John Robert Tramutola, Sr. (January 7, 1931 – July 23, 2013)

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Some people come into our lives only for a season. You may not realize it as it is occurring, but as time passes we all recall key people in our lives, ones that left lasting impressions.

On July 23, 2013, John Robert Tramutalo, Sr., of A&J Produce Corp in the Hunts Point market, passed away due to diabetes. He was one of those people who lead by example, a successful business man who made sure to always put his family first and treat others with respect.

When I was 19 years old I worked at A&J Produce as a data entry clerk. Mr. Tramutalo would walk in with a smile, greet the staff and get to work. He was always pleasant and always present.

Longtime friend Bob Norato, recalled when a mutual friend fell on hard times. Without being asked, John stepped in until things got better. He never asked for anything in return or to be acknowledged. John was simply that kind of friend.

John not only loved his family, he lived for them. He left behind 6 children, 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. I had the pleasure of meeting with some of his family members. Though we met separately, they all had the same memories of John: patient, honest, compassionate and kind.

His grandson Thomas Tramutola recalled how much “grampy” delighted in having the entire family get together.

As a portion of the eulogy delivered at his funeral, the family said of him “John Tramutola Sr. is OUR HERO. He has been a hero to all of us, and countless others throughout his life. He has always supported, helped, guided and counseled each of us and, more importantly, he did it from his heart, without any need for acknowledgement or recognition. Why? Because of grandfather was the most humble may alive.”

The key to mortality is first living a life worth remembering. John Robert Tramulato Sr. will be missed, but his memory and spirit will live on in the ones who were fortunate enough to have known him.

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