Edward K. Driebe, National Frozen Food Association
Past Chairman, Passes Away

Harrisburg, PA – Edward Kahlil Driebe, age 88, passed away peacefully at his home in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania on January 1, 2005. He was the husband of Mary Pusateri Driebe with whom he shared 65 years of marriage.

Edward owned and operated Pocono Produce Co., Inc. located in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania since 1945. In 1987, his son-in-law, Terrence B. Snyder, and daughters succeeded Edward in operating and owning the Company. He remained Chairman of the Board until his death.

Edward served as Chairman of the National Frozen Food Association in 1981 having served on the Board since 1974. He was respected in the industry as a pioneer in distribution and was so honored by being inducted into the Frozen Food Hall of Fame in 1997.

Born on May 12, 1916 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Kahlil and Frieda (Sadi) Driebe, who emigrated from Lebanon. He and his wife moved to Stroudsburg in 1940 where they operated the Park Market until he purchased Pocono Produce Company from his brother, James. In 1955, Pocono Produce Co. began selling frozen foods and expanded its market to northern and central New Jersey, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area, the Lehigh Valley and the Lake Wallenpaupak region.

Pocono Produce moved to its present location on Chipperfield Drive in 1997. With Edward’s continued presence and guiding hand, the Company has grown to be one of the largest privately owned and operated regional broadline foodservice distribution companies in the Northeast and presently employs 190 associates.

Edward was a member of St. Luke’s Roman Catholic Church in Stroudsburg. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Father Butler Council.

As a resident of Stroudsburg for 64 years, Edward’s accomplishments and generosity exemplify his commitment to the community and his church.

In addition to his wife, Edward is survived by his daughters, Rosemary Driebe Olofsson and Marianne D. Snyder and her husband, Terrence B. Snyder of Stroudsburg; his grandchildren, Kristin Olofsson McDonald and her husband, John K. McDonald of Philadelphia and Dana, Kara and Drew Snyder of Stroudsburg; and two great grandchildren, Jack and Annie McDonald. He was preceded in death by his sister Mary Driebe Smith and his brothers James, George, Samuel, Joseph, Albert and nephew George J. Driebe.

A Mass of Christian burial was held Wednesday, January 5, 2005 at 6:30 P.M. at the Church of St. Luke, Main Street, Stroudsburg, preceded by a viewing beginning at 4:00 P.M. in the Church.

Burial took place at the convenience of the family in the Gates of Heaven Section of Laurelwood Cemetery. The William H. Clark Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the Family requests that contributions be made to:

The Notre Dame High School Building Campaign
60 Spangenburg Avenue, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301

The Church of St. Luke
818 Main Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360

VNA Hospice
500 Independence Road, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301

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