ran track and played football, and as an undergraduate in college, he boxed in the ring. He loved to travel and spent many months of his life venturing to far-away lands, bringing back stories of other cultures and people he had met. He was a wanderlust, a romantic, and a gentleman. Mostly, he loved to return to the small-town community where his family and friends lived and worked alongside him. Always, he would visit his mother and father, dropping by their home after work, often with his two children, Bob and Kim. His catholic faith was a mainstay, and helped him through challenging times, when he lost his companion and love, Marie Woerz, and in the final years and days of his life.

Born in 1931 to Thomas and Eva Nunes, Bob was a middle child. He revered his older brother, Tom Nunes, and cared deeply for his little sister, Marilyn Classen, 1937-2007. Bob attended Salinas High School and graduated from Stanford University with a degree in economics.

He is survived by his son Bob Jr. and daughter-in-law, Kim, daughter, Kimberly, five grandchildren, niece, nephews, his brother Tom, many good friends and many good people with whom he worked and deeply respected. He has lived the past 50 years in Pebble Beach, still driving to the office every day. In one of the last times he spoke, he said: “I wish I had spent more time talking to my employees in the hall at the office.” He stayed close to his children and grandchildren throughout their lifetimes, imparting wisdom, humor and much love. Always living by his word, he believed, ultimately, that a man’s word—his most precious asset – is all he ever really has.

Visitation will be held 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019 at Struve and Laporte Chapel, 41 W. San Luis Street, Salinas, CA. 93901.

Rosary will be 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 2019 at Struve and Laporte Chapel.

Funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 15, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Church, 1 Railroad Avenue, Spreckels, CA. 93962.

Burial will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 18200 Damian Way, Salinas, CA. 93907.

Celebration of life following at Corral de Tierra Country Club, 81 Corral de Tierra Road, Salinas, CA. 93908 beginning at 1:00.

Funeral Arrangements by Struve and Laporte Funeral Home.

Online condolences to www.struveandlaporte.com




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