Steve Anthony Kupina

Steve is survived by his wife, Mary of 46 years; his daughters, Danielle Gonzales and Marina Kupina; and his son Anthony Kupina, as well as Danielle’s husband, Edson Gonzales; Anthony’s wife, Crystal Kupina, along with his two grandchildren, Mila Kupina and Nikko Gonzales.

Steve was born on January 15, 1954 in Toplice, Croatia to his parents Biserka (Pearl) and Petar Kupina. The family remained there until they immigrated to Hamilton, Ontario, Canada in 1959, where they successfully farmed stone fruit and cherries. Steve graduated from Bishop Ryan High School in 1972 and upon completing his first year of college at McMaster University, he relocated to California. Leaving Canada in 1974 the family planted their roots in the states and purchased a vineyard in Kerman, California. Here Steve took on the heavy responsibility of farming grapes and attended Fresno State University, with the remainder of the family arriving in California in 1975. His love of grapes and wine making led him into an emphasis of Viticulture and Enology as he obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1976 and soon after completed his Masters of Science Degree in Chemistry in 1979.

He met Mary Ann Kralj, his “šwidi” as he would come to call her, in their last year of high school. They began dating two weeks before Steve moved to California. Mary remained in Canada to complete her education. After four years of a long-distance relationship and lots of love letters, the couple were joined in marriage in 1978 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Kerman, California. Four years later they welcomed their first child, Danielle, in 1982, their middle daughter, Marina, in 1984, and their son, Anthony, in 1990.

Steve was a titan in the wine industry working diligently as an innovative trailblazer. He was one of the leading inventors of Polyphenolics® Nutritional Health Products as “The Director of Quality and Technical Sales - The Polyphenolics Division” with Constellation Brands for 40 years. His accomplishments were abundant and highly regarded in the field of Grape & Wine Development with numerous active publications, reputable research, and was the pioneer co-inventor of Polyphenolics®, MegaNatural® Grape Seed Extracts and Stellar Tan® Premium Tannin. Given the success of these products, E. & J. Gallo Winery specifically acquired the division and Steve went on to oversee this transition, which is where he ultimately retired after completing 43 years of service.

His passion, aside from quality time with family, was hunting and he had many hunting adventures with his son and close friends. Steve was a generous and impeccable host. He loved food, family, and friends. Every gathering became a celebration, as he was larger than life. His greatest joy was sharing meals with an abundance of wine, and always with a cheer, “živjeli, to your health!”

In honor of Steve A. Kupina donations can be made in his name at Tunnels to Towers t2t.org, one of his highly regarded charities.

Visitation for Steve A. Kupina will be held Monday, September 23, 2024 from 4:00pm to 6:30pm. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 6:30pm held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns and Blair Funeral Home located at 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, California 93720.

A Catholic Mass will be held Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at 10:00am at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 5770 N. Maroa Ave., Fresno, California 93704. The interment service will immediately follow at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery located 264 N. Blythe Ave., Fresno, CA 93706 and Reception to follow interment service.