Carlo Geromini has dedicated himself to aiding others in his professional life. After serving in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, he became a teacher and then principal of the school in Massachusetts’ Norfolk State Prison, creating a respected educational program for inmates. As he raised his family, he also served for many years as a town councillor and in other town offices in Franklin, Mass. Geromini retired in 1989, but during the banking foreclosure crisis of 1991, he was asked to serve as assistant training director for the FDIC and did so for seven years.

Now, once again in retirement, Geromini is carrying forward an ancient art. With his sons and grandson, he is making award-winning wine the way his ancestors did in Tuscany. “The recipe came over with my parents and grandparents from our homeland,” he says. 

The Gerominis make at least two barrels of wine each year, each producing about 250 bottles. In September, they crush grapes from California and allow them to ferment for five to 12 days. During fermentation the juice bubbles loudly. “It’ll tell you it’s ready when it stops singing,” says Carlo. The next step is pressing the juice. Then, the wine is aged in oak barrels until bottling time in June.

To see the Geromini wine operation at work, click here. Salute!

What has been the most satisfying moment in your professional life?
Teaching, and being able to create programs and see their result.

In your personal life?
Marrying a wonderful woman and raising our three children together.

What is your next goal?
Keeping very active in retirement, with winemaking, my vegetable garden, and spending time on the Cape.

What is the secret to success?
Having a positive attitude and faith in your abilities, and following through on every endeavor.

Why did you decide to attend BC?
I was encouraged by my parish priest, Father George B. Gray, whose love for his church and alma mater, BC, inspired me.

What is one thing everyone should do while at BC?
Study hard. Absorb the ambience of the beautiful campus. Go to confession at least once at St. Mary’s Chapel.

What is your fondest BC memory?
Going to Mass at St. Mary’s Chapel after walking up the hill from the Lake Street T station—a calming way to start the day.

Where is your favorite spot on the Heights?
The Bapst Library for study and the Commander Shea Room for hanging out with fellow classmates (it was located in the basement of Gasson).

Where did you live freshman year?
At home. There were no dormitories then. Every day, I took the morning train from Franklin to Back Bay Station; walked down to Copley Square; took the green line to Lake Street; walked up the hill to St. Mary’s for morning Mass; and then, classes. Reverse and repeat after school.

What was your favorite BC class?
English literature and French.

What was your favorite BC activity?
Going to hockey and football games.

How much can you sing of the BC fight song?
All of it! I have a t-shirt printed with the words and music to all the stanzas.

What was the best meal at the BC dining hall?
There was no dining hall! Just a stand-up cafeteria and bag lunches in the Commander Shea Room.

What would you do if you were BC president for a day?
I would immediately reduce tuition.

What was your first job?
Substitute teacher in biology at Franklin High School.

How have you changed since graduation?
A growing maturity—a “mellowing out”—that comes with age.

How do you relax?
With my winemaking, my vegetable garden, taking Italian classes, teaching my grandchildren to drive, and reading.

What do you look forward to each day?
Long walks with my wife and keeping in touch with family and friends.

What is something your friends don’t know about you?
I really am an open book—what you see is what you get, with no frills attached!

Who would play you in the film version of your life?
I haven’t the slightest idea, really. I leave that to Hollywood.