Edward Paul Pedroncelli

Edward Pedroncelli passed away peacefully on December 12th, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 92. Ed spent his entire life in Sonoma Valley. He left behind vivid stories of growing up in rural Kenwood, where he was born on July 25, 1932 to Kenwood pioneers Angela and Frank Pedroncelli. He was born on Griswold Avenue in downtown Kenwood, in one of the two hotels his family had owned and operated.
Ed was the youngest of four siblings. He was predeceased by his sister, Katherine, known as Kate, and by his brothers, Frank and Angelo, all of whom he dearly loved.
In addition to the two hotels, Ed’s family also owned two ranches, where they raised cattle and grew grapes. Mechanically inclined and capable with vehicles from a young age, Ed drove his dad’s 1926 Chevy car down the hill from the family ranch as a schoolboy, parking it at the end of their property before walking several miles every day to attend Dunbar grade school.
After his promotion from Dunbar, Ed attended Sonoma Valley High School. He was a member of the Class of 1951. Ed enlisted in the U.S. Air Force when he turned 20. He served during the Korean War as an airplane mechanic for four years. He chose to leave the military to help out at his family ranch after his father became ill. He was honorably discharged a day before his 24th birthday.
A few years after returning home, a local girl caught his eye. He and JoAnn Larbre began dating, he proposed at the Golden Bear Lodge in Kenwood, and they got married at St. Francis Solano Church here in Sonoma. Ed and JoAnn celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on January 31,2024.
Ed is survived by his loving wife JoAnn. The couple had three children, Debbie, Paul and Julie. That family grew to include daughter-in-law Elaine, sons-in-law Jim and Rob, eight grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, so far. Ed was the beloved family patriarch. He attended countless baseball, basketball, softball and soccer games, and supported his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their many endeavors.
Tall and with a commanding presence, Ed had a tough, gruff exterior. But, it never could mask his big heart, or hide his smile & chuckle for long. He dearly loved his family and his wide circle of friends every day of his life.
Perhaps not surprising, Ed worked as a prison guard at the notorious San Quentin Prison. Before that, he was employed as a guard at Los Guilicos Home for Girls. After those jobs, he had a long career with CalTrans, retiring as a supervisor with the Oakland division.
Always a hard worker, for many years he operated a side business discing local fields. His brother Frank called Ed the “Disc King.” Ed always watched out for any baby jack rabbits he might displace while discing; he rescued many of the little bunnies.
Beyond his work commitments, Ed managed time for his many interests and pastimes. He and JoAnn enjoyed hosting annual Christmas cocktail parties for their friends; made frequent visits to Stockton to visit Ed’s brother, Frank, and his family; and loved going on family vacations, camping, hunting and fishing trips. Watching his family race cars was also a favorite.
Ed enjoyed bingo games at local halls, had fun at the casinos, and played dice for candy bars at a cafe on Madrone Road in Glen Ellen. He liked the county fair, the horse races, pheasant hunting with his brother Frank, deer hunting trips with friends and relatives, and watching local theater performances with JoAnn. He enjoyed family outings to Cattlemen’s restaurant and always looked forward to hosting Buckaroo parties at his lodge – a man cave of sorts – at the family property. Ed also had a green thumb and was proud of his vegetable gardens and his fruit trees.
When his kids were growing up, Ed liked watching TV shows like “All in the Family” and “Sanford and Son,” shows with themes of family. He also liked “Sonny and Cher,”| “The Lawrence Welk Show” and country music. Johnny Cash, Shania Twain & Elvis Presley were among his favorites. He liked watching televised sports, too, and always read the daily newspaper, saving the comics for a laugh at the end.
These many interactions, interests and experiences provided great fulfillment. From caring for his cattle, to enjoying his dogs, to taking great pride in his growing family, Ed’s life was one of satisfaction and richness. Leaving a lasting impact, and creating a legacy for many generations to come. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

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