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BORN
1926
DIED
2018
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Alex Spotorno Obituary
August 25, 1926 - March 26, 2018
Resident of Pleasanton
Alex V. Spotorno passed away on Monday, March 26, 2018. A rancher in Pleasanton for almost 70 years, living on the family ranch established in 1867, he was highly respected in the industry for his expertise as well as the high quality of his cattle and lambs.
Alex was born in San Francisco, CA, son of Alexandre V. Spotorno and Isabel Marie Roberts. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII piloting landing craft in the Pacific Arena, followed by graduation from U.C. Davis in 1949. In addition to ranching, he was land manager of the watershed lands for the City and County of San Francisco Water Department for thirty years. He was a member of the state and county Farm Bureaus for many years and served for a time as Vice–President of the CA Woolgrowers Association.
Alex is survived by his loving wife, LaVerne; devoted children Kenneth Spotorno (Jan), Joanne Zachariades, John Spotorno (Jennifer), Kathryn Spotorno, Marianne Spotorno, son-in-law Lee Zachariades; loving step-children Stephen Quartarola (Peggy), Michele Motekaitis (Paul), AnneMarie Bjorklund (Erik), Gina Angulo (Joe); fourteen adoring grandchildren Katie and Allie Zachariades, Gregory Spotorno, Anneka and Kiana Pisula, Adam, Alyssa and Amber Motekaitis, Nicholas and Ryan Quartarola, Isabella and Gabriella Bjorklund, Adrienne and Dominic Angulo; best buddy since they were both thirteen years old Gordon Rosenberg (Vicki), and extended family and friends. His sense of humor, generosity to others, his love for and commitment to his faith and to his family and friends will be deeply missed.
Friends and family are invited to a visitation Tuesday, April 3, 2018, 4-8 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 7 p.m. at Graham Hitch Mortuary, 4167 First Street in Pleasanton, and a funeral mass on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 3999 Bernal Avenue in Pleasanton.
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Memories and Condolences
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3 Entries
Roger and Jane Manning
April 4, 2018
Dear LaVerne;
A friend just called tonight, Wednesday, and told us of Al's passing We are so sorry and will offer our prayers for his soul and comfort for you and all your family.
We remember first moving to Happy Valley Road from our Vintage Hills home. Al was a regular visitor and a welcoming neighbor. We can still picture him driving up our driveway in his truck with his faithful sheepdog checking on his cattle and fence lines. Those bulls had a mind of their own and no fence was going to stand in their way. We even had a few in our front lawn and garden over the years. Al was a strong man and worked very hard on the ranch. He was a great example of the stamina it took to operate a cattle and lamb business. We have missed all of you since we moved to be closer to our son and his family in Petaluma but have never forgotten the excitement we knew was coming when we spotted him coming up our ranch drive looking for an errant cow or mountain lion in the hills.
We miss you Al, God speed.
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Angela Delgado
April 2, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending my love to LaVerne and family and all those whose lives were touched by Al. From as long as I can remember LaVerne has always been friends with my mom and dad, and our families have always been close. I met Al as a very young adult. His tough gritty exterior was equally matched with the kindness, generosity and compassion of his interior persona. Witty and fun, with a wonderful laugh and a gleam in his eye, his life was well lived and well loved.
The Staff of Graham-Hitch Mortuary
March 31, 2018
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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