Credit: Gaviña Coffee Company.
California-based Gaviña Coffee Company announced that two of its longtime leaders — brothers Pedro Lázaro Gaviña and Francisco Marcos “Paco” Gaviña — have died.
Paco died July 29 at the age of 81. Pedro died Sept. 11 at the age of 80.
Representing the third generation of the Gaviña business, which traces its roots back to Cuba, the brothers were instrumental in building the company into a national coffee supplier while maintaining close ties to the industry through volunteerism and events.
The company, originally named F. Gaviña & Sons, Inc., today describes itself as the nation’s largest privately held, minority-owned and operated coffee roaster.
Pedro co-founded the company and served as president, working alongside his parents and siblings.
“My dad Pedro always reminded us that you can be anything you want in life, but you must strive to be the best at it,” Pedro’s son, Michael J. Gaviña, said in an announcement from the company. “It is in his spirit that we continue to grow, innovate, and care for our people, our partners and our community.”
Paco, a civil engineer by training, helped design and build the company’s state-of-the-art roasting and packing plant in the Los Angeles enclave of Vernon and served as vice president of operations.
“My father dedicated his life to building a company based on integrity, quality and family,” said his son, Frank M. Gaviña Jr. “We are committed to honoring his legacy and continuing his vision for Gaviña Coffee Company.”
Michael J. Gaviña and Frank M. Gaviña Jr. represent the fourth generation of company leadership alongside sales and marketing director Lisette Gaviña Lopez.
The company said it “extends its heartfelt gratitude to employees, partners and the broader coffee community for their support during this time of loss.”
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