Their family story is one often heard around the Central Valley. A little over 100 years ago, Edward “Eddie” Fanucchi’s grandfather on his father’s side immigrated from Italy and purchased 20 acres of land to farm just west of Fresno. Over the decades, the family added to that original plot. Fresno eventually expanded out to their property. Though the original land was recently sold for development, the Fanucchi family still farms in the area.
His grandfather on his mother’s side also immigrated from Italy and set up shop as an insurance broker. His agencies represented Italian people across the state.
“My father’s family comes from Lucca, which is in Tuscany, west of Florence. And my mother’s family comes from Puglia, which is on the heel of Italy. And her town is Bisceglie, which is just north of Bari. And a lot of the same people are here in this area.”
Growing up, Fanucchi spent most of his weekends on the farm with his grandparents. He graduated magna cum laude from Fresno State in 1990 with a degree in accounting and was the dean’s medalist for the Craig School of Business. While at Fresno State, Fanucchi made time to pursue his passion for the Italian language.
“It was important for me and my family that I had a more formal training in the language versus what I had learned at home,” Fanucchi recalls.
With a passion for his heritage, he took every Italian course available at Fresno State, even though a minor was not offered then.
Fanucchi graduated from San Joaquin College of Law in 1994, passed the California Bar Exam and began practicing law in 1995. He is the managing partner at Quinlan, Kershaw and Fanucchi, specializing in personal injury law.
“The Fanucchi name on the door; that’s not me. That’s my father.”
When Fresno State decided to start an Italian Studies program, Fanucchi was excited to get involved. As a member of the formation committee, he helped shape connections with the community and ensure the program’s success. He is excited about the program’s interdisciplinary nature, which gives students the opportunity to tie their areas of focus, such as music, performing arts or engineering, to their Italian Studies minor.
His dedication to sharing his Italian culture is evident in the establishment of the Edward L. Fanucchi and Lucille Fanucchi Endowed Italian Studies Scholarship, named in honor of his parents, who attended Fresno State.
“My father studied economics and later went to Bocconi University in Milan, one of the most prestigious economics schools in Europe,” Fanucchi said.
Fanucchi’s mother, Lucille, passed away in 1990, a month before he graduated from Fresno State.
“I want to do something to honor my parents,” said Fanucchi.
Fanucchi established the scholarship with his wife Mariangela and his children Luca and Sofia.
Beyond the university, Fanucchi serves as an honorary consul of Italy in Fresno, a position he was appointed to in 2008. The position, previously held by his father, gives him a role in sharing his love for Italian culture by assisting with student visas and helping Italian citizens.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to serve as a diplomat for the Republic of Italy,” Fanucchi said.
Fanucchi’s philanthropic spirit is evident in his support for the Italian Studies program.
“I believe that if you’ve been blessed with whatever gifts you have, you need to give back,” Fanucchi explains.
Fanucchi hopes the scholarship for students who excel academically will allow them to explore an area that resonates with them.
“I hope that it will give them the impetus to delve in and study Italian and get this interdisciplinary minor,” said Fanucchi. “Maybe it’ll spark their desire to do something important.”
The College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State 