Obituary of Julio Armellini

Julio, Jules "Toots" Armellini passed away on Thursday, August 15, 2013 with his loving family by his side.

Born on January 5, 1923 in Vineland, New Jersey, he was the youngest of five children. After serving in the Navy as a Seabee in the Caribbean and in Okinawa during World War II, he returned to Vineland, New Jersey and married Sarah Dauito his hometown sweetheart. Julio became involved in the flower industry when he acquired the transportation segment of the business from his brothers Henry and William, who were flower growers in South Jersey. Soon afterwards, Julio and Sarah formed what has become and still is today, Armellini Express Lines, the nation's leading Flower trucking distributor which starting in Vineland, New Jersey with a simple barn serving as the terminal and using a 1939 truck to haul flowers. In 1942, Julio and Sarah together drove to the New York and Philadelphia Flower market to deliver his brother's production of Gladiolas. In the late 1940's he expanded his floral transportation business to include Florida's flower production and began hauling flowers out of Florida. Julio moved his family to Stuart, Florida in 1978 and equated himself with many of the Stuart Chrysanthemum growers and opened corporate headquarters in Palm City, Florida, where it is still in operation today.

With the introduction of the South American flower production, especially roses in mid-1970, once again Julio, with his incomprehensible foresight was instrumental in the development of the importing and transportation distribution of the Miami and the South American flower industry. After concentrating on the East coast flower distribution for nearly 30 years, in 1972 he acquired Gilbert Express and began another branch of Armellini Express Line. This acquirement enabled Julio to reach the Midwest flower markets and eventually expanded to the California flower markets, opening Armellini Express Line terminals along the way. From 1945 to present Julio has owned and operated Armellini Express Lines, which now encompass J.A. Flowers Service, Inc., Fresco Service, and Northstar Transportation. Julio proudest accomplishment and fulfilling his American dream is his family's second and third generations who have taken over the responsibilities of keeping Armellini Express Lines on the cutting edge of the floral industry.

Those throughout the floral industry knew Julio as an innovative thinker with a warm heart and a never say "it can't be done or it can't be fixed" attitude. He was a friend to many and a loving husband to his Bride, Sarah and a devoted father to his five children and extended family. Julio was an impressive figure, not only within the flower industry but also within the community of Stuart and Palm City, Florida, which he has been a resident of for the past 35 years. Julio was an avid outdoorsman and truly enjoyed golfing and hunting with his buddies.

Julio has played a significant part in building the U.S. flower industry into what it is today. His strong leadership, work ethic and pro-active personality were instilled in his children and grandchildren as they carry on the family tradition. When asked about the reason for his success, he always attributed it to "Luck, Guts and Hard Work". He was a very accomplished man who not only served his country but his local community and its industries and in doing so, received many awards. Man of the Year, Customs Brokers and Forwarders, Miami, FL, 1971, Floral Marketer of the Year, 1997, Hall of Fame Award, Society of American Florist, 2006, Man of the Year, Florida Import and Export Organization, Business Man of the Year, Stuart, Florida Chamber of Commerce

Governor's Business Leadership Award 1996.

Mr. Armellini is survived by his beloved wife Sarah Armellini of 68 years, his five children, Richard Armellini (Bonnie), Judith Dusharm (Sterling), William Armellini (Gabriele) Stephen Armellini and David Armellini (Patricia), thirteen grandchildren, six great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and his beloved dog, Murphy.

Please consider contributions in Julio's memory to Treasure Coast Hospice, 1201 SE Indian Street, Stuart, Florida 34997.

SERVICES: Visitation will be from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 9:00 PM on Sunday, August 18, 3012 at the Forest Hills Funeral Homes Palm City Chapel with a Vigil Prayer Service at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Monday, August 19, 2013 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Palm City. Interment will follow immediately in Forest Hills Memorial Park, Palm City with military honors, provided by the U.S. Navy.

An online registry is available at: www.foresthillpalmcityflorida.com