EPHRATA, PA - We regret to report that a revered industry member passed away on January 5, 2023. Ron Carkoski, the former Chief Executive Officer of Four Seasons Family of Companies, leaves behind a legacy of strong leadership, infectious humor, and diverse talents.

Carkoski served as CEO from 2002 through 2018, when he retired. His career started in 1994 as the Director of Procurement after previous leadership roles at Gateway Foods in Wisconsin. He grew up around the produce business with his father, but pursued a music degree and was a music teacher before making the career change into wholesale distribution.

Throughout his career, Carkoski was active in the produce industry, serving as Chairman of the United Fresh Board of Directors and Chairman of its Wholesale Distributor Board. He received the United Fresh Lifetime Achievement award in January 2019, a release noted.

“Ron was a leader who was always looking for ways to make our industry better,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns. “I enjoyed time spent with him at industry events and at Four Seasons, where he was very generous in hosting several PMA and United staff visits to their family of businesses to give line of sight to the daily workings of a fresh produce distributor. He leaves behind quite a legacy and we extend our deepest condolences and prayers to his family and friends."

In his community, he faithfully served on the Board of Directors of the Delaware Valley Floral Group, was on the Peninsula Music Festival Foundation Board of Trustees in Wisconsin, and was a member of the Make-A-Wish of Philadelphia and Susquehanna Valley Board of Directors.

The Carkoski family remembers him “as a loving husband of nearly 47 years, an inspirational father to three children, a nurturing and energetic mentor and leader, a grandfather who absolutely cherished his two grandkids, and a father-in-law who loved two more children as his own.”

His family continues, “Of the many accolades Ron achieved over his lifetime, nothing meant more to him than his family and friends.”

We offer our deepest condolences to the Carkoski family and all who were impacted by this industry great.