Celebrating a Legacy of Family, Community and Homebuilding Excellence

The Fresno Business Journal has honored three of California’s Central Valley’s most prominent homebuilders with the inaugural “Family Heritage Award” during its Family-Owned Business Awards (FOBA). The recipients were Bonadelle Neighborhoods, De Young Properties, and McCaffrey Homes, three independent companies each led by a child of legendary Fresno homebuilder John Bonadelle, Sr.

The award recognizes a remarkable story of generational leadership and legacy. Each company is independently owned and operated by the Bonadelle family’s next generation, and together they now carry that legacy into a third generation with the same commitment to craftsmanship, community, and family values.

The Family Heritage Award was created to honor the Bonadelle family’s extraordinary impact: three siblings leading independent companies while upholding shared values. It recognizes their lasting influence on the Central Valley and highlights the rarity of their story.

"This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects our family’s shared history and our individual journeys as builders. At Bonadelle Neighborhoods, we are proud to continue the vision my father began, and I’ve had the privilege of leading the company for many years. Today, having my wife, Lisa, and our children alongside me has brought new strength and perspective to how we build. While each of our family companies has grown in its own direction, what unites us is a belief that homebuilding is about more than houses—it’s about creating places where families thrive. Being honored together with my two sisters underscores the unique legacy our family has built in the Central Valley," said John Bonadelle, president of Bonadelle Neighborhoods.

“This award is incredibly meaningful because it honors not just our company, but our family’s enduring commitment to the building industry and our Central Valley community. To be recognized alongside my brother and sister highlights a rare story – three siblings leading three companies, all carrying forward our dad’s legacy. The Family Heritage Award is both a celebration of that shared history and a reminder of our responsibility to keep building with quality and purpose for future generations,” said Paula De Young, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of De Young Properties

“This is a fitting and meaningful tribute to our family’s heritage. It is a blessing to continue our father’s legacy of homebuilding with all three children and now his grandchildren. Both our dad and our mother would be deeply moved and proud,” said Karen McCaffrey, Executive VP McCaffrey Homes

For the Bonadelle family, building homes has always been personal. Guided by the vision of John Bonadelle, Sr., the three companies continue a hands-on approach—engaging with homeowners in new neighborhoods and mentoring the next generation of leaders. Each company has its own stories of first-time buyers, neighborhoods filled with families, and employees who have grown with the business for decades. Collectively, they embody the belief that homebuilding is not just about houses, but about creating community and lasting memories.

Shared Values Across Three Builders

• Commitment to Family & Legacy: honoring John Bonadelle, Sr.’s vision while preparing future generations of leaders.
• Community Giving: supporting nonprofits, schools, and local organizations that strengthen the Valley.
• Growth & Prosperity: building neighborhoods that fuel economic vitality across the region.
• Local Employment & Team Dedication: investing in people who share a passion for building quality homes.

This recognition highlights both the history and the vision shared by Bonadelle Neighborhoods, De Young Properties, and McCaffrey Homes. As each company continues to grow, their shared foundation of family, community, and service ensures that the Bonadelle legacy will be felt for generations to come.

Three generations of homebuilding excellence—and your family could be part of the next chapter. Discover the quality and commitment behind each company’s homes, and see why generations of families have chosen to build their futures here.