A Page From Their Father’s Playbook
Taking a page from their father James’s playbook, each brother went on to build a legacy of his own. Some stayed to carry forward the company their father had worked so hard to create, while others followed their own callings. Even through the loss of a brother, their stories did not fade — because each of them left something meaningful behind. In the paths they chose and the lives they touched, they carried not only their father’s vision, but each other’s — quietly lighting the way for future generations.
Willy
As the firm's chief estimator, Willy played a vital role in its growth and success. In 1967, he passed away from a heart attack at just 49 years old, but his story did not end there. His hard work and his word helped shape the company's reputation, and his name has carried weight within the business ever since — a quiet legacy built on the standard he set and the trust he earned.
Dino
A key part of GCC’s family line: Dino served as president for 18 years, beginning in 1967, helping lead the company through a time of steady growth. He retired in 1985, but not before continuing the family tradition by welcoming his son, Richard Ghilotti, into the business that same year. Alongside Mario, Richard would help carry the company forward, building on the foundation laid by those before them. He also expanded the company’s reach by opening the first branch office in Santa Rosa, where he managed site work for the original Friedman Brothers hardware and building supply location in Petaluma. Dino passed away in March 1990, but his influence remained —living on through his family, the company, and the path he helped shape for the generations that followed. Mario
Mario
In 1992, the company reached a pivotal moment 
as uncle and nephew chose different paths. Mario remained with Ghilotti Brothers, while his nephew, Richard Ghilotti, set out to form Ghilotti Construction with his cousin, James Ghilotti (Henry’s son). Mario and his wife, Eva, took over Ghilotti Brothers guiding “the brothers” forward with their two sons, Michael (Mike) and Dante. In 2000, Mike and Dante purchased the company from their parents, continuing the legacy that had been passed down.
Henry “Babe”
Henry “Babe” Ghilotti helped shape Northern 
California’s construction industry when he co-founded Maggiora & Ghilotti with Elmo V. Maggiora in 1964, building a reputation for excellence in grading, underground utilities, and public works. After Babe’s passing in 1990, his sons Gary, Glen, and Greg continued the family business, carrying on his commitment to quality and service. In 1992, another of Babe’s sons, James “Jim” Ghilotti, continued the family’s entrepreneurial tradition by co-founding Ghilotti Construction Company with his cousin, Richard “Dick” Ghilotti. In 2007, Gary and Glen each followed their own paths—Gary remaining with Maggiora & Ghilotti, where he later partnered with his son Scott, and Glen founding Team Ghilotti in Petaluma. Today, these companies continue the Ghilotti family’s legacy, with succeeding generations carrying forward Babe’s vision, hard work, and dedication.
A LEGACY THAT ENDURES
Across generations, the Ghilotti family built more than roads and foundations—they built a legacy grounded in hard work, pride, and care for the communities around them. It was a way of life shaped by a simple belief: “To earn respect by doing a job well, and to do good for the community we work and live in.”
That belief carried from one generation to the next, guiding their work and the paths they chose. And as that legacy continued to grow, it found its next voice in Richard Ghilotti—whose story and reflections carry it forward with Ghilotti Construction Company.
