DELANO, CA - The produce industry is currently mourning the loss of Matt Steve Pandol, Jr. Pandol passed away on April 21, 2023, at the age of 60, leaving behind a cherished fresh produce legacy.
Pandol Jr. was born to Matt and Lucy (Tudor) Pandol on June 27, 1962. He graduated from Delano High School in 1980, after which he attended Fresno State University where he earned a degree in Plant Science. He later returned to Delano, California, after college to work alongside his family in their farming/produce-selling companies.
In 1994, Pandol married his best friend and life partner, Linda. Making Delano their home, the two raised their three children while farming some of the world’s best table grapes. As a release explained, Matt worked relentlessly to build and improve the Pandol Family organization, both independently and in collaboration with his family. He served on the Board of Directors of Pandol Bros. and he was also a member of the Delano Grape Growers Co-op Winery’s Board of Directors.
In addition, Matt was a member of the Greater Delano Area Youth Foundation, the American Slavonic Club in Delano, and the All-American Slavonic Association of Fresno, as well as St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Delano. He was also a member of the Kern County Gun Club as well as other athletic organizations.
Matt was a superb farmer, spending every day in the fields with filthy boots and sweat on his brow. On the Pandol Farms, he and his brother Andrew S. collaborated, treasuring their tight working connection and time spent together. He felt most at ease in the company of his farmworkers and deeply recognized their competence and admired their hard work and dedication.
During his off time, Matt enjoyed hiking and fishing, as well as spending time with family and friends at sporting shoots, hunting trips, and other outdoor activities. The massive Green Bay Packers fan was also known for enjoying vacations with his family and holiday gatherings with his in-laws.
Matt is survived by his wife Linda; children Matt III, Stefanie, and Mark; his mother Lucy Pandol; brothers Louis Pandol, John (Angelica) Pandol, Andrew S. (Beth) Pandol; sister Margaret (Scott) Curtis; mother-in-law Gerry Marcia; and numerous relatives, nieces, nephews, and in-laws. His father, Matt Pandol, Sr., passed before him.
On May 5, 2023, a viewing will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Delano, from 9:45 to 10:15 a.m., followed by a Rosary and Mass. The interment will take place at Hillcrest Mortuary in Bakersfield on Saturday, May 6. Donations can be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 916 Lexington Street, Delano, CA 93215; Honor Flight of Kern County, 8200 Stockdale Hwy – Suite M-10, Box 255, Bakersfield, CA 93311; American Slavonic Social Club, P.O. Box 91, Delano, CA 93216; or a charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.
Our hearts go out to all who are missing this great industry leader.
