Port Lincoln tuna magnate Joe Puglisi has died, aged 87

One of Port Lincoln’s founding tuna magnates has died, with locals and friends paying tribute to the hardworking fisherman.

One of the pioneers of South Australia’s tuna industry has been remembered as a hardworking fisherman, beloved family man and well respected community leader.

The tight-knit community of Port Lincoln is in mourning after Joe “Tiger” Puglisi passed away at the Port Lincoln Hospital on June 25.

Port Lincoln tuna industry pioneer Joe Puglisi at his Marina Cove office.

The 87-year-old was one of the leaders of Port Lincoln’s lucrative tuna sector, playing a pivotal role in setting up the industry in the 1960s and 70s.

Alongside his brother Mick, Joe moved to the seaside town in 1960 after reeling in yellowfin tuna in Ulladulla in southern NSW.

Joe moved to Port Lincoln in 1960 alongside his brother, Mick. Picture: Supplied

The 87-year-old died on June 25. Picture: Ivon Perrin

It was there where the Puglisi family, along with other tuna magnates Hagen Stehr, Sam Sarin, Mario Valcic and Tony Santic – owner of three-time Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva – worked tirelessly.

Mr Puglisi built a tuna empire in Port Lincoln. Picture: Supplied

The group – affectionately known as the Cappuccino Club and the Port Lincoln Mafia – regularly gathered at a local cafe to discuss all things fishing, even after retiring.

The hardworking families reportedly had a combined wealth of over a billion dollars.

Despite selling his business in the early 2000s to a Norwegian-based company for around $100m, Joe continued to play a vital role in setting up pathways into the Japanese market.

Prince Albert of Monaco (right) with tuna fisherman Joe Puglisi at Port Lincoln Airport in 2003.

Longtime friend Hagen Stehr said Joe’s impact on the Port Lincoln community was immense.

“We started this industry 60 years ago, we cleaned the town up,” Mr Stehr said.

“We started from nothing, they had nothing … we built the industry up.

“We did everything together the last 30 years, I miss those guys a real lot.”

Tributes have flooded in across social media, with Port Lincoln locals calling Joe a “true gentleman” and “wonderful human being”.

Originally published as Port Lincoln tuna magnate Joe Puglisi has died, aged 87