Founder / Owner: Opici Wines, Opici Distributing and Market Street Spirits
March 13, 1916 – September 11, 2018
Glen Rock, NJ, 9.12.2018: Hubert Opici, of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, died peacefully on September 11, 2018, surrounded by his family. He was 102 years old.
Born on March 13, 1916, Hubert was raised in Wyckoff, NJ by his parents, Joseph and Esther Opici. After graduating from Ramsey High School (NJ) in 1934, Hubert joined his family’s small wine business— the American Beverage Distribution Company of New Jersey—as a delivery boy. Hubert put his wine career on hold to volunteer for the Armed Forces in 1942, but he returned to the family business several years later. Through Hubert’s dynamic leadership and passion for wine, the company grew by leaps and bounds into what is now the Opici Wine Group, an importer and distributor of an international portfolio of fine wines & spirits.
Hubert is recognized as an icon in the wine industry and was named “American Wine Legend” by Wine Enthusiast Magazine in 2014. Fondly known by those in the industry as “Mr. O,” Hubert loved visiting with accounts and suppliers, who he considered family. Donning his signature flat cap, Hubert was always ready to share a bottle of Gavi di Gavi and a piece of tiramisu.
Hubert enjoyed listening to Frank Sinatra and reading the NYT and WSJ every morning, but nothing could compare to his love for his wife of 65 years, the late Rose Marie Opici. The two were inseparable and enjoyed traveling the world, dining out, dancing, and spending time with their family.
Known to his family as “Papa,” Hubert is survived by his daughter Linda Opici; his grandchildren, Dina Opici and Don Opici; and four great grandchildren – Julia, James, Luca and Logan.
A wake will be held on Thursday, September 13, 2018 at Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home in Jupiter, FL from 4 – 7 p.m. A private funeral service will take place on Friday, September 14, 2018. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the WSWA Educational Foundation.
