In the death of Joseph Nicholas Ghirardelli, which occurred in Oakland, May 11, 1906, Alameda county lost one of its most popular, prominent and successful business men and public-spirited citizens, and California a representative of one of the best known pioneer families of the state. Mr. Ghirardelli was born in San Francisco, February 7, 1852, and was a son of Domingo Ghirardelli, a pioneer in that city, who had founded and conducted a successful chocolate manufacturing business for many years.
Joseph N. Ghirardelli spent his early boyhood in his native city but at a comparatively early age he was sent with his brothers to Europe, where he pursued his studies. One of the brothers, Caesar, died on the continent. Mr. Ghirardelli of this review remained for some time in Italy and then returned to California, where he enrolled in Santa Clara College, which he attended until within six months of his graduation. At the age of twenty years he entered the store established by his father in Oakland and there assisted in the management of the enterprise, later becoming a partner. The three brothers entered earnestly into the business with the father. The business at this time was not prospering, but Joseph N. Gharardelli, whose happy disposition enabled him to make friends, brought to bear his unusual powers as an organizer, and his influence soon told, the business gradually increasing in magnitude until it assumed large proportions. Accompanying the development, more and more responsibility was assumed by Mr. Ghirardelli, until he was elected vice president of the company, a position he held until his death. The company became one of the largest manufacturers of chocolate in Oakland and San Francisco.
In Oakland, in 1885, Mr. Ghirardelli married Miss Ellen Frances Barstow, a daughter of David Pierce and Elizabeth (Reed) Barstow. Mr. and Mrs. Ghirardelli became the parents of two children: Joseph N., Jr., who is now engaged in the insurance business in Oakland, and Carmen, still pursuing her studies and residing with her mother at Piedmont. Joseph N., Jr., is a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West, the Nile Club and the Elks. On July 2, 1910, he was united in marriage with Miss Nina Jones, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Jones.
The old family home of the Ghirardellis was at the corner of Fifth and Brush streets in Oakland, and after Joseph N. Ghirardelli's marriage he built a residence on the corner of Market and Nineteenth streets, wherein he made his home until his death.
Mr. Ghirardelli was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at one time, and at the time of his death was connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, being very active in the affairs of the Oakland lodge. He was also a member of the Athenian Club and was very active in its affairs, being one of the earnest advocates of the removal to the present location, at Fourteenth and Franklin streets. During his early years he voted the Democratic ticket, but later inclined to independent views in political matters.
He passed away at his home in Oakland, May 11, 1906, of heart failure, superinduced by the shock received at the time of the earthquake. He was sincerely mourned by a large circle of friends, won in the course of a long and honorable connection with the business and social life in this community. His funeral was largely attended and among the many floral tributes laid upon his casket were some from those in humble positions who had found in him a friend in need.
A man of genial personality and keen business acumen, whose friends were legion; and although he has ceased from his labors and no longer his happy smile and friendly handclasp bring gladness to the many who once called him a friend, yet his memory is still green and his name is spoken in eulogy throughout Alameda county and the state.
Past and Present of Alameda County California, Vol. II
Published in Chicago by The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company
1914
Pages 132-135
Transcribed by Linda Jackson 5/30/2008,
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