Steve Michael Volpe passed away peacefully on June 10, 2024. He was 100 years old.
Steve was born on August 20, 1923 in Cleveland, Ohio to Louis and Esther Volpe. He was one of seven children. Steve was preceded in death by sisters Natalie Girbino, Grace Caito, and Virginia Gillombardo, and brothers Paul, Anthony, and Louis.
Steve’s 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, Steve married Gloria Jean Marra. In 1956, the couple welcomed their only child, a baby girl named Cheryl. They moved to Fresno, California, in 1959 where Steve started Steve Volpe Brokerage Company. He bought and sold produce for about 10 years before starting his table grape business, which he named Royal Madera Vineyards BB #:112514.
Steve 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, Steve’s tremendous drive to work hard never wavered. Royal Madera Vineyards is currently a third generation company, proudly carrying on Steve’s legacy.
Steve’s incredible generosity to hospitals and various charities exemplified his giving spirit. His family would like to extend a very special and heartfelt thank you to Jenifer Rivas Arreola, Alice Garcia Moore, Zysthiel Jaurequi, Maritza Sastre, and Susie Harrington. They were beautiful angels that cared for him in the most loving and compassionate way. Steve’s family would also like to extend a special thank you to Bertha Hernandez for her endless care over many years.
Steve 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 & his “little buddy.” Steve is also survived by numerous nieces & nephews.
There will be a visitation at Whitehurst Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. The church service at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, followed by a private burial at St. Peter’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to your favorite charity in Steve’s honor.
