Local agriculture community mourns the loss of Dr. John Palumbo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The agriculture community in Yuma is mourning the loss of well-respected friend and colleague.

Entomology Professor and Extension Specialist at the University of Arizona Dr. John Palumbo passed away on Sunday after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Palumbo served for more than 35 years from his base at the Agricultural Center in Yuma and has been internationally recognized for his contributions to Integrated Pest Management for vegetable crops.

Bill Fox worked alongside Palumbo and says his presence is already missed.

Fox, an independent Pest Control Advisor in Yuma, says, "We're just spoiled. There's no one better than John. He'll be hard to replace."

Fox says he relied heavily on Palumbo when his fields were dealing with invasive species.

He says Palumbo's expertise was unmatched.

He foresaw problems and provided swift solutions.

"The biggest thing in our business is prevention. He saw problems with the Whiteflies, the Bagrada bug, the Diamondback moths. He jumped headfirst into these things and found a way we can manage these problems," explained Fox.

Palumbo helped growers produce safer and healthier food using fewer pesticides and more sustainable practices.

And when certain products were deemed unsafe, Fox says, "John had already done the groundwork for a reliable substitution. We thought it was the end of the world but it was one of those things we were able to slide right into."

But John Palumbo's legacy extends beyond his agricultural achievements.

Many are remembering him by his generosity, humor, and his toughness.

"The guy faced his cancer, you can tell a lot about guy, about his character, how he handled this and he put a hell of a fight up," Fox shared.

Palumbo leaves behind his wife, children, and grandchildren.