Santa Rosa, CA

Bob Iantosca passed away due to complications from pancreatic cancer on June 15. He improved many lives with his sense of humor, generosity, and zest for life.

Bob was born in Cambridge, MA to Frank and Mary Iantosca. He was primarily raised in Norwood, MA. He spent his college years in Tucson at University of Arizona studying fine arts (sculpture).

After leaving college, friends encouraged him to move to San Francisco, where he worked for a short time as a bartender. In 1975, his interest in wine brought him to a cellar job at Buena Vista Winery in Sonoma. Throughout his career, he worked his way up at several wineries including Stevenot, Mark West, and Dry Creek Vineyards where, notably, he met his wife Julia. He spent 35 years making sparkling and still wines at Gloria Ferrer, retiring as Executive Winemaker. He received accolades and awards for his many professional accomplishments.

Bob embraced life fully and enjoyed a variety of passions including music, cooking, travel, fishing, reading, gardening, and art. He pursued lifelong learning and had an innate curiosity about people and the world. He valued time sharing food, drinks, and conversation with those he loved. Bob knew how to enjoy each day and made friends easily wherever he went.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Julia; his children Catherine (Alex) and Elizabeth (Vijay); and his sisters Fran Carlson (the late Bob) and Ann Greenlaw (Harry). He is missed by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob’s memory to the UC Davis Viticulture and Enology Department to recognize his contributions to research during his career. The family will plan a private celebration of life.