[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 33 (Tuesday, February 27, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E402]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN RECOGNITION OF JOSEPH EDWARD GALLO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DENNIS A. CARDOZA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 27, 2007

  Mr. CARDOZA. Madam Speaker, it is with the greatest respect and 
sincerity that I rise today to honor an exceptional community leader, 
the late Mr. Joseph Edward Gallo. Mr. Gallo, a prominent Merced County 
rancher, dairyman and cheese producer, died February 17, 2007 at his 
home in Livingston, California at the age of 87.
  Joseph Gallo started life as an immigrant's son on September 11, 1919 
in Antioch, California, and ended it as one of the most successful 
dairymen in the country. He was the youngest of three boys to parents 
Joseph Sr. and Susie Gallo who moved to California from the Piedmont 
region of northern Italy. At a young age, Joe moved to Modesto, 
California with his family, and attended Franklin Grammar School. In 
1937, Joseph graduated from Modesto High School and began his studies 
at Modesto Junior College. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps 
during World War II and served in the Philippine Islands and Korea. In 
1945, one year before he left the Army Joseph married Mary Ann Arata of 
Modesto and together they had three children: Peter Joseph, Michael 
David and Linda Ann. The family suffered a great loss in 1968 when 1st 
Lt. Peter Gallo was killed in action in Vietnam. Michael and Linda are 
partners in the Gallo business and farming enterprises, Michael serving 
as CEO since his father's retirement and Linda's husband Kenny is Ranch 
Operations Manager for the firm.
  When Joseph returned home from the service, he became the ranch 
manager for his brothers' grape-growing operation, E&J Gallo Vineyards 
in Livingston. In 1966 Joseph married Patricia Morgan-Gardali of 
Modesto. Patricia and her nine year old son, Sam Gardali, joined the 
family, making their home in Livingston. During the 20 years he worked 
for his brothers' operation, he was also developing his own vineyard 
and cattle business. Joseph eventually accumulated 4,000 acres of 
vineyards, at one time becoming one of California's largest wine grape 
growers. In the years following, his interest in livestock developed 
and in 1979 Joseph built his first diary with 4,000 milking cows. Four 
more diaries would follow as did the founding of the Joseph Gallo Diary 
& Cheese Co. in 1982. In the 25 years since, Joseph's business has 
flourished and in addition to becoming a successful agricultural 
organization, it has become a leader in protecting the environment and 
public health for this and future generations. I remember as a child 
always hearing my father talk about what an amazing farmer Joe Gallo 
was and how impressed he was with how the Gallo operation had 
skillfully grown from a small ranch to one of the nation's most 
successful dairyman and cheese producers. His success was truly 
phenomenal and reflective of Joe's commitment, hard work and dedication 
to his business.

  The Joseph Gallo Farms tradition and commitment to balancing success 
with environmental responsibility is unmatched and has set the standard 
for farming operations across the country. Joseph Gallo will be 
remembered as one of the early pioneers in using methane from manure as 
a source of electricity. He has been recognized by the U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency, and was most recently named the 
International Dairy Foods Association's Innovative Dairy Farmer of the 
Year. Joseph's interest in environmentally conscious farming had much 
to do with his love of the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing and 
traveling. His work has truly helped shape the future of 
environmentally-friendly farming and will forever be admired and 
remembered for his ingenuity.
  Throughout his life, Joseph has supported and been involved with 
countless community organizations and foundations including the 
Livingston Community Health Center, Mercy Medical Center Merced, St. 
Jude's Catholic School and Emanuel Hospital Chairman's Club of Turlock. 
He was also a major contributor to the Veteran's Memorial Wall in 
Washington, D.C. in memory of his son Peter. Joseph's legacy will also 
be memorialized in the Joseph Edward Gallo Recreation and Wellness 
Center at the University of California, Merced, after his son Michael 
and daughter Linda donated funds to its construction in their father's 
name.
  Joseph Gallo is survived by his wife of 41 years, Patricia; his son 
Michael and wife Lori; his daughter Linda and husband Kenny Jelacich; 
his stepson Sam Gardali and wife Kay; and six grandchildren. He was 
preceded in death by his son Peter, and his brother, Julio Gallo. He is 
also survived by his brother Ernest Gallo. Madam Speaker, it is my 
distinct honor and privilege to join our community and the Gallo family 
in honoring the life and legacy of Mr. Joseph Edward Gallo. We lost a 
pioneer, a community leader and a dear friend in his passing.

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