Our History

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Who is Rocco?

Joseph Rocco Summa was born on December 16, 1936 in Waterbury CT.  He was the son of the Italian Immigrants Joseph and Rose (Brunelli) Summa. 

In 1952 Joe worked for Fulten Markets, a small group of local neighborhood grocery stores. It was there he apprenticed as a meat cutter eventually opening his own market in a small Italian neighborhood in Waterbury, Ct. known as Town Plot. Joe brought to his business his love for quality food, fresh meats and local small hometown service.  Furthering his love of food and the supermarket business in 1981 he founded the Pilot Seasonings Company a spice manufacturing company.   

Joe lived a life of adventure and was an avid traveler, traveling extensively all over the world; including Antartica, the Amazon, Africa, Cuba and all over Europe just to name a few.  Joe loved his experiences and trying new foods all over the world.  

At the age of 80 on February 14, 2017 Joe passed away.  He was the beloved husband of Rosemary (Colagrossi) Summa for over 61 years.   

Pilot Seasoning is still in business today manufacturing Sausage Seasonings and other spice blends.  His son Joe Jr and his daughter Mary keep his legacy going bringing his values and love of food to Supermarkets and Restauranters.