LateBigelowTea pioneer imparts lasting legacy of compassion, charity in Fairfield

Jul. 7—Family members said Bigelow led a life of humility and selflessness despite the high-profile success he achieved as a corporate entrepreneur, always making time for loved ones and placing the greatest investment in ethical leadership and the company's employees.

Cindi Bigelow, Bigelow's daughter and successor as the company's president and CEO, said Bigelow Tea was her father's "air" and "fuel," but profit never took priority over the people who powered the business from within. She said relinquishing the company's leadership to the next generation in 2005 was difficult for him because of his love for the business, but above all, the love for family anchored their relationship.

"I think a lot of people that get involved in business perhaps as family feel secondary," she said. "Not for my father. I never, ever felt secondary. I knew I was primary in his life, of primary importance. And he was just a wonderful role model. He was a role model, a mentor, my rock, my biggest fan. I was his biggest fan. That's for sure."

David Bigelow was born in New York City in 1926 and went on to serve in the U.S. Army as a translator in World War II and graduate from Yale University in 1948, according to his obituary. His obituary states he worked in the film industry for a few years before pivoting to his decades-long career with the tea company.

Cindi Bigelow said he was a "quiet, strong, ethical leader" but could also tap into a "fierce side" when he had to stand up for his employees.

"In today's world, there's not a lot of people that really have the same moral compass," she said. "So many people cheat when it comes to money and power, and he never did it once. He was just a good person through and through, humble through and through, kind, intelligent. I was so blessed. God, I was blessed."

Her parents continued to remain active in the company after he stepped down from its top post, serving as co-chairmen and overseeing the preservation of South Carolina's Charleston Tea Garden, the largest commercial tea farm in the country. Cindi said Bigelow protected the site from real estate interests eyeing a potential condominium development, instead transforming it into a profitable tourist attraction that draws 60,000 to 80,000 visitors per year.

Cindi Bigelow said the family's establishment of the Bigelow Community Challenge, which supports local charities in Connecticut, motivated her father to create the David and Eunice Bigelow Foundation with his wife, raising money for charitable organizations in the Fairfield and Bridgeport area. The foundation gives away about $400,000 per year, she said.

She said her father took a special interest in Bridgeport education, where he donated to youth programs in subjects like coding, art and music. She added he would avoid putting his name next to the donations he would make.

Beyond family, tea and philanthropy, David Bigelow also made time for another passion—golf. He would consistently refine his swing on the fairway while taking inspiration from golf legend Ben Hogan, according to Bigelow's obituary.

"He may have watched more YouTube videos of Ben Hogan's swing than anyone else on earth," the obituary reads. "While his family couldn't match his prowess on the course, they will always hold on to his limitless advice and cherish the many fond memories playing the game together."

David O'Hara, David Bigelow's grandson, said his grandfather was one of his "closest friends" from childhood to adulthood. O'Hara said David Bigelow — who lived just 15 minutes away—would visit his family in Fairfield "all the time" and attend O'Hara's soccer, basketball and baseball games. He remembers the toy cars the two would roll at one another, the backyard sessions of playing catch and shooting hoops, the swimming lessons in his grandfather's pool and the many moments he would spend reading to O'Hara as a child.

As O'Hara grew up, he said his grandfather became a mentor who lent advice that eventually turned into letters he would write to his grandson, bearing tips about life, marriage and complicated business scenarios that drew parallels to David Bigelow's entrepreneurial experience. The tips could be simple but influential—stay curious, find time to laugh, appreciate the little things, listen to those around you, don't be judgmental and treat others how you would like to be treated.

"He was just humble down to his core," O'Hara said. "And he would always say, 'Oh, I don't know what I'm talking about' and 'This is just my opinion' and 'It may be a little presumptuous for me to share this,' and then he would just share the most wise, thoughtful, ethical, integrity-driven perspective on everything."

O'Hara said David Bigelow would often look to give credit to others who had helped him throughout his life, spanning his high school teachers, college friends and first boss.

"I would talk to some of those people, and they would tell me how much my grandfather helped them," O'Hara said.

O'Hara said he carried an ethical standard "to the highest degree," showing his workers at Bigelow Tea dignity and respect. He said Bigelow's character came with a strong sense of humor and an ability to balance his work and personal life.

"He had an innate sense of what was right and what was wrong and always would do just what the right thing was for the employees at Bigelow or for folks in the community or for different people in his life," O'Hara said.

Fairfield officials said the Bigelow family has played a major role in the town since the company moved its facility from Norwalk to Fairfield in 1990, investing in the Bigelow Community Challenge, the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities and numerous other local organizations. They extended their condolences to the Bigelow family and described Bigelow as a kind and generous figure in the local community.

First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick said Bigelow Tea has come to be a "staple" in Fairfield, where she has worked with the family for years, including as a state representative when the family would advocate on behalf of the company in response to legislation. She said Bigelow was an admirable person and member of the town's community beyond his status as a successful business figure.

"They were blessed to have an amazing patriarch and father," she said.

Bigelow's impact on the town even reached to the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities. Julie DeMarco—the director of Fairfield's Human and Social Services Department, which oversees the senior center—said the facility was named after the family in honor of its "generosity" to the local community and senior citizens.

"All of us at the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities are heartbroken to learn of Mr. Bigelow's passing," DeMarco said in an email. "He was a true gentleman. His generosity, love of family, humility and kindness to others, are values we admire [and] strive to achieve."