Edward Wolbert

Edward Frank Wolbert, born June 30, 1959, passed away on the morning of Saturday, December 14, 2024, in Vallejo, California, after a brief but acute struggle with cancer. A Bay Area native, Ed grew up in Millbrae before eventually settling in wine country, where he had spent decades contributing his talents to the Napa Valley's renowned wine industry. He was a standout printing press operator, one of the last of a dying trade, one who could even fix the machine when it broke down. And though he had just recently retired, the power of his work is seen in the quality of the countless wine labels, posters, and stamps for many of the region's prestigious patrons that survive him.

Ed was a man of many interests and talents. In his time, he served a term as president of the Millbrae Rod and Gun Club, and some of his best memories were of being outdoors with his siblings. He was known as a handy mechanic, a natural golfer, a gifted pitmaster, and an easy-going friend. He idolized John Wayne and had a closet full of camouflage. Those who knew him recognized his high standards for a job done right and appreciated his ability to find absurd humor while coming to grips with life's complexities, often punctuated by his signature phrase: "It's the same...but different." As an avid sports enthusiast and outdoorsman, Ed was intrigued by the way chance and skill intersect, and in his time he strove to accept life on its own terms with a quiet endurance. He found comfort in the basic things, and those who knew him were never deprived of basic comforts.

Ed is survived by his three sons; Eddie, Dominic, and Jake; his grandson, Ryker; as well as his siblings, Al and Gale. He also leaves behind his best friend, long-time co-worker, and fellow retiree: Nick. He is preceded in death by his parents, Cliff and June, and his older brother Cliffy, whom he talked about frequently and never stopped missing.