Former Strano president remembered
William Strano helped build three family businesses in Peterborough
The former president of Strano Foodservice has died.
William (Bill) Strano, 89, died at Peterborough Regional Health Centre on Jan. 24. He was in hospital for three years and had suffered from cancer and heart disease.
He’s survived by his wife Barbara Kane, four children, stepchildren, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mr. Strano was involved in all three Strano family businesses, including Strano Wholesale, Brookside Markets and Farmboy Markets.
His father opened a produce shop in Peterborough in 1919, later opening Strano Wholesale on Simcoe and Bethune streets in 1939.
Mr. Strano started working at the business full time after graduating high school in 1946.
Three years later, he and his brothers took over the business from their dad.
Then in 1959, the Stranos purchased vacant dance hall on Highway 7 and opened Brookside Markets.
They later purchased Farmboy Markets in 1963.
Mr. Strano resigned as president of Strano Foodservice in 1987 but continued to work for the family businesses until 2015.
Even when he was unable to drive, Mr. Strano took a taxi to work, his daughter said.
“He always said to me it was a privilege to work – he just loved it. He never wanted to stop,” said Jane Strano-Allcock.
Brookside Markets burned down in 1996, the same year Strano Foodservice merged with Sysco.
The Strano family still owns Farmboy Markets today.
Strano-Allcock said her dad was best known for seeing things through to the end.
“He never dropped the ball ... he was a constant stronghold,” she said.
She described her late father as calm, quiet, understanding and a great listener.
“He wasn’t very flashy,” she said with a laugh. “He was very simple. Family was everything to him.”
He was also a humble man, she said, and helped others without wanting any recognition.
“He did so much for so many people and he wouldn’t say it out loud,” she said.
Mr. Strano’s long-time friend Edmond Burrows said Mr. Strano was kind to everyone.
“He was the kindest man you could ever meet,” Burrows said.
His success in business was the result of hard work and making every effort to please his clients, Burrows added.
And Mr. Strano relished going to work everyday.
“He enjoyed his work and he really enjoyed his family,” Burrows said.
Mr. Strano’s granddaughter Melody Belfry has fond memories of road trips with her grampa. They’d often drive to Disney World in Florida for family trips.
Belfry said her granddad was instrumental in teaching valuable life lessons and she admired how humble, generous and nonjudgmental he was.
“I don’t think I’ll ever meet another man like him in my life. He was really a rare type of person,” said Belfry, 34.
A service was held for Mr. Strano at St. Anne’s Church on Jan. 29.