Edward LeRoy Fanucchi

Edward LeRoy “Ed” Fanucchi was born on November 28, 1936, the only child of parents, Julia and Gino Fanucchi. He was born at his parent’s farmhouse on Hayes and Dakota Avenues in Fresno, in a farming area with many Italian immigrants.

Ed’s childhood on the ranch was quiet, yet he never allowed himself to get bored. Using his time productively was a lifelong trait that started when he was quite young. He was known for brainstorming ideas for inventions, even writing to companies to “pitch” his newly invented products. While he never became famous for any of these “inventions”, he learned early to be fearless and confident in his own abilities and ideas.

Ed attended Teague Elementary School through the 8th grade, and then, Central High School. While at Central High, Ed met his lifelong friend, Norman Fletcher. In high school, Ed was on the tennis team, a member of the yearbook committee and president of the Hi Y (High School Youth). The Hi Y was a charitable club which raised money for the March of Dimes. His participation in this organization was instrumental in developing Ed’s lifelong commitment to charitable organizations within the community.

He graduated in 1954, and began his studies at CSU Fresno. Ed majored in economics and romance languages, and graduated magna cum laude in 1958, fluent in both Italian and Spanish. Upon graduation, Ed was awarded a Rotary International scholarship to study economics at Universita Commerciale “Luigi Bocconi” in Milano, Italy, one of the most prestigious economics programs in Europe. He studied there for one year, and returned to Fresno in 1959.

Upon his return from Italy, Ed, who had always been patriotic and believed it was an honor to serve his country, enlisted in the Air National Guard in 1960. Upon completion of his training, he was appointed as a Judge Advocate and faithfully served until his retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1996.

That same year, Ed’s good friend Norman, introduced him to an Italian girl he met at Fresno State, Lucille Damiani; Norman saw it as a perfect match, and the two began dating; they were married on June 6, 1963 at the Shrine of St. Therese. Their wedding at the Rainbow Ballroom was a true Italian celebration of over 500 people, and was featured in The Fresno Bee. The couple then moved to Turlock where Ed worked at Puccinelli Packing Co. as a sales manager.

Always enjoying the continuing pursuit of knowledge, Ed took a position as an instructor and assistant professor of Spanish and Economics at Stanislaus State College in Turlock from 1960 to 1962, and then at Fresno City College from 1968 to 1972.

Ed was known for expecting his students to be prepared and put forth their best work; he was a hard professor and believed that maintaining high expectations for his students ultimately brought out the best in their work; a work ethic he applied to himself throughout his career.

While in Turlock, Ed decided to pursue a career in law. After a two month European trip with Lucille’s family, Ed and Lucille moved to San Francisco where began his law studies at Hastings College of Law. Ed and Lucille enjoyed their years in San Francisco, and Lucille worked as a merchant teller at Wells Fargo and managed their apartment building to put him through school, so that Ed could focus solely on his studies. Many of his professors at Hastings were the authors of the text books that he was studying. Ed graduated in 1967, and passed the bar exam that same year. The following year, in August of 1968, Ed and Lucille welcomed their only child, Edward D. “Eddie” Fanucchi.

After graduation and his return to Fresno, Ed’s father-in-law got him an interview with his attorney at the time; Ed was hired and began his practice of the law at Doty, Quinlan & Kershaw in Downtown Fresno in 1968. Although Ed’s initial practice was focused on family law and estate planning, he broadened his areas of practice to include worker’s compensation, personal injury and medical malpractice, beginning each department within the firm over the years. Like many lawyers of his era, Ed believed that with a solid legal education and proper research, he would be able to help most clients that came his way, and he did just that. He strongly believed that legal representation should be accessible to everyone. He routinely represented underserved populations and was the consummate advocate, representing those he felt were being taken advantage of. Ed loved meeting with and getting to know his clients, making many lasting friendships throughout his career. Even though during his career he had other job opportunities

presented to him, some of which promised greater financial reward or prestige, he chose to remain at the same firm his entire 54-year legal career, while ultimately becoming the owner of Quinlan, Kershaw & Fanucchi. He continued to practice law up until a few months before his death; he was one of the oldest practicing attorneys in Fresno County at age 87.

After 27 years of marriage, Ed’s wife, Lucille, passed away suddenly in April of 1990. Following her death, Ed remained focused on his son and his work at the firm. Eddie soon completed his education, deciding, like his father, to pursue a career in law. Later, to Ed’s great delight, Eddie married Mariangela “Mimi” Tosto on January 9, 1999. Eddie later joined Ed’s firm, proudly carrying on his father’s dedication to serving the Fresno community.

