Antonio Gradone

Antonio "Tony" Gradone, was born in 1928 in Vallata, Italy. He passed away on January 28, 2026, at the age of 97.

Growing up in Italy, he learned many skills, including shoemaking, furniture building, gardening, wine making, cooking, and basket weaving. He came to America at the age of 20, along with his mother and sister, Teresa, joining his father here in Watsonville. Two elder siblings remained in Italy. He soon met Marian, whom he would spend the rest of his life with until her passing just six months ago. Her loss devastated him.

Tony and Marian made many unforgettable trips back to Italy, to spend time with family there.

Antonio was a true American dreamer. Following his arrival, he went to work in the fields while studying at night to become an American citizen. Above all else, he believed in hard work. Starting as an apple sorter at S. Martinelli & Company, he worked his way up to head mechanic, where his design for an automatic press put the company into 24-hour production. Antonio loved to create, build, and design. He could make anything work with duct tape, a hammer, and a lot of creativity.

Tony could also make anything grow, from the seeds of past years to cherry trees brought home from Italy in a sock. Those of us lucky enough to watch him work in the garden cannot replicate his magic, but we continue to try.

As cook extraordinaire, he would make the BEST pancakes for his grandchildren before school, meatballs for a family celebration, or biscotti for a friend.

One of his greatest pleasures was the time spent in his vineyard, not only growing the grapes, but then making the wine with his children and grandchildren.

Tony was a man of many talents. His family is blessed to have been taught many of his countless skills in order to continue many of the "old country" traditions.

He is greatly missed by those left behind; sons, Dino and James Gradone; daughter, Karen Gradone Rogers; grandchildren, Christopher, Tracy, Summer, Amber, Beau, Michele, Cody, Dayne; and great grandchildren, Dylan, William, Lillymae, Loralie, and Vincenzo.

We take comfort in knowing that he is now reunited with his wife and eldest son Dave.

A viewing will be held at Mehl's Colonial Chapel on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 5:00-9:00 pm with a rosary starting at 7:00 pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick's Catholic Church on Friday February 13, 2026 at 10:00 am.

Published in The Pajaronian · February 11, 2026