Royal Madera Vineyards founder Steve Michael Volpe is being remembered for his dedication to the table grape business, his family and charitable giving.
Volpe, 100, died peacefully June 10, 2024, according to a family obituary.
Born Aug. 20, 1923, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Louis and Esther Volpe, Steve Volpe 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. Volpe enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944 and was humbly honored to serve his country, his family said.
Volpe married Gloria Jean Marra on June 5, 1954, and in 1956 the couple welcomed their only child, a baby girl named Cheryl. They moved to Fresno, Calif., in 1959, where he started Steve Volpe Brokerage Co.
Volpe bought and sold produce for about 10 years before starting his table grape business, Royal Madera Vineyards, now a third-generation company proudly carrying on his legacy. He was a grower-packer-shipper of table and juice grapes, and he loved being on the sales desk — entertaining buyers was his livelihood, according to his obituary.
He also spent time in the Coachella Valley selling table grapes for the Coachella Grape Deal. Even in his later years, Volpe’s tremendous drive to work hard never wavered, his family said.
Volpe’s incredible generosity to hospitals and various charities exemplified his giving spirit. His family said it is grateful for Jenifer Rivas Arreola, Alice Garcia Moore, Zysthiel Jaurequi, Maritza Sastre and Susie Harrington, who were “beautiful angels that cared for him in the most loving and compassionate way.” The family extended gratitude to Bertha Hernandez for her endless care over many years.
Volpe was preceded in death by sisters Natalie Girbino, Grace Caito and Virginia Gillombardo and brothers Paul, Anthony and Louis.
Volpe is survived by his wife of 70 years, Gloria; his daughter, Cheryl Cerniglia (husband Kirk); two grandsons, Stephen (his namesake) and Matthew (wife Nicki); and great-grandson Paxton Stefano, the apple of his eye and his “little buddy.” He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation is planned for Tuesday, June 18, from 4-7 p.m. at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave. in Fresno.
A church service is planned for Wednesday, June 19, at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 5770 N. Maroa Ave., in Fresno. A private burial will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Volpe’s family asks that donations be made to favorite charities in his honor.
