Western New York lost an icon in business and life when Eugene P. “Gene” Vukelic, the esteemed Chairman of Try-It Distributing Co., Inc., and a respected figure in Western New York’s business, civic, and philanthropic communities, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of family, leadership, generosity, and compassion. He was 94.
I had known and worked with Gene Vukelic for many decades, dating back to my days as General Manager of the Buffalo Bisons and continuing when he supported heavyweight professional boxer “Baby Joe” Mesi. He was Chairman of Try-It Distributing which supplied the ballpark with its Anheuser-Busch and Labatt brands of beer and from my first visit, he was the epitome of a gentleman, a legacy he carried throughout his storied career.
Mr. Vukelic led Try-It, a nationally recognized beverage distributor, founded in 1928 by his father, the late Stephen L. “The Chief” Vukelic. Under Gene’s visionary leadership, the company grew from a modest operation of 12 employees to one of the Top 50 beverage distributors in the nation, now employing over 600 individuals and operating a statewide organization. He leaves the company in great shape for future growth through the leadership of his sons, the third generation, Paul, Jeff and Matt and fourth generation members of the family, Greg and Christopher Vukelic and Tim and Matt Mahoney…