Thanks from Steve’s Family

On behalf of our family and Pessagno Winery, we thank all of the people, organizations, companies and local papers for telling us how much you appreciate Steve Pessagno’s contribution to our community (“The passing of Steve Pessagno reminds us how special he – and his belief in the area – were,” June 13-19). We’ve received hundreds of calls, emails, flowers and notes expressing love and sorrow. We are devastated by Steve’s death as much as we are amazed by what he accomplished and created in his life.

His star burned bright, but burned out too soon. Steve is being cremated and his ashes will be next to his father, Aldo, in Ione, Calif. We will have a private celebration of his life at the winery in late July. In the meantime, we are doing what Steve wants us to do, and that is carrying on his legacy at the winery, with the help of winemaker friends that will support Steve’s son Anthony in his new role.

We look forward to creating the great wines Steve was known for and pouring our patrons a glass. We love you Steve and look forward to the day we can raise a glass with you again. Here’s to a life well-lived. - Jerri Crittenden | via Web

(Editor’s note: Jerri Crittenden was Steve Passagno’s companion and partner at Pessagno Winery.)