Dominic “Tom” Genuardi Sr., 100, of Lansdale, PA, one of foundational builders of Genuardi’s Family Markets, passed away peacefully January 24 at the Meadowood Retirement Community surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 13, 1923, in Norristown, PA, he was the son of the late Gaspare and Josephine (Sclafani) Genuardi.
Genuardi was an entrepreneur and a prominent businessman in the Norristown area. During high school, he worked with his father and brothers to sell produce door-to-door around his neighborhood. He served as a member of the United States Army during World War II. Upon returning to Norristown after his discharge in 1945, he joined four of his brothers to establish Genuardi’s Family Markets in the early 1950s, where he worked until his retirement in 1991. The company was sold to Safeway in 2001.
“Tom” Genuardi was dedicated to his community and served in various civic organizations, including Catholic War Veterans, the American Legion, Sons and Daughters of Italy, and Americans of Italian Heritage Council. He also served as the past president of the Philadelphia Food Trades Organization (PFTO – now MAFTO).
Genuardi would give back to the community whenever he had the opportunity and supported many local charitable endeavors, including educational, health, and human services organizations. He was especially proud to visit and support Boys’ Town of Rome, Italy, an organization that cared for the orphaned and abandoned boys in Europe after World War II.
In his spare time, Genuardi was an avid golfer at Cedarbrook Country Club and Stonewall (where he also was a founding member). He was fond of playing competitive rounds of gin with his friends. He enjoyed traveling, especially spending winters at his vacation home with Gloria and their friends in Puerto Rico.
Genuardi is survived by his wife of 54 years Gloria (Puleo) Genuardi; his three children Barbara Genuardi, Dominic “Tom” (Janet) Genuardi Jr., and Anthony Genuardi; three step-children Dr. Joseph (Jeanne) Puleo, Dr. Sam (Terry) Puleo and Frank (Lori) Puleo; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; two siblings, Rose Scotti and Salvatore Genuardi; and his extended family.
In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his first wife, Gloria Palmerio, and six siblings, Charles Genuardi, Pauline Henion, Anne Raffeo, Frank Genuardi, Joseph Genuardi, and Vincent Genuardi.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Genuardi’s memory to either the Wounded Warrior Project (P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516), the Patrician Society (121 E. Chestnut Street, Norristown, PA 19401), or an organization of your choice.