The Californian cherry industry has remembered the life of Alvin Joseph ‘Al’ Gotelli, who died at his Stockton home on 25 November aged 80.
He has been recalled as a pioneer of an industry that now produces US$300m of fruit per year, Recordnet.com reported.
Mr Gotelli is credited with developing machines that automated the sizing and sorting of fruit, was a supporter of cherry research and helped establish the California Cherry Advisory Board.
Joe Grant, a farm advisor with the University of California, heaped praise on Mr Gotelli.
“There’s only a handful of people you could describe as pillars of the cherry industry. He’s certainly one of those,” Mr Grant said.
A friend and former business partner of Mr Gotelli, Washington cherry farmer Bob Harris remembered him fondly.
“He’s just a gentleman that anyone would love to have for a friend, very intelligent and very caring,” Mr Harris said.
Mr Gotelli is survived by his wife of 53 years Patricia, his four children and 11 grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held today in Lodi, California.
