James Grossi Sr.

James Joseph Grossi, Sr. Mr. Grossi was born February 2, 1912 at the current site of Novato's Stafford Lake; he passed away June 25, 2010, was one of eleven children of Swiss immigrants, Domenico and Teresa (Buzzini) Grossi, who came to the U.S. in the 1890's; and has lived his entire life in Novato. He married the former Rose Marie Halter (deceased - 1988) in 1945; and they have four grown children - James Grossi, Jr., Ralph Grossi, and Beverly Grossi, all of Novato; and Edward Grossi of Santa Rosa. Mr. and Mrs. Grossi also have seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Brothers Domingo, Henry and Alfred; as well as sisters Eda Spaletta, Helen Bianchi, Mary Rogers, Virginia Gallagher, and Lily McWhorter have pre-deceased him. He is survived by brother, George D. Grossi of Novato. All but Mrs. McWhorter have been dairy ranchers in Marin and Sonoma counties; and many nieces and nephews continue in agriculture today. James, Rose and their children operated a dairy on Novato Blvd., selling grade-A milk to local bottlers and registered Holstein breeding cattle to other dairymen in the U.S. and overseas. The dairy was converted to beef production in 1987, and continues to be operated by their four children. And, in a look toward the future, Mr. Grossi was anticipating the first harvest this fall of a newly planted Pinot Noir vineyard. For more than 20 years, Mr. Grossi also farmed hay and silage on leased land that is now the city of Rohnert Park. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing on his ranch. An active leader in the dairy industry he served as: The first Manager of the Marin County Cow Testing Association; President and long-time director of Western Dairyman's Co-op of San Francisco; District Director (3 years) and State Director (6 years) of the California Milk Advisory Board; Director of Sonoma-Marin Dairyman's Association (15 years); Long-time Director of Marin County Farm Bureau; and, Director of Sonoma County Farm Supply (6 years). Mr. Grossi was also active in his community, having served as: A founding board member of Novato Community Hospital; A 3-year term on the Marin County Draft Board; On the Marin County Grand Jury; As Director and Vice President of Franciscan Savings and Loan Association; As Director and President of the Burdell School District board of directors; and, a member of the incorporation committee for the City of Novato. Viewing: Monday evening, June 28, 6:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M at Keaton's Redwood Chapel of Marin, 1801 Novato Blvd, Novato Services: Tuesday, 10:30 A.M. at Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church, 1806 Novato Blvd, Novato. Burial to follow at Valley Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers donations to Hospice By the Bay.