JOSEPH NICHOLAS GHIRARDELLI

 

Joseph Nicholas Ghirardelli, whose death occurred May 11, 1906, was one of the leading business men and honored citizens of Oakland. He was born in San Francisco, February 7, 1852, and his father, Domingo Ghirardelli, was one of the pioneer business men of that city. The subject of this memoir gained his earlier education in his native city and in Italy, the land of his ancestors. After his return to California he attended Santa Clara College, and thereafter he became associated with his father and brothers in carrying forward the chocolate manufacturing business that had early been established by his father. Joseph N. Ghirardelli was eventually made president of this company, which had manufacturing and sales establishments in both San Francisco and Oakland, and he continued the incumbent of this position until his death, his efforts having been potent in the upbuilding of one of the largest enterprises of this kind in the San Francisco Bay region. Mr. Ghirardelli was a member of the Elks and the Athenian Club of Oakland, and was independent in politics. He was a progressive and successful business man and liberal and public-spirited citizen, with a personality that gained to him hosts of friends. In 1885 Mr. Ghirardelli wedded Miss Ellen Frances Barstow, and she survived him, with their two children, Joseph N., Jr., and Carmen.

 

Transcribed by Elaine Sturdevant