February 25, 1934 - December 28, 2025

Pioneering cardiovascular surgeon, inventor, and founder of Thomas Fogarty Winery. Known for both his groundbreaking medical innovations and his contributions to Santa Cruz Mountains winemaking.

With over 190 medical patents and more than 45 medical companies to his name, Dr. Fogarty made profound contributions to medicine:

• Fogarty Balloon Embolectomy Catheter - His most famous invention, minimizing mortality risk during blood clot removal in the legs using minimally invasive approach
• Hancock Tissue Heart Valve
• AneuRx Endovascular Aortic Stent Graft

These innovations earned numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Technology and Innovation.

In 2007, established Fogarty Innovation (previously Fogarty Institute for Innovation) on the El Camino Health campus to further medical advances.

Founded Thomas Fogarty Winery in 1981. Michael Martella began working at the vineyards in the late 1970s and was formally hired as winemaker when the winery opened in 1981, beginning a 38-year partnership. Martella served as head winemaker until 2013, then as winemaker emeritus until retiring in 2019.

Began home winemaking in the early 1970s. Planted first grapes in 1978. Established the winery on Skyline Boulevard in Woodside, overlooking Palo Alto and South Bay from 2,000 feet elevation. Estate covers 325 acres with 25 acres planted, primarily Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with small amounts of Merlot and Sangiovese.

Known for his decisive nature and hands-on approach. As recalled by Michael Martella:

"Tom loved to create. Was never afraid to try new things. He did not linger in having to make a decision. He would say to me, 'It was better to make a wrong decision and then have to correct it, if needed, than not to make a decision at all.'"

Had special respect for those who worked hard with their hands and an affinity with farmers.

Under Dr. Fogarty's watch, the winery pioneered trellising systems in the Santa Cruz Mountains during the mid-1980s. When they started planting, vineyards were "California sprawl" with no trellising. Initial yields were only 1 ton per acre. Introduction of trellising raised yields to 3-4 tons per acre while also improving fruit quality, particularly for Chardonnay.

Married with children, including son Tommy Fogarty Jr. Enjoyed hunting and fishing expeditions in remote wilderness areas. Despite his achievements, known for being down-to-earth and never "putting on airs."

Countless lives saved through his medical innovations. Helped establish quality winemaking practices in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Mentored Michael Martella from the late 1970s through 2019.

According to winemaker Michael Martella, who worked with Dr. Fogarty from 1981-2019: "Tom was my employer for almost 40 years, but he was also my friend, big brother and at times a father. He saw something in me that was hidden. He was very nurturing. I'm so very lucky we connected."

• Edible Monterey Bay tribute (2025)
• Edible Monterey Bay 42nd Harvest story (2023)

• Thomas Fogarty Winery
• Michael Martella