Fred Thomas Franzia

Fred Thomas Franzia

May 24, 1943 ~ September 13, 2022

It is with profound sadness the Franzia Family and Bronco Wine Company announce the passing of family patriarch, CEO, founding partner, and wine industry icon, Fred T. Franzia. He passed away at his Redwood home in Denair, California with family by his side on September 13, 2022. Fred was born May 24, 1943 to parents, Joseph and Helen Franzia in Modesto, California.

Fred graduated from Santa Clara University in 1965 and went to work for the family business. He had his own unique style and no challenge was out of his reach. In 1973, Fred co-founded Bronco Wine Company (BWC) alongside his brother, Joseph S. and cousin, John with a vision to create high-quality wines at a value all wine consumers could enjoy. When asked how BWC can sell wine less expensive than a bottle of water, Fred famously countered, “They’re overcharging for the water -- don’t you get it?”
 

Due to Fred’s entrepreneurial spirit and tireless dedication to this vision, BWC has achieved vertical integration while remaining family owned for almost 50 years. He was a disruptor to the industry whose successes were made possible by every person who entered his office or took a drive through the vineyards with him.

We would like to share Fred’s last message to us all, “Be happy and know The Journey Continues…”. His legacy will endure for generations to come!

Fred is survived by his children, Renata Franzia Price, Dr. Roma Franzia, Joseph (aka Joey) Franzia, Carlo Franzia and Giovanna Franzia; grandchildren, Sarina, Logan, Juliette, Chloe, Hudson, Madeline (aka Maddie), Stella, Jadyn, Reese, Katelyn, Morgan, Jacquelyn (aka Jackie), Tenley, Renato and granddaughter (arriving October 2022). He is also survived by his siblings, Joellen D’Ercole, Joseph S. Franzia and Catherine McFadden.

Deegan Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Franzia family. A funeral mass for Fred will be held Monday, November 21, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 19399 CA-120, Ripon, Ca 95366. The family plans on a private celebration of life service. To send the family your condolences or to share a special memory, please visit Fred’s tribute page at www.deeganfuneralchapels.com.



The Franzia Family is grateful for the outpouring of support and In lieu of flowers or gifts, they request that remembrances in honor of Fred T. Franzia be made in the form of contributions to the following:

Santa Clara Jesuit Projects Endowment Fund 61096: https://mysantaclara.scu.edu/givenow
Sutter Health Medical Foundation: https://sutterhealth.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.event&eventID=776        
Modesto Parent Resource Center: https://www.prcfamilies.org/make-a-difference-donate/