Category: Uncategorized

John P. Connelly

Memorial Fund

Est. 2024

John Connelly was the president and chief executive officer of the National Fisheries Institute, America’s leading trade association advocating for the entire seafood supply chain. He also served as SIRF’s secretary and treasurer, chairman of the International Coalition of Fisheries Associations, a board trustee for the Marine Stewardship Council, on the boards of directors of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation and ALLFISH Board, a public-private partnership with the World Bank. 

Mr. Connelly was a fierce advocate for the men and women of the seafood community and beloved industry leader. He was known for his mantra, “No job too big, no job too small.” During his extensive travels, he always found time to send handwritten postcards to friends and family. 

He previously held business leadership and advocacy positions at the American Chemistry Council, the chemical industry’s trade association. He was a U.S. Naval Officer aboard ship and recently retired as a captain in the Navy Reserve, with specializations in political-military affairs.   

Mr. Connelly graduated from The College of the Holy Cross.  He also received a Masters in Business Administration.  He and his wife Margaret enjoyed skiing, tennis, and hiking with their four children at their house in Ireland.  

Anna and Jacob Bloom​

Living Tribute Fund​

Established 1997​

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Anna Bloom is the daughter of Lee and Alyssa Bloom, and Jacob Bloom is the son of Eric and Joyce Bloom. Anna and Jacob are the grandchildren of William Bloom, founder of the Eastern Fish Company. The Blooms are longtime supporters of SIRF. ​

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Robert Brophy​

Memorial Fund​

Established 1996​

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Robert Brophy was the president and chief executive officer of Icicle Seafoods from 1980 to 1994.​

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CP Aquaculture​

Scholarship Fund​

Established 1996​

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As a total vertically integrated operator, with full control of all production processes throughout the value chain, CP Aquaculture is one of the major players in shrimp and fish aquaculture and feed mills.  ​

John G. Peterson​

Memorial Fund​

Established 1995​

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John Peterson was the president and chief executive officer of Ocean Beauty Seafoods, Inc. in Seattle, Washington and a longtime National Fisheries Institute board member. He served as NFI chairman in 1973.​

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Robert J. Gruber​

Memorial Fund​

Established 1994​

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Robert Gruber was the president of Blue Water Seafoods. He also served as an executive with The Kroger Company. Mr. Gruber led the National Fisheries Institute as chairman in 1964. ​

Evan David Bloom​

Living Tribute Fund​

Established 1994​

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Evan Bloom is the son of Eric and Joyce Bloom and the grandson of William Bloom, founder of the Eastern Fish Company. Both William and Eric Bloom served as chairman of the National Fisheries Institute. The Blooms are longtime supporters of SIRF. ​

Mel Pell / Nancy Abrams​

Memorial Fund​

Established 1993​

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Mel Pell was a representative of Great Eastern Mussel Farms of Newcastle, Maine, and an advocate for mussels. According to Mr. Pell, “There is no great secret to cooking mussels. There is practically no preparation before cooking or before serving on the half shell.” ​
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Nancy Abrams was the marketing and culinary consultant for the Chicago Fish House. She was responsible for education and marketing on the retail and wholesale levels and for giving how-to sessions on the selection, storage, and preparation of fresh fish and shellfish.​