A new agricultural scholarship will honor the memory of Frank Prevedelli, whose passion was farming apples in Watsonville.
Frank, second from left, with his family in the 1930s in Soquel: parents Arturo and Erinna, siblings Chuck, Art and Mary.
Prevedelli and his wife of 55 years, Silvia, sold everything they grew at the Prevedelli Ranch and at farmers’ markets throughut the Bay Area.
When he died at home Jan. 21, his family asked for donations to create a scholarship in his memory.
On Monday, family, friends and loved ones announced the Frank Prevedelli Memorial Scholarship Fund, established with $26,574.
The annual scholarship is to go to students who attended high school in Santa Cruz County and major in agriculture or a field related to agriculture.
The fund will be part of the educational programs offered by Agri-Culture, Inc., and it will be housed at Community Foundation Santa Cruz County.
Steve Bontadelli, president of Agri-Culture, Inc., said, “We are honored to receive the funding to perpetuate Frank Prevedelli’s legacy in the agricultural community of Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley.”
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About Frank Prevedelli
He was born in 1931 in Warm Springs, California, the youngest of four children born to Arturo and Erinna (Irene) who emigrated from Italy.
Frank (far right) with his siblings.
Frank’s family farmed in Soquel in the 1930s. The existing family farm in Watsonville was purchased in 1945.
As an adult, Frank was a well-respected member of the local agricultural community. His passion was farming apples.
One of Frank’s many projects was to build a machine for grading and sorting apples, which remains in operation at the family farm.
Frank, and his wife, Silvia, made an amazing team as husband and wife, and as farmers.
Frank belonged to the Sons and Daughters of Italy, Watsonville Lodge. He was a true Italian with a passion for good healthy food. Frank enjoyed traveling, fishing, and gardening.
Frank and Silvia raised two children, Geri and Nick, who continue the farming operation today. Frank loved spending time with his family, who meant the world to him.
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Top Photo: The Prevedelli family announces the new scholarship.