Richard De Judicibus, 84, founder and chairman emeritus of Unitours, died on Feb 4.
De Judicibus established the company in 1957.
Fabrizio Fabbri, president of Unitours, worked closely with De Judicibus for many years.
"From the beginning, he helped establish a thriving business of sending pilgrimage groups to the new country of Israel," Fabbri said in a statement. "He combined historical religious sites with modern secular highlights in hopes of enlightening travelers about the way of life in the Holy Land, plus Eastern and Western Europe. His efforts helped him develop a relationship with the American Jewish Congress, managing their convention and travel programs."
De Judicibus came to the United States from Italy, where he was a member of the Italian Underground during World War II, helping soldiers move from combat to safety.
De Judicibus is survived by his wife Clara, son Richard, daughter Patricia and grandchildren Amber and Sean.