Anonymous
This letter was shared with all Cumberland Dairy Employees
It is with great sadness that I send along the attached notice regarding the passing, Jim Shaffer, one of Cumberland Dairyâ??s retirees and an integral part of the fabric of our company. While a few of you were here during Jimâ??s career with the company, some may also remember that Jim and wife, Lucy were kind enough to attend many of our Company Dinners over the years as honored guests.
Jim was one of those rare people who experienced Cumberland Dairy from it most â??humble beginnings â?? through the years of our initial growth in the 1970â??s. During the 50â??s he worked alongside the companyâ??s founders Charles and Elizabeth Catalana ,and also with Carmine Sr. Jim saw the growth of the company as he began in the small building on Henry Street, through the completion of the original plant on Edward Avenue in 1955.
In the 1960â??s see picture below he worked with Glendon Bryant and the late Bob McQuilkin. During his time, Jim is most notably remembered for his tireless hours during the illness, and early passing of Charles Catalana in August of 1966.
Through the 1970â??s Jim showed his expertise to the third generation, Frank, David and myself as we began working summers and weekends. Jim also worked with John Randazzo, Fred Arno, Bill Ewing and Barry Watson, as well as many others at Cumberland Dairy. Jim was part of a select group that were the first Cumberland Dairy employees to ever attend the Annual International Dairy Show. The year was 1976 and the show was held in Atlantic City. He was part of the company that saw the initial growth of our McDonald's relationship from 1971 through his retirement in 1978.
As you may know Jim was a decorated Veteran of World War II fighting as part of the US Army Infantry during the infamous invasion of Normandy on D- Day in June 1944.
He spent his later years with his wife at the Veteranâ??s home in Vineland.
Carmine Sr. brought Jim back for a tour of the plant this past spring to show him the myriad of changes that the company has gone through.
We salute his service to our company, our country and most importantly to his family.
Please keep his wife Lucy and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely ,
Carmine
Carmine C. Catalana IV
President
Cumberland Dairy
PO Box 308
Landis & Kenyon Aves.
Rosenhayn, NJ 08352
856-451-1300 Ext. 3316
Cell 609-774-5200
Fax-856-451-2849
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