[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 112 (Thursday, July 7, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E695]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                          HONORING BOB PESTONI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 7, 2022

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my 
friend, Bob Pestoni, a third generation Napa Valley native son.
  Born in 1937, Mr. Pestoni was raised by his parents, Henry and Lena 
Pestoni, on the Pestoni family ranch in St. Helena. He was from two 
pioneering winemaking families, the Pestoni family, originally from 
Monte Carasso, Switzerland, and the Domingos family from St. George 
Island in the Azores.
  From a young age, Mr. Pestoni had a great love for sports. He 
participated in Carpy Gang Football as well as played football and ran 
track at St. Helena High School and Napa Valley College. When he served 
our country in the Army, he also joined the Army football and wrestling 
teams.
  Mr. Pestoni was an innovative leader in the waste and recycling 
industry. In 1963, he and his brother Marvin created Upper Valley 
Disposal Service, becoming the refuse hauler for the upper Napa Valley. 
Over time, it grew into a fully integrated company specializing in 
recycling, composting, waste collection and disposal, and renewable 
energy production. His work creating a system for processing wine grape 
pomace into certified organic compost won him recognition from National 
Geographic, Organic Materials Research Institute, and the state of 
California. Mr. Pestoni also received the prestigious John P. Moscone 
Award his for long-term exemplary commitment, dedication, and service 
to the waste industry.
  In admiration for his family business and heritage, Mr. Pestoni and 
his wife Silvia, opened Rutherford Grove Winery in 1994 and resumed 
making the single vineyard, hand-crafted artisanal wines Bob's father 
and grandfather had created for more than a century before him. In 
2017, in celebration of their 125th anniversary of Napa Valley 
winemaking, the winery was renamed Pestoni Family Estate Winery.
  Mr. Pestoni was known for his warmth, generosity, and infectious 
smile as well as his genuine love of people and life. Mr. Pestoni was 
well loved by his wife of 59 years, Sylvia; his four children Andy, 
Greg (Aimee), Christy (Eric), and Jon (Wendy); six grandchildren Rico, 
Matteo, Lucia, Dominic, Ennio and Massimo; his brother Marvin 
(Charlene); and his best friend since the second grade, George 
Steinauer.
  Madam Speaker, it is evident that Bob Pestoni was a pioneer and 
visionary in the waste industry who also made a lasting impact on his 
family, friends, and his community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper 
that we honor him here today.

                          ____________________