Village Super Market Chair ‘Bill’ Sumas dies at 77

Village Super Market Inc., a Springfield-based company that operates 34 supermarkets in four states under the ShopRite, Fairway and Gourmet Garage banners, announced this week that Chairman William Perry “Bill” Sumas has passed away.

Sumas, a member and key leader of the Wakefern Food Corp. cooperative, was 77. He died July 11, surrounded by family, according to a news release.

He joined Village in 1960 and served as chairman of the board since 2017. He was chairman of the board of the New Jersey Food Council from 2000-2007.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of William Sumas,” the Village Super Market board said in a prepared statement. “Bill was a visionary leader whose passion for excellence and dedication to his family, our industry and the communities we serve made an enduring impact far beyond Village Super Market and Wakefern.”

Robert Sumas, CEO and vice chairman of the board, will be interim chairman until the board chooses a new chair.