Edward Stavis, long-time president of Stavis Seafoods Inc., died on 20 March at the age of 89.
Edward was president of Stavis Seafoods for over 50 years, and together with his brother Frederick Stavis they managed the business and shifted it from a small company to a international importer and distributor. After graduating from Brandeis University in 1952 as a member of the school's inaugural class, and then completing further graduate school at Harvard University, Edward joined the family business back in 1955.
“Edward was widely respected as a seafood visionary, teacher and leader and was considered a giant in the industry,” Stavis Seafoods said in a statement. “His work with Stavis Seafoods helped shape the face of the seafood industry in Boston and the United States for decades.”
Edward, and his brother Frederick, took up the helm of the company in 1960 as the second generation in the family business. In 1967 they renamed the company, from the Stavis Ipswich Clam Company to Stavis Seafoods, and were part of launching some of the company’s recognizable brands, like Boston Pride and Foods from the Sea. Edward was also a noted philanthropist.
“Ed was instrumental in growing the company from a local seafood business into an international importer and distributor,” wrote Stavis Seafoods.
In lieu of flowers or condolences, Stavis' family requests that donations be made to the Edward and Nancy Stavis Scholarship Fund at the Heller School of Brandeis University.
“Ed’s legacy will live on in the business and in the many people he mentored during his five decades with the company,” wrote Stavis Seafoods. “We join the Stavis family in mourning the loss of their father and uncle and our former leader, mentor, and friend.”
Photo Courtesy of Stavis Seafoods
