I have only known a handful of millionaires in my lifetime, but one stands out above all the rest—Mr. Anthony Rossi. You’ve probably never heard of him (and that’s okay—he would probably want it that way!). But if I mentioned “Tropicana Orange Juice,” I can already see your heads nodding.
Mr. Rossi supported us as missionaries while we were in Sicily, Italy from 1980-1986. Not only us, but 500 other missionaries as well! He was the founder and CEO of Tropicana Orange Juice until he sold out to Beatrice Foods in 1978. With the profits he founded the Aurora Foundation, so that he could continue with his mission work.
We first met this “Million Dollar Man” in 1980 when we did an internship in Bradenton, Florida at Calvary Baptist Church. I’ll never forget our first meeting. We were invited to have lunch at his home (it took me three days to figure out what to wear and I only had one dress!).
When we passed by Bradenton Drive—along the waterfront—I tugged at my husband’s shirt sleeve and said, “Honey, this can’t be the right place—look at it!”
It was a small ranch-style home with a circle driveway filled with rose bushes of every color: red, white, pink, yellow and lavender. I glanced at the address again and said, “Mark, this doesn’t look like the home of a millionaire—there isn’t even grass in the front yard!”
We were greeted at the door by Mr. Rossi’s lovely wife, Sanna, and seated at the dining room table (at the right hand of Mr. Rossi—a symbol of honor in the Sicilian culture). After we said “grace,” Mr. Rossi served each of us personally before serving himself. And then it happened…something that has stayed with me all these years.
There was a tray of delectable desserts being passed around the table: key lime pie, fruit-filled tarts, and pecan pie with a dollop of whipping cream. Mr. Rossi recommended the pecan pie (it was absolutely “divine”—I can still taste it!). While I was devouring each of the praline pecans tossed on top of the whipped cream, I noticed there was an empty plate that was taken away and in its place Mr. Rossi was served a baked apple with cinnamon—no sugar!
When I commented on how delicious the pecan pie was, Mr. Rossi—in his thick Italian accent—said, “It’s my fav-vooor-it!”
“But why aren’t you having some?” I asked.
Mr. Rossi looked up briefly and smiled, “I gave up dessert thirty years ago because I loved it too much!”
What, give up dessert? Never…not in this lifetime! I thought.
Here was a man who had literally gone from rags to riches—an immigrant from Sicily—who became one of the most successful businessmen in the world. He built an empire out of oranges, became a multi-millionaire, lived in a modest two-bedroom home, drove a Buick sedan, and gave all his money away to support missionaries around the world, and yet he didn’t partake of dessert because he “loved” it too much.
Incredible!
Mr. Rossi not only lived a life of frugality, generosity, and integrity, but he also taught me something else…”being a servant” to others.
Today when I see a carton of Tropicana Orange Juice in the supermarket cooler section, I smile and remember the man who chose to put himself “last” and made others feel like a “million” bucks!
11 Comments
Mr. Rossi sounds like a man who loved Jesus more than anyone or anything. Thanks for sharing him with the rest of us, Connie. It makes me want to ask God what I love too much, but to be honest, I’m not sure I want to hear the answer. I’ll think about this on my walk this morning.
Hugs,
Carolyn
You’ve got that right, Carolyn. Mr. Rossi did love God more than anything else (I think a close second was his dear wife, Sanna, who worked in Bible translation before they were married). The two of them were quite a team! I’m afraid what will happen if I take a walk. Smile!
Hugs right back!
Connie
Oh! I have a Tropicana shirt!! We sent for them years ago after drinking so many orange juices…We use that juice exclusively in our house…How nice that you met the man who originated the company.
Give up desserts…ugh…what will I have to look forward to??? Ha. Jeanne
Jeanne,
Isn’t it nice to meet the man behind the orange juice (and might I add: behind every great man is a great woman!). Sanna was also a missionary and she wrote a book (Intervarsity Press) about Mr. Rossi’s life (it’s still available!). Every year when we came back to the states, Mr. Rossi would have us to his home for lunch (”pranzo”–the biggest meal is in the middle of the day!). It was always the highlight of our furlough! Did I tell you, he also built a “retirement” village for missionaries–totally free! How amazing is that?
Wear your Tropicana shirt with joy and when you get a chance, tell his story to those who ask. He was such a humble man (and so brilliant!). I’m thankful Sanna wrote his story!
Dessert…my thought: “Eat it first!” Smile.
Hugs,
Connie
Great post! What a great story. Thanks for sharing it.
Keri
Wow Connie - I’m blown away. Mr. Rossi - well, I’m for a change, wordless. His life is truly an example of everything we as believers should be… Christ-like. I have much “food for thought” and now when I drink Tropicana Orange Juice, I’ll never view it the same way.
Did I tell you, as part of the twenty-one day experiment with Joel for managing A.D.H.D, we’re only allowed to give him a small amount of O.J. to drink as far as juice goes? None of the other juices. Interesting…
Keri and Susan,
Yes…tears come to my eyes when I think of what one man did with his millions. I think being a “millionaire” is quite a responsibility and few know how to handle it! But, thankfully, Mr. Rossi was an excellent steward of all that he was entrusted with and because of it…millions have come to know the God he served! What a legacy. It doesn’t get any better than that!
Susan, keep giving Joel the orange juice of choice–Tropicana! (Is there any other kind?)
Mr. Rossi sounds like someone I would love to have known. Guess I’ll be switching to Tropicana!
Gerri
Gerri,
I just got back from the grocery store and I think Mr. Rossi would be amazed at the different varieties of Tropicana: low acid, calcium enriched, extra pulp, low pulp, no pulp….and a few in between. As for me and my house…we will stick to the original!
Thanks for “pouring” by today!
Hugs,
Connie
Connie, what a great story about a man who, I’m sure, made a difference in many lives. The varieties of orange juice remind me of the varieties of Oreo’s. Isn’t it crazy how every product is finding ways to multiply? Anyway, I’ll think of you and your faithful friend when I see Tropicana products from now on.
Dotsie,
You reminded me of one of the things that struck me “odd” when I returned to the states after being overseas for so many years…the “variety.” I remember having to go outside and get some fresh air while contemplating what type of cereal to buy! In Italy, we had 3 varieties: corn flakes, cheerios, and granola. For those of us who have difficulty making decisions, less is more!
Hugs,
Connie