Family sells Soquel glass shop, owner killed in hit and run

A 100 year old business is changing hands after the owner who ran it for more than three decades was hit and killed. Now the family says they’re having to sell the business because they can’t run it without him.

Fargoe Glass is a name that has been in the community for nearly 100 years. Tuesday was the last day the Galvan family was a part of that history.

“To not call this part of our home anymore is very sad for me,” Rebecca Galvan said.

Galvan is one of Adolfo Galvan’s daughters. Her father took over Fargoe Glass in the 1970’s and kept its rich history alive with things like this antique cash register that is still used.

“This was mine and my sister’s first job. This is where we learned how to use our hands, and basic skills, how to read a measuring tape,” Galvan said.

But last September Galvan and her sisters’ lives were turned upside down. Investigators said their father was allegedly hit and killed by Joanna Steele as he crossed pacific avenue in Santa Cruz. The business has been hard to manage ever since.

“Fargoe Glass cannot run its full potential operating schedule and take care of all of its customers without my dad,” Galvan said.

But the new owners, another local glass company, said they will keep the Fargoe sign up as a tribute to Adolfo Galvan and the history of the business. A collage of Adolfo still hangs in the glass shop as well as all his tools.

“Even though I don’t see him in his chair and he doesn’t raise up his head and say “hey mija,” I still say high to him,” Galvan said. “Reading to his grandchildren, he loved fishing, he was just a character.”

This month the family found out Steele’s felony hit and run trial was postponed until early September.

“It’d be nice to have some closure on some things so the fact that we are waiting yet six more months and it will actually be a year from his anniversary of his, of his passing is hard and it is difficult. And I just hope that the community and our family and friends stick with us,” Galvan said.

A Facebook page called “Justice for Adolfo” has been set up for anyone who wants to follow the trial.