SECAUCUS, N.J. (AP) — Joseph Unanue, who helped turn Goya Foods into America's largest Hispanic-owned food company, has died. He was 88.
Unanue died Wednesday at his home in Alpine, Bergen County. His family said he died of natural causes.
Unanue began working at Goya in 1952 and served as president of the Secaucus-based company from 1976 to 2004, at a time when Goya grew from a regional company to a global brand with 15 manufacturing and distribution facilities worldwide.
A World War II veteran, Unanue was awarded a Bronze Star for his service at the Battle of the Bulge, his family said.
He is survived by his wife, Carmen Ana; three daughters, a son, 16 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.