Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1930
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
William Loretelli Obituary
March 22, 1930 - February 10, 2023
Modesto, California -
With sadness in our hearts, we share that William 'Bill' Loretelli passed away peacefully at his home on February 10th, 2023 at the age of 92 with his wife, Veronica by his side. William was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle.
William was born in Eynon, Pennsylvania to Amedeo and Judith Loretelli where he grew up with his 3 siblings and graduated high school. He then married his high school sweetheart, Veronica in 1951. As a young married couple, Bill and Veronica followed Bill's parents and siblings to Modesto, California to help in the family farming business growing and shipping grapes. However, Bill was drafted into the Army during the Korean War and bravely served our country until December 1952 when he was honorably discharged.
Bill continued farming in Stanislaus County area for over 50 years and eventually started a roadside fruit stand with his oldest son, Bill Jr. Bill also spent many years investing in local real estate and worked for James River Corporation for 35 years. Bill was a founding member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Modesto.
Bill deeply loved his family and friends. His 7 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren lovingly called him Nonno. He often spoke with tears in his eyes how blessed he was to have such a wonderful family. He and Veronica's home was the gathering place and it brought him much joy to have family and friends enjoy a wonderful meal together. Bill loved following his sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in all of their sporting events. He was also a faithful San Francisco Giants and 49er's fan.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Veronica of 72 years, his sons William Loretelli, Jr and Robert (Lori) Loretelