OBITUARY – ROBERT GALLO, 89

ROBERT GALLO, 89
The former co-president of Gallo and a Modesto philanthropist passed away on June 22 at the age of 89 years old. Robert Gallo oversaw the expansion of the company’s 50/50 give back program, which sets aside an acre of property for every acre planted in the North Coast Vineyard to help protect and enhance wildlife habitats. Gallo was among those at the front of addressing conservation issues and sustainable agriculture and was instrumental in helping the Aleutian Geese come back from extinction and removing them from the endangered species list. He was behind the Gallo Glass Company, developed G3 Enterprises and was key in acquiring Louis M. Martini Winery and the Barefoot brand. In 1977 he served as Chairman of the Wine Institute and in this role, he worked with the California Association of Winegrape Growers to draft and implement the Code of Sustainable Wine Growing Practices. Bob and his late wife Marie also helped bring about the Gallo Center for the Arts in downtown Modesto. Gallo lived in Modesto until he died. He is survived by his seven children, 22 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.