Later that same year, Ed had a chance encounter at a Fresno Grand Opera dinner with Marcella Patrizi from Italy. That evening, Ed began the next chapter of his life. Although he and Marcella never married, they were together for 25 years at the time of Ed's death. They shared many wonderful years traveling together, most often traveling between their homes in Italy and the U.S. and winter trips to warm climates.

Farming was also one of Ed's passions. He took over the farming of the family’s vineyard after the passing of his father in 1976. Ed and his mother, Julia, farmed the vineyard together until her passing 2002. During these years, Ed expanded his vineyards along Hayes Avenue. He later transitioned to almonds in the area. Ed joined the Raisin Bargaining Administration (RBA) in 1997, as his father was an RBA member before him, and was a director until 2022. Through the RBA, Ed believed that fair crop pricing could be achieved for the small, family farmer.

He was also a member of the California Raisin Marketing Board.

Ed embraced his Italian heritage and in 1976 was appointed by the Republic of Italy as the Vice Consul. He held that position until 2008. He was also a Chancellor of the Consular Corps College, which is the National Association of Foreign Consuls in the U.S. He enjoyed and was honored to serve the Italian American community over the years. He was especially proud of his Tuscan roots. In 2023, the President of the Republic of Italy bestowed upon Ed the honor of the Ordine Della Stella D’Italia, which is the highest honor given by the nation to a civilian for their service to the nation. He was also given the title of Cavaliere-the Italian equivalent of a knight.

Ed likewise believed in service to his local community, and was supportive of many organizations over the years, including CSUF School of Business, Advisory Board of Arts and Humanities, and Fresno Grand Opera, where he was a founding director. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Fresno since 1980, the Fresno County Bar Association, Farm Bureau, and Hastings College of Law Alumni association.

The joy of Ed’s life began in 2003 with the birth of Ed's first grandchild, Luca. The two were very close from the start, and often spent weekends together at the ranch. Ed and Luca spent countless hours talking about farming, work, values and politics. Luca always referred to his grandfather as his best friend, and the two took annual trips together throughout the U.S., the last one being in 2023 to Vermont. Ed was proud of the fact that Luca was following in his footsteps, wanting, not only to become an attorney, but to farm as well. Ed was thrilled with Luca’s shared interest, and study of U.S. politics.

2005 saw the birth of his second grandchild, Sofia. He loved the enjoyment she displayed in playing house. Desiring to cultivate these burgeoning domestic skills, Sofia began cooking on Papa’s gas range as 5 years old. Ed and Luca would place their orders, and with some direction, Sofia would make it for them, proudly serving them when they returned from working in the field. Ed was proud of her nurturing personality, and was thrilled when she began her studies in elementary education. Ed, loved to dance, and delighted in dancing with his granddaughter who he would comment was exceptionally light on her feet.

Family was everything to Ed. He always understood that to have success in life, you needed to receive support from and to give support to, those that you loved. He strongly felt that you have to take what you’ve been given in life and do more with it for your family, so that your family continues to progress and become stronger. One of his famous quotes was “It’s all about Love”; his love was his family, and he always put them above himself.

During Ed’s recent illness, Marcella would come from Italy to cook and care for him, believing that he would regain his strength with her love and support. At the end, she was there by his side along with the rest of the family he loved so dearly; he passed peacefully and quietly on November 1, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the following organizations:

Edward L. Fanucchi and Lucille Fanucchi Endowed Italian Studies Scholarship at Fresno State.

Make checks payable to the Fresno State Foundation with a memo noting the

Fanucchi Italian Studies Scholarship,mail to 2380 E. Keats MS/MB99 Fresno, CA 93740.

Nazareth House of Fresno, Inc. c/o Rosemary O'Neill 2121 N. First Street -Fresno, California 93703

Pious Disciples of the Divine Master - 3700 North Cornelia Avenue Fresno, California 93722

San Joaquin Memorial High School - Grotto Society:Attn.Lisa Jones

1406 North Fresno Street ,Fresno, California 93703

University of Notre Dame - Tocqueville Fellowship http://giving.nd.edu/fanucchi-memorial

A Recitation of Holy Rosary for Ed will be held Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 4:00 PM at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 4636 W Dakota Ave, Fresno, CA 93722.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, December 2, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Saint Anthony of Padua, Fresno, 5770 N Maroa Ave, Fresno, CA 93704.

Ed will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of sharing in his life.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Fanucchi family.