John FURLA

A Tegea, Greece native, John Furla emigrated to Chicago in 1893, and became a US citizen in 1898. In Chicago he worked in the soda bottling business, but he moved to St. Louis in April 1904 when that business was faltering. He was looking for business connected with the 1904 World's Fair and worked as a fresh fruit merchant at the Fair. By 1920 he had become the President and Chairman of the Board of the Furla Fruit Supply Co., and became a very successful businessman. He was known for his dedication to community service, and helped found the Greek Orthodox Church in St. Louis. His family later donated the trophy for the winner of the Spirit of St. Louis Marathon, now called the Furla Trophy.

Personal Best: Mar – unknown.