Royal Madera Vineyards mourns founder Steve Volpe
Steve Michael Volpe, who started his produce career after finishing the seventh grade and later founded Royal Madera Vineyards, died peacefully on June 10; he was 100 years old.
Mr. Volpe was born on Aug. 20, 1923 in Cleveland to Louis and Esther Volpe. He was one of seven children. His early years began at Our Lady of Peace Catholic School. Upon completion of seventh grade, he joined the family business, P. Volpe & Sons in Cleveland. He enlisted in the navy in 1944 and was humbly honored to serve his country.
On June 5, 1954 Mr. Volpe married Gloria Jean Marra. In 1956, the couple welcomed their only child, a baby girl named Cheryl. They moved to Fresno, CA, in 1959 where Mr. Volpe started Steve Volpe Brokerage Co. He bought and sold produce for about 10 years before starting his table grape business, which he named Royal Madera Vineyards.
Mr. Volpe was a grower, packer and shipper of table and juice grapes and he loved being on the sales desk — entertaining buyers was his livelihood. He also spent time in Coachella Valley selling table grapes for the Coachella grape deal. Even in his later years, Mr. Volpe's tremendous drive to work hard never wavered. Royal Madera Vineyards is currently a third generation company, proudly carrying on Mr. Volpe's legacy.
Mr. Volpe's incredible generosity to hospitals and various charities exemplified his giving spirit. His family thanked Jenifer Rivas Arreola, Alice Garcia Moore, Zysthiel Jaurequi, Maritza Sastre and Susie Harrington, who cared for him in the most loving and compassionate way. Mr. Volpe's also expressed gratitude to Bertha Hernandez for her endless care over many years.
Mr. Volpe is survived by Gloria, his wife of 70 years; his cherished daughter Cheryl Cerniglia and her husband Kirk; two grandsons, Stephen (his namesake) and Matthew and his wife Nicki; and great grandson Paxton Stefano, the apple of his eye and his "Little Buddy." Mr. Volpe is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Mr. Volpe was preceded in death by sisters Natalie Girbino, Grace Caito and Virginia Gillombardo, and brothers Paul, Anthony and Louis.
A visitation for Mr. Volpe will be held June 18, 4-7 p.m. at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720.
A Recitation of the Holy Rosary and a Mass of Christian Burial Service will take place on Wednesday, June 19 at 10 a.m. at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 5770 N Maroa Ave, Fresno, CA 93704.
