Chris Walker

Even though the press missed the significance of Jack's role within the wine world, industry insiders fretted. Who had the gall to take out the state's best-connected grape broker? Some business associates of Jack's ran scared because back then, California's wine industry was incredibly tight-knit, and it was possible someone within those close circles was responsible.

Even though the press missed the significance of Jack's role within the wine world, industry insiders fretted. Who had the gall to take out the state's best-connected grape broker? Some business associates of Jack's ran scared because back then, California's wine industry was incredibly tight-knit, and it was possible someone within those close circles was responsible.

Even today, some remain skittish on the topic. One grape broker I exchanged emails with seemed game to talk about the past. But as soon as I mentioned Jack Licciardi, I got this response, quote, I like my quiet life and I want to keep it that way, unquote. I couldn't get that person to write me again. In a similar aura of mistrust, so antithetical to what Jack stood for, tempered his funeral.

Even today, some remain skittish on the topic. One grape broker I exchanged emails with seemed game to talk about the past. But as soon as I mentioned Jack Licciardi, I got this response, quote, I like my quiet life and I want to keep it that way, unquote. I couldn't get that person to write me again. In a similar aura of mistrust, so antithetical to what Jack stood for, tempered his funeral.

All five of his children attended the service, including his three daughters who all lived out of town, as well as Michael and Robert. But other key people in Jack's life, like lifelong friends at Delicato Vineyards, skipped his Catholic service and burial. One friend who did attend was Anthony Scotto Jr., and he made quite an impression on the Lichardis, including Michael and his wife, Norma.

All five of his children attended the service, including his three daughters who all lived out of town, as well as Michael and Robert. But other key people in Jack's life, like lifelong friends at Delicato Vineyards, skipped his Catholic service and burial. One friend who did attend was Anthony Scotto Jr., and he made quite an impression on the Lichardis, including Michael and his wife, Norma.

He almost seemed to be in disguise, and he certainly seemed in a hurry.

He almost seemed to be in disguise, and he certainly seemed in a hurry.

Did he know something about what had happened to Jack, or who was responsible?

Did he know something about what had happened to Jack, or who was responsible?

When I spoke to Scotto about Jack's memorial, he didn't mention the trench coat, but he did remember the fear hanging in the air, like Jack's killer might be in their midst. He also remembered something else.

When I spoke to Scotto about Jack's memorial, he didn't mention the trench coat, but he did remember the fear hanging in the air, like Jack's killer might be in their midst. He also remembered something else.

Robert's then-mother-in-law, who asked not to be identified by name, recalls that Robert and Michael weren't the only members of the family drawing attention at the funeral. According to her, Jack's youngest daughter, Jacqueline, was... Throwing herself on the floor in the cathedral.

Robert's then-mother-in-law, who asked not to be identified by name, recalls that Robert and Michael weren't the only members of the family drawing attention at the funeral. According to her, Jack's youngest daughter, Jacqueline, was... Throwing herself on the floor in the cathedral.

It seems a lot of the mourners scrutinized the Luchardi family's behavior. And it was hard not to, with all the unanswered questions about Jack's murder. The whole atmosphere reeked of suspicion. Even Robert's mother-in-law felt ill at ease, especially when, right after Jack's funeral, she started getting strange phone calls.

It seems a lot of the mourners scrutinized the Luchardi family's behavior. And it was hard not to, with all the unanswered questions about Jack's murder. The whole atmosphere reeked of suspicion. Even Robert's mother-in-law felt ill at ease, especially when, right after Jack's funeral, she started getting strange phone calls.

Just heavy breathing on the other end of the line?

Just heavy breathing on the other end of the line?

She didn't know who was calling her, but she had some suspicions.

She didn't know who was calling her, but she had some suspicions.