Massud “Mike” Shahin Nury, a pioneering food scientist and entrepreneur known for his contributions to the wine and fruit juice industries, died peacefully at his home on Aug. 4, 2024. He was 100.

Born in 1924 in Tehran, Iran, Mr. Nury immigrated to the United States in 1945 to pursue higher education. He began his studies at the American International University in Springfield, Massachusetts, before being drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served during the Korean Occupation. Following his military service, Mr. Nury resumed his education at the University of California, Berkeley, and later earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Food Science from UC Davis.

In 1951, while traveling in London, Mr. Nury met Zarrin Amir-Ebrahimi, whom he married a short time later in San Francisco. The couple settled in Fresno, where they raised three daughters.

Mr. Nury’s career as a research chemist began in 1953 at Vie-Del Company, a Fresno-based winery, distillery, and grape juice concentrate processor.

His innovative work in food science led to significant advancements in the industry, including the pioneering use of ion exchange processing in winemaking and the development of blending wines used in whiskey production. Mr. Nury also developed a color standard for grape juice concentrate measurement, a benchmark still used worldwide.

Bought Vie-Del Company in 1990

In 1990, Mr. Nury purchased Vie-Del Company, becoming its president. Under his leadership, the company flourished, and he played a key role in establishing California Grape Juice Concentrate as a vital ingredient in the U.S. fruit juice industry.

Mr. Nury was an active member of his community, serving as chairman of the California Wine Institute and president of the American Society of Enology and Viticulture. He also held positions on the boards of Fresno Community Hospital and the Fresno Philharmonic and was a member of the Fresno Downtown Rotary and the California State University of Fresno Presidents Club.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Nury cherished spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, family members said. He was also passionate about tennis, skiing, and music.

Mr. Nury was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Zarrin, his parents, and his sister, Homayoun. He is survived by his daughters, Susan Gittens (Larry), Roxanne Stephenson (Chuck), and Dianne “Ninie” Ruof (Mark); his brother, Dr. Fred Nury (Lili); nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

A memorial luncheon will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Fort Washington Country Club in Fresno. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Fresno State Foundation Viticulture and Enology Program or Clovis Community Medical Center.