his family.
He was born in Crockett, CA, on July 13, 1925, to Italian immigrant parents, Vincent C. Petrucci, and
Assunta Spero, and raised on his family's farm in Escalon, CA. He entered the United States Navy during
World War II, and was preparing to become a naval aviator but the war ended. He then attended
University of California, Davis, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Pomology, and a
Master of Science degree in Horticulture. In 1994, he was awarded an honorary doctorate of Science
from California State University, Fresno.
He was married to his high school sweetheart, Josephine San Julian, for 69 years, until her death
just a few short weeks ago on November 9, 2016. Together they moved to Fresno in 1948, where he
had accepted a position as one of the professors hired to expand the School of Agriculture at Fresno
State College. He developed the Viticulture and Enology programs and was director of the Viticulture
and Enology Research Center. He was a passionate professor serving students for almost five decades.
He traveled to every corner of the world where grapes were grown and was often met at the airports
by his international students.
Our dad had a generous heart and an unbridled zest for life in everything he attempted, be it golfing
at Fort Washington Country Club, fishing with his grandchildren, hunting, entertaining, or cheering his
sports teams, especially the Fresno State Bulldogs as a fan extraordinaire. But most of all he loved
God, he loved his grapes, he loved his wine, he loved his family, he loved his friends, and he loved his
students. What better legacy to leave us with than his love.
He was a loving father to his five children, Julianne Calvet, Kristene Scholefield and husband John,
Stephanie Weber and husband Doug, Vincent P. Petrucci and wife Terri Lynn, Terrie Antonino and
husband Joe; and an adoring Papa to 16 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind
two sisters, Violet Germano, and Celia Dismukes; and many nieces and nephews.
Vistation will be held at Lisle Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 3, 2017, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00
p.m. A Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Tuesday, January 3,
2017 at 7:00 p.m.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Spirit on Wednesday, January 4, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. A burial will
be private.
To honor our father, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to the Vincent Petrucci
Endowment (for viticulture and enology student scholarships) or the Vincent E. Petrucci Library
Endowment. Ag One Foundation, 2910 E. Barstow Ave, MS OF 115, Fresno, CA 93740
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