Monte Melvyn Valpredo

Monte Melvyn Valpredo, affectionately known as PA Monte, passed on July 16, 2024. He was a true icon of Bakersfield known for his dedication to excellence in work, his many talents and passions, and his deep commitment to family and God.

Monte, who was a second-generation Italian American, grew up working on the Valpredo family farm where he developed a love and appreciation for land at an early age. He spent the majority of his career farming full-time in Mettler, California, and was among the first farmers to cultivate in the area. His fields were celebrated for their meticulous precision, with every row being perfectly maintained. In fact, his family would lovingly call him “Testa Dura”, in that he had an endearing stubbornness when it came to keeping impeccability on the farm and in all other aspects of life.

Being a man of many minds and skills, Monte was an outdoorsman, fisherman, sportsman, and athlete. He had a love for gardening and an eye for aesthetics and design too. He turned his backyard into a haven of lush greenery with a collectable cactus garden always in vibrant bloom. His favorite flower that he would carefully tend to was the orchid. His home was like walking into a museum of collectibles, artifacts and colorful art. Yet, perhaps the place where he shined the brightest was in the kitchen.

For 35 years, Monte was the driving force behind the third-generation ownership of Bakersfield’s historical Luigi’s Restaurant, Delicatessen & Wine Shop. He preserved the family business’ cherished recipes and elevated its legacy with his Luigi’s Seasoning. He took great pride in being involved in every aspect of the process, from creating and bottling the Seasoning, to personally hand delivering it throughout town. Today, his Seasoning is widely loved throughout the nation. Its success is a testament to Monte’s drive, care, and hard work.

In his personal kitchen, Monte loved new recipes, reading cookbooks and grocery shopping for all the perfect ingredients. His kitchen was filled with his beloved cookware. He cooked with passion and love; as sitting down to eat was his favorite time of day.

Above all, Monte's greatest treasure was his family. His immense love and enthusiasm for his children, grandchildren and Antonia will forever resonate in their hearts. He had more love in him than one could imagine. He instilled a tradition in his family: a family who loves each other, eats, works, and prays together, will always be together.

Monte was very patriotic. He also had great devotion to the Lord, and the Saints, especially Saint Christopher and Padre Pio. He was a loyal parishioner to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church for more than 50 years.

He was born on March 9, 1938 in Santa Monica, California by Marie & Chester Valpredo. His family relocated to Mettler, California in his youth. He graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1957. He is survived by his daughter Monica (John Sacco), daughter Lanette (Chris Caratan), and son Gino (Sandra Valpredo); his cherished love, Antonia Valpredo; his six grandchildren Christian Morris, Cole Morris, Giovanna Sacco, Giancarlo Sacco, Nicco Valpredo, and Angelina Valpredo; his sister Janet Valpredo, sister-in-law Margaret Lemmuchi; his niece Lisa Lemucchi; his nephews Nick Rogers and Kirk (Tracy) Rogers, and a wide circle of cousins, extended family and friends.

A celebration of his life will be held on Monday July 29, 2024 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 7:30 AM Rosary, 8:00 AM Celebration of the Holy Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the “Monte Valpredo Our Lady of Perpetual Help Beautification Fund” 124 Columbus St, Bakersfield, CA 93305