12/03/2023
Never before have I posted an obituary of a client, but Mrs. Baroldi started me and my company on the way to designing and building as many as 28 custom home bars in one year.
During our six month cellar bar project Leone taught me more about wine, the display, and its storage than anyone.
Our 2011 project took place two-years after her husband had passed..
The seating bar was so long we had to lower it through an airway ceiling access door (you can see by a ladder in a construction picture).
They mention the cellar bar in her story, saying, "Job well done".
Mr. and Mrs. Baroldi's closest friends were Walter and Cordelia Knott. Yep, the Berry Farm.
She was quite incredible, I was lucky to have her pass a bit of her wine knowledge to me..
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Leone Baroldi Obituary
Leone Baroldi passed away at her home in La Habra Heights on April 1, 2020 at the age of 94. Born on November 20, 1925, Leone grew up in El Monte California. Leone's family was in the dairy business, as was her beloved husband, Leo Charles Baroldi, with whom she celebrated 60 years of marriage before he passed in 2009. Leone is survived by her three sons Lynn (LuAnn), Lance (Leanne), Layne (Karen) eight grandchildren, Vincent, Laura, Katie, Laron, Michelle, Steven, Dana, Lana and four great grandchildren, Ella, Wyatt, Tegan and Ethan. As a young girl, Leone enjoyed riding horses, going to the beach, gardening and growing roses. In her 20s, Leone worked in Virginia's Gift Shop at Knott's Berry Farm and later, did some modelling prior to marrying Leo. Leone married Leo in 1948. They lived and worked on Leo's family dairy in Cypress, California until 1971. In those early years Leone, with the help of Leo, hosted many "Barn Dances" for friends and for charity with music, dancing, good food and fun. At the same time, she raised three sons who kept her on her toes. Leone adored her sons and instilled in them a great work ethic and sense of responsibility. She was a hard worker and expected the same of her boys. The boys always knew how much they were loved, and returned that love and adoration. After the family sold the dairy, they moved to La Habra Heights and later, opened up The Grape Press, a gourmet wine, deli and gift store in Anaheim Hills. Leone and her family worked at the Grape Press for several years. Leone particularly enjoyed curating a beautiful selection of unique gift items which were sold at the Grape Press. She had exquisite taste, and her daughters-in-law benefited from that for many years. At their home in La Habra Heights, Leone and Leo built two wine cellars and a large party space into the side of their hill. The family remembers inviting friends to "digging" parties as they built the cellars. The final "digging" party was actually a surprise for their friends as the cellar was complete and they were celebrating a job well done. In addition to family and work, Leone was very involved with a number of charities throughout her life. Early on, she was involved with Damas de la Caridad in support of St. Jude Hospital. She was a founding member of the Rocking Horse Guild with CHOC, and was also an avid participant and board member with Town and Gown supporting Chapman College. She and Leo supported Olive Crest for many years. Leone was a wonderful party planner and enjoyed throwing parties at her home in support of Leo's and her favorite charities. During their 60 years together, Leone and Leo traveled the world. One particularly memorable trip was their time in Europe with their sons which included visits with Leone's family in Germany, and Leo's family in Italy. Leone loved the Old West, with favorite spots including Cody, Wyoming and Sedona, Arizona. She enjoyed oil painting and decorating. She lived life fully and appreciated the blessings bestowed upon her. Her family is grateful for her long life, and for the love shared by all.
Published by Orange County Register on Apr. 12, 2020.
