Stater Bros. Markets’ longtime leader—Mr. Jack H. Brown—has died, the company announced today. He passed away at 10:45 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, surrounded by his family. He was 78.
A native of San Bernardino, California, Mr. Brown began his supermarket career as a box boy at Berk’s Market Spot in San Bernardino at the age of 13, sparking a 65-year career in the grocery industry. Mr. Brown was passionate about the supermarket industry. He loved his “family” of employees and the loyal Stater Bros.’ customers who he proudly served since taking the helm of the company.
Mr. Brown joined Stater Bros. in 1981. He served as president and CEO of Stater Bros. Markets for more than 35 years and as chairman for more than 30 years. Mr. Brown became the executive chairman after appointing Pete Van Helden to the position of president and CEO earlier this year.
“Grief is not a strong enough word to describe what the Stater Bros. ‘family’ feels,” said Van Helden. “Jack touched every one of us in a very personal way, and it is that legacy that we must carry forward. He loved the business, his company and each one of us.”
Mr. Brown was a proud Navy veteran who served on active duty with the Pacific Fleet of the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era. Mr. Brown’s support of the military and the nation’s veterans remains unparalleled.
In 2004, he received the Friend of the Veteran Award from the Riverside National Cemetery’s Veterans’ Advisory Committee for his continued support of volunteer services to veterans and their families. Mr. Brown also received the Patriot Award in 2011, the highest award the Congressional Medal of Honor Society can bestow upon an individual.
In addition, Mr. Brown was one of 10 Distinguished Americans to receive the 1992 Horatio Alger Award in Washington, D.C., in recognition of his outstanding contributions to America and the American dream.
Mr. Brown has received countless awards for his contributions to the supermarket industry. In 2001, he received the California Grocers Association Hall of Achievement Award for a lifetime of dedication to the grocery industry and, in 2005, he received the prestigious Sidney R. Rabb Award, the supermarket industry’s highest award.
Mr. Brown has been recognized for his generosity in giving back to the communities he loved and so proudly served. In 2008, he established Stater Bros. Charities, the philanthropic arm of Stater Bros. Markets, as a way to give back in a larger way. Mr. Brown was a founder of the Boys and Girls Club of San Bernardino and the founding chairman of Children’s Fund of San Bernardino County.
Most recently, in July, the California State University Board of Trustees named the Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration at California State University San Bernardino.
Mr. Brown will be remembered with love, affection and by his countless acts of kindness. He was an incredibly thoughtful man whose accomplishments and generosity will be remembered for many years to come.
Mr. Brown is survived by his cherished wife, Debbie; three beloved daughters, J. Kathleen Smith (Michael Smith), Cara Hoffman (Scott Hoffman) and Melissa Koss (Pete Koss); and seven grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Colleen, Caden, Dylan, Julianna, Jack Ryan and Emma.
His burial will be private for family only, with a memorial to follow at a later date.
Jack H. Brown a wonderful person, great businessman and special mentor. I’m so thankful to have worked under his leadership. Words from Jack I will forever remember, “Do the right thing for the right reason.” Jack you will be missed.