Howard W. Wirth, cofounder of the Wirth-Daniels candy brokerage firm, passed away Dec. 1, 2019. He was 91.

Dee, a third-generation candy maker, founded Ce De Candy Inc. and began making Smarties candy rolls in 1949.

Former American Candy Co. president Charles Burdine “Byrd” Looper passed away on ­­­­Jan. 8 from pneumonia. He was 86.

It’s impossible to discuss the evolution of French chocolate in the 20^th century without mentioning Guy Urbain, the man who for more than seven decades dedicated his life to advancing not only French chocolate, but sweet gastronomy globally.

John L. Asher Jr., former co-chairman of Souderton, Pa.-based Asher’s Chocolate Co., has passed away. He was 83.

Arne Frank, ceo of Swedish fats and oils supplier AAK, has died, the company announced Tuesday.

With his son Joe and daughter Ronnie by his side, Ned Micelli, 88, founder of Micelli Chocolate Mold Co., passed away peacefully at home in Malverne, Long Island, N.Y. on July 16.

Jim Sconza, former president and ceo of Oakdale, Calif.-based Sconza Candy Co., has passed away, the Sconza family announced Monday.

Bill Malley, retired chairman of Ohio-based Malley’s Chocolates, passed away Oct. 19 after a brief illness. He was 85.