Frank Paul Dal Porto, Jr.

Frank P. Dal Porto Jr. was born to Frank Dal Porto Sr. and Annie Dal Porto on the family ranch in the Shenandoah Valley, east of Plymouth, California on March 14, 1922. The family raised grapes, walnuts, grain, cattle, hogs, sheep and chickens on the ranch, and Frank spent his entire life on the family ranch except for a brief period of service in the US Army during World War II. Frank graduated from grammar school in Plymouth and high school in Sutter Creek. He was active in the Grange, The Soil Conservation Service, the Farm Bureau, and a number of other civic organizations. He helped start the Shenandoah Valley 4H Club in the 1950’s, and taught club members (including several young cousins) about electricity and wood working. Frank also was one of the founders of the Amador County Wool Pool Association, where local growers sold their wool. He and Enid were charter members of the Amador County Wine Grape Growers Association, and were instrumental in getting the “Shenandoah Valley of California” wine appellation approved by the federal government. Frank was predeceased by his younger brother Gene Dal Porto and is survived by Gene’s children and their families: nephew Paul Dal Porto (Marinel), and nieces Sandra Dal Porto and Roxanne Dal Porto Sain (Richard). He married Enid Johnston in 1974, acquiring 2 stepsons, James Darling (Jean) and John Alan Darling (Jane) as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Enid passed away in 2012. The Dal Portos were related to many of the ranching families in the valley, and Frank is also survived by several cousins, and many friends. His sage advice was sought by many. His skills as a rancher were beyond counting (or belief), and he was always willing to share them with those in need. The abundant produce from his fertile garden filled tables all over Amador County. Photos of the animals he nurtured so lovingly and naturally found their way onto the pages of major culinary publications, poster children for the new California Cuisine. His foremost accomplishment was the exemplary life he led. Frank was truly an honest man, without a hint of the base emotions that drive most people to bend the truth or scheme to succeed. He was much beloved by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Frank died as he had lived, on the family ranch, on November 1, 2018. Memorial donations in his name may be sent to the Shenandoah Valley Community Club, PO Box 207, Plymouth CA 95669; to Hospice of Amador, 1500 CA-49, Suite 205, Jackson, CA 95642, or to a charity of your choice. A memorial Remembrance Gathering will be held on December 5th at the Barn at Amador Cellars, 12 - 3 p.m. You may bring an appetizer or dessert if you would like to contribute to the festivities. Please RSVP to 209-245-6772, so that we can estimate how many folks to expect.