By Joan Garvin

From left, Mario Gemello enjoys his fine wine with fellow winemaker and family member Paul Obester.

Mario Gemello, 89, died of bone cancer at his Los Altos home Oct. 31, surrounded by his family.

Mr. Gemello was proud of his Italian heritage and of his roots in this Valley of the Heart’s Delight. As a boy, he enjoyed overlooking the “solid white valley,” covered with snow-like apricot blossoms, from his home above the dam in Cupertino. He attended Mountain View elementary and high schools.

He married his best friend’s sister, Kay Volarvich, Nov. 17, 1940.

The Gemellos farmed 55 acres just off El Camino until 1943 when Mr. Gemello joined the wine business with his father. The Gemello wines continued to win awards as late as 2002, even though he retired in 1992.

“He was the most ethical man we (the children) have ever known - in his business life, in his community interaction - he knew what was right and he did it,” according to his daughter Pat.

“He was not one to call out to others to admire his virtue, but as we watched his actions, we could see,” said his son John.

Mr. Gemello participated in activities at St. Joseph’s Mountain View, St. Francis High School, St. Williams’ Los Altos, the Kiwanis Club, The Elks Club, the wine industry, ballroom dancing and virtually with anyone who asked him, according to his children.

Michael Ferguson gave a personal example of his grandfather’s hospitality. Michael and friends were en route from San Francisco to an engagement party in Los Gatos. They agreed to detour to the Gemellos. The unexpected guests were feted with snacks and wines selected by the winemaker.

The young men were fascinated by Mr. Gemello’s storytelling until past the time to leave. As the driver maneuvered the steep driveway, the Gemellos stood in the doorway waving. The driver slammed on the brakes, reversed precariously down the driveway and announced to his passengers, “I’m not ready to leave yet.”

Mark confirmed that his father’s connection with people endured. Paul Obester, a family cousin who owns a vineyard in Half Moon Bay, brought Mr. Gemello a small vine for his yard several years ago. Mr. Gemello nurtured the fragile vine and harvested the grapes each year on his birthday, Sept. 27. This year the tender vine suffered from neglect. A counselor from Transitions sat with Mr. Gemello one day. Mr. Gemello shared his concern for the lack of grapes.

On Sept. 26, the gentleman brought a bucket of fresh grapes to the Gemellos.

The family wired the grapes to the barren vine, covered the wires with tape - and produced the final birthday harvest on schedule! Mark said the instant camaraderie was a typical example of his father’s joy in others.

“I have never known anyone who has had a better life than he,” Michael said of his “best friend,” his grandfather.

Mr. Gemello’s legacy continues in Mountain View’s Gemello Park and Gemello Village on the site of the farm and winery.

Mr. Gemello is survived by his wife; daughter Patricia Ferguson of Belmont and sons John and his wife, Linda, of San Mateo, and Mark and his wife, Beverly, of Oakland; grandchildren, Matthew, Kevin, Michael, Gina Lisa and James Paul; and great-granddaughter, Delilah,

Services were held at St. William Church. Donations may be made to Hanna Boys Center, P.O. Box 100, Sonoma CA 95476-9989, or Hospice of the Valley, 1150 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose CA 95128-3509.