Candy Maker. Ghirardelli was born in Rapallo, Italy. In 1837 he married and moved to Uraguay where he obtained work at a coffee and chocolate business. In 1838 he moved to Peru where he opened his first confectionary store. By 1849 he was attracted to the United States by the prospect of gold. He sailed to California to become a prospector. Failing at this he opened a general store in Stockton. Meeting with success he opened a second location in San Francisco. During 1851 however both stores were destroyed by fire. In 1852 he opened Ghirardelli and Girard, a confectionary. The year 1884 brought about three of his sons coming into the business as partners. In 1892 Ghirardelli retired after forty years in the business. During a trip to Italy in 1894 he passed away. (bio by: Reddfamilyhistory)  Family links:  Spouse:  Carmen Alvarado Ghirardelli (1829 – 1887)*  Children:  Domingo Ghirardelli (1849 – 1932)*  Joseph Nicholas Ghirardelli (1853 – 1906)*  Louis Ghirardelli (1857 – 1902)* *Calculated relationship