Thomas Philip Nunes Sr.
Obituary
Thomas Philip Nunes, Sr., co-founder of The Nunes Company, Inc., one of the most recognized and respected fresh produce companies in the United States, passed away at his home in Carmel, California on August 5, 2024. He was 95. Smart, passionate, and beloved, he was the patriarch of the sprawling Nunes family-as well as an esteemed figure in the Salinas Valley where he started his career in 1951.
Tom was born on November 2, 1928, to Portuguese immigrant parents, Tomas Nunes II and Eva Ventura Nunes. Raised in the town of Chualar, he attended the one room grammar school and Salinas High School. A Northern California sprint champion, he made the finals in the state championship. A running back and defensive back, Tom earned a scholarship to play football for St. Mary's College in Moraga. Later, he transferred to Stanford University where he graduated with a degree in economics. With his brother Bob, he became the architect of his own respected and successful namesake company, The Nunes Company.
Tom met Alyce Escobar on the school bus traveling to Salinas. He fell in love with the girl who in 1950 would become his wife, mother of his four children, and life partner. In the second half of his life, the late Nancy Koster would become his cherished companion.
A mentor to younger farmers, Tom taught numerous people how to use both old and new techniques. But his most effective technique was that of the heart. "Once you earn people's trust, you have loyalty, you have fox hole people." Tom enjoyed playing tennis and golf in Salinas, and many years of boating and skiing while at the family home on Lake Tahoe. His favorite pastime was traveling near and far to watch his grandchildren and great grandchildren compete in various sports.
Tom was predeceased by his sister Marilyn Classen and his brother, Frank Robert Nunes. His memory will be held in the hearts of his children, Thomas (T4) (Margot), David (Irma), Ann (Gary), and James (Leighanne), his seven grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.
With Tom departs a trove of history spanning almost a century in the Salinas Valley. Just recently he sat in a board meeting and recounted details of events that took place over seventy years ago. He spoke passionately about his partners and employees, how he was able to build businesses only because of the trusted relationships he was so fortunate to have. Appreciative to the end, he wanted to offer thanks.
Visitation will be held Monday, August 19, 2024 at Struve and Laporte Chapel in Salinas from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Rosary at 6:00 PM.
A funeral mass will be held Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 9:30 AM, at Sacred Heart Church in Salinas.
Following the service, Tom will be laid to rest at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Salinas.
Donations may be made to Palma School Foundation, 919 Iverson Street, Salinas CA 93901, and Central Coast VNA & Hospice, 5 Lower Ragsdale, Monterey CA 93940
(For the longer version of this obituary please see the Struve and Laporte website.)
Funeral Arrangements by Struve and Laporte Funeral Home.
Online condolences to www.struveandlaporte.com.
Published in King City Rustler · August 12, 2024