Donald John Valpredo

January 5, 1939 – October 31, 2024

Bakersfield – Donald (Don) John Valpredo, a lifelong champion of agriculture and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2024 while on vacation overseas. Born to Jeanne and John Valpredo on January 5, 1939, Don lived a life full of determination and drive to leave this world a better place. Passionate about his family, friends, farming, thoroughbred horses and his Italian heritage, Don was a pioneer in Kern County agriculture with a lifetime of stewardship and involvement until the end.

Don graduated from Garces Memorial High School and UC Davis with a degree in Agronomy. He served in the US Coast Guard for two years before returning to Mettler to partner with his father in farming. Building on that legacy, Mr. Valpredo went on to be President of Ridge Ginning Co. and founding partner of Kern Ridge Growers, Val-Mar Farms, and related entities. In 2008, along with his son, Michael Valpredo, he co-founded Country Sweet Produce. Don tirelessly demonstrated a steadfast commitment to serving the industry through various directorships, including Arvin Edison Water Storage District, Rancheros Visitadores, and Western Growers Association.

Mr. Valpredo was an avid horseman and a breeding and racing enthusiast. In 2019, he was inducted into the Bob Elias Kern County Sports Hall of Fame. As a decades-long member of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Board, he served as president for three consecutive terms from 1986 to 1988 and then again in 2014. He was elected to the CTBA Hall of Fame in 2017 for his leadership in creating the California Cup, a state-bred day of championship racing. The "Donald Valpredo California Sprint Cup" is held at Santa Anita Park and has been run every January - Mr. Valpredo's birth month - since 1990. Don was also a Commissioner and Vice-Chairman for the California Horse Racing Board as well as a director for the Thoroughbred Owners of California Board, serving until 2011 and capping a 13-year term. He was also on the board of directors for the Breeder's Cup and a member of the Jockey Club.

Don cherished time with his loving wife, Sally, his three children, and seven grandchildren. Traveling the world and making memories with his friends and family brought him immense joy. Don's opinions, vision, and involvement in the community will be missed.

He is survived by his wife, Sally Pascoe Valpredo, son, Michael (Michelle), daughters, Natalia Valpredo Fritz (Clayton) and Alexis Valpredo Moseley (Robert), and grandchildren, Elle, Jadon,and Rome Valpredo, Buchannon, Bianca, and Leonardo Fritz, and George Moseley as well as his siblings, Joan Richardson, Jon Valpredo, and Antionette Rudnick.

A private memorial mass will be held in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers, the Valpredo family kindly requests donations be made to the National Future Farmers of America Leadership Fund (ffa.org) or National FFA Organization, 6060 FFA Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46278-1370.

Fond memories and condolences may be shared at www.hillcrestmemorial.com