Dennis Albert Tesconi

Dennis Tesconi, a native and lifelong resident of Sonoma County, who was a beloved fixture in the agricultural community and at the Sonoma County Fair for 40 years, passed away peacefully April 24, 2023. His death came the day before his 75th birthday.

Dennis was a true original, a big bear of man who was most comfortable in his trademark bib overalls and farmer’s cap.  For decades, the Sonoma County Fair was his domain as a sheep exhibitor and tireless booster for young livestock exhibitors. He often remarked if he had the choice of spending two weeks in Europe or at the Sonoma County Fair he would pick the fair -- hands down.

Dennis had been in failing health for years but remained keenly interested in his family, the fair and the farm youth he supported and mentored. He believed there is nothing more valuable than 4-H and FFA in shaping character and developing the next generation of citizens and agricultural leaders.

He was named the Friend of Sonoma County 4-H for his dedication to the youth program he supported on many levels. In 2009 the Sonoma County Fair dedicated its annual guidebook to Dennis, noting his many contributions to the fair including his years as an announcer for the fair’s sheep shows and as a member of the sheep advisory committee.

Dennis was born April 25, 1948, the oldest son of Joseph and Anita (Ballestra) Tesconi. He grew up on a small farm on Butler Avenue in southwest Santa Rosa where the family raised cattle, sheep, chickens and a big vegetable garden. Dennis was proud of his family’s Italian and agricultural heritage. His paternal grandfather Alberto Tesconi, an Italian immigrant, settled in Santa Rosa in 1910, establishing a dairy and milk delivery business.

Dennis attended Bellevue School and Cook Junior High where he was a leader in student government. He graduated from Santa Rosa High School in 1966 and studied at Santa Rosa Junior College. While in high school he started working at the old A & B Supermarket on Barham Avenue in Santa Rosa where his outgoing personality made him a favorite grocery clerk. He worked at A & B for 30 years. When A & B closed Dennis got a job in the warehouse unit of Hewlett Packard.

In 1968 Dennis and his wife Kathy established the home ranch, Tesconi Farms, on Todd Road where they raised their family and he lived all of his adult life.  Dennis met his partner Jacky in the late 1990s and they enjoyed many adventures together, most of which included fairs and sheep. 

Dennis was active in the community, serving as a volunteer fireman and board member for the Bellevue Fire Department. He was a member of the Young Farmers and Ranchers, Sonoma County Farm Bureau and Elsie Allen Ag Boosters.

In 1978 Dennis started raising registered Hampshire sheep, developing a prize-winning flock that successfully competed at the local, state, and national levels. In 1994 he exhibited the Reserve National Champion Hampshire Ewe. He served on the board of directors of the Sonoma County Purebred Sheep Breeders Association and the California Hampshire Sheep Breeders Association. He was the longtime sheep leader of the Steuben 4-H Club.

Dennis is survived by his daughters, Dina (Arnold) King of Petaluma and Lisa Donaldson of Drummond, OK; granddaughters Courtney, Amanda, and Jenna; life partner Jaclane Williams and her children Shelley (Ray) Taglio, Scott (Camille) Williams, and her granddaughters Skylar, Avery, and Aria. He also leaves his brother Daniel (Karen) Tesconi of Santa Rosa.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 8th followed by a Rosary Prayer Service at Lafferty & Smith Colonial Chapel in Santa Rosa, as well as attend a Catholic Blessing Service at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 9th at Lafferty & Smith. Committal services will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Santa Rosa.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Youth Ag & Leadership Foundation, P.O. Box 1283, Rohnert Park, CA 94927.

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