Grangetto, 2001 'Farmer of the Year,' defined the words 'honest' and 'kind'

Edward P. Grangetto

Nov. 25, 1913 - April 26, 2007

“My greatest legacy is my family,” Edward Grangetto told his daughter Julie, recently. Although this hardworking son of Italian immigrants built an extensive corporation of four Grangetto’s Farm and Garden Supply stores in Escondido, Fallbrook, Encinitas and Valley Center, his family always came first. His life defined the words ‘honest’ and ‘kind.’ He trusted others and expected, in turn, to be trusted.

He also took time out of his busy day to cultivate friendships. One such friend is Bill Uhland, who had morning coffee with Grangetto six days a week for over 50 years. “We also traveled together to Mexico and Alaska,” said Uhland, “I felt this loss extremely.” Uhland also mentioned that Grangetto was a “very honest man, very kind and his word was good.”

Edward Grangetto was born in Duncan, Arizona, however, the family moved to San Diego County when he was only a year old. The family bought land in San Marcos where they worked 35 acres of grapes. Grangetto attended elementary school in San Marcos, high school in Escondido and graduated from the University of California at Davis in 1938 with a degree in agricultural science. With the love of farming ingrained in his being Grangetto returned to San Diego County to work the land, but World War II interrupted his farming goals for a time. He was proud to serve in the US Army Air Corps.

He married Josie Ann Dunn of San Luis Rey, California in 1940 and they had three children, Julie Ann Tripp, Edward Grangetto Jr. and Kevin Grangetto. Also, as Grangetto posterity, are five grandchildren and one great grandchild.

In the late 1960s Edward purchased 80 acres in Escondido and eventually built three houses for each of his three children. A family homestead is so rare these days, but a true blessing to the family. His three children, Julie, Edward Jr., and Kevin continue to live on the property with their families. The land is still a working ranch with avocado and lemon groves.

Grangetto also lived on the ranch until his passing at age 93 from congestive heart failure. His death was very difficult for the family since they saw him every day. “He was a wonderful father -- the best -- and a wonderful role model,” said Grangetto’s daughter, Julie.

Grangetto founded ‘Grangetto’s Farm and Garden Supply’ in 1952 after being involved in grove management for a number of years. In addition to working his own orchards of citrus and grapes he sprayed and managed groves for other farmers in the region.

Grangetto retired from the business in 1982 and his son Edward, Jr. continued the work he had been doing with his father since 1975. Grangetto’s son Kevin joined the business in 1985 and now runs the successful retail business while Edward, Jr., along with his wife Karen, runs the Escondido ranch.

Kevin said that his father was always loyal to his customers as well as to his employees. “He was someone who stood by his word,” Kevin noted. “To him, a handshake was all it took. His philosophy was hard work and treating others with respect.”

His children all recalled working at the ranch and helping out at the store during their summer breaks. Grangetto felt it was necessary for his children to participate in the business in order to instill in them a solid work ethic.

Kevin recalls his father’s intense dedication to the business, “He awoke early every morning by 5:30 a.m. and didn’t get home until 5:30 p.m. at night. As a result we are blessed to have what we have today.”

Grangetto served on the first San Marcos City Council after the city incorporated in 1963, and was also a director of the Production Credit Association during the 1970s. This hard-working, much-loved citizen was honored as “Farmer of the Year” in 2001 by the San Diego County Farm Bureau.