Parducci, John Angelo

John Angelo Parducci - age: 96
(January 22, 1918 to February 04, 2014 )
Resident of Ukiah, California

Obituary:
John Angelo Parducci, 96 of Ukiah, passed peacefully at his home on Tuesday, February 4th.
He is survived by his wife Margarett of 76 years, son William, brother Dolph, six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. His father Adolph, mother Isabelle, son Richard, brothers George and Vernon precede him in death.
John was born on January 22, 1918 in Preston, California (North of Cloverdale), in the same house his mother Isabelle Katherine Lucchetti was born. The family moved to the Ukiah Valley in the 1920’s, where John and his 3 brothers helped their father construct Parducci Wine Cellars in 1932. After graduating from Ukiah High School in 1936, John attended Santa Rosa Junior College. In March 1937 John married the love of his life, Margarett Louise Romer.

John returned to work at the family’s winery and took over winemaking in 1940. He strove to improve the quality of wine while making it accessible and affordable. Affectionately labeled Mr. Mendocino, he championed the region nationally for more than half a century. He stayed active in winemaking for 70 years, most recently with his grandson Rich, at McNab Ridge Winery.

John was honored numerous times with awards by his industry associates for contributions to the wine industry; named winemaker of the year many times, received lifetime achievement awards and most recently was inducted into the Vintner’s Hall of Fame.

In his community, he was president of the Ukiah Rotary Club, past president of Pomo Shrine Club and was awarded Mendocino County Agricultural Man of the Year. He and his wife Margarett were also ardent supporters of the Grace Hudson Museum.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, February 10th at Eversole Mortuary, 141 Low Gap Road, Ukiah. Memorial donations can be made in John’s name to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2425 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95817.