Founded in 1937 by brothers Perry and Nick Sumas, Village Super Market Inc. is one of the largest members within the Wakefern Food Corp. Cooperative. The Springfield-based grocery business operates 34 supermarkets across four states under the ShopRite, Fairway and Gourmet Garage banners. After more than five decades with the company – including the last seven years as CEO and chairman – Robert Sumas announced last month he is passing the torch to the next generation. The son of Village’s co-founder Nick Sumas, he began with the business in 1969 and has held various executive posts, including vice president, chief operating officer and board director. Following Robert Sumas’ Dec. 13 departure, his son, John Sumas, will become CEO, and his nephew, Nicholas Sumas, will take on the role of president and board chairman. John Sumas has held several supervisory positions since beginning with Village in 1987. During Nicholas Sumas’ 30-year tenure at Village, he’s been chief marketing officer and vice president. Named as a director in 2009, he was appointed co-president nine years later. The family also endured the loss of William Sumas, who passed away in July at the age of 77 following a four-month battle with cancer. His career in the industry began 64 years ago when he joined Village, following in the footsteps of his father and company co-founder, Perry Sumas.