Obituaries

LaVerne Madeline Orocchi, born LaVerne Madeline Spotorno on March 14, 1933, in Oakland, California, passed away peacefully at her home in Fremont, California, on March 19, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family and friends. She had celebrated her 92nd birthday just five days earlier.

LaVerne grew up in Oakland, where she attended Sacred Heart Grammar School and graduated from Holy Names High School. On October 20, 1956, she married the love of her life, Joe Orocchi. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with family, laughter, and countless cherished memories.

LaVerne is survived by her devoted husband Joe; their three children, Denise, Karon, and David; her children’s spouses, Mike and Cristian; two grandchildren, Andrea and Stephanie, and their spouses, Kevin and Joey; and two great-grandchildren, Maverick and Grant. Her family was her pride and joy, and she loved spending time with them.

In her early years, LaVerne worked as a bookkeeper for the Oakland Scavenger Company. In the 1970s, she joined the Yogurt Submarine sandwich shop at the Fremont Hub, where her warmth, humor, and friendliness quickly made her a favorite among customers. So beloved was she that after leaving the shop for a short time, her return was celebrated with signs in the windows proudly announcing, “LaVerne is Back!” She worked there until the 1980s, forming friendships that lasted a lifetime.

LaVerne lived a full and vibrant life. She was an avid bowler and participated in several leagues over the years. She loved playing cards, gambling, bingo, and sharing laughs with her many friends. She had a passion for music, especially Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra, and was a gifted piano player who brought joy to many through her playing.

One of her favorite pastimes was visiting the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, where she had worked as a teenager. She loved playing Skee-Ball and riding the Giant Dipper with her children and grandchildren—even though she wasn’t too fond of the beach itself. Her traditions and favorite spots, like Fenton’s Creamery in Oakland, remain beloved by her family today.

LaVerne had simple pleasures that brought her great happiness—a perfectly cooked steak with a baked potato smothered in butter, and a hot fudge sundae to top it off.

She will be remembered for her generosity, wit, musical talents, and deep love for her family. Her legacy lives on in the stories, traditions, and warm memories shared by all who had the privilege of knowing her.