The Campbell Soup Co. executive who was behind the enduring brands Spaghetti Os and Chunky Soup has died.
Donald Goerke was 83. A Campbell spokesman confirmed that Goerke died of heart failure Sunday at his home in Delran in southern New Jersey.
Goerke was marketing research director of Campbell’s Franco-American line in the early 1960s when his group started dreaming up pasta in shapes that would appeal to kids. He chose the o’s. They were marketed with the unforgettable tagline, “Uh-oh, Spaghetti Os.”
Later, he helped introduce Chunky Soup, a hearty ready-to-serve soup that stood out from the company’s traditional line of condensed soups.
The Waukesha, Wis., native worked for Camden-based Campbell for 35 years, retiring in 1990.
Many many a school lunch were passed with Spaghetti O’s in my Thermos as other people ate the crap sandwiches their moms made them.
RIP Donald, and thank you.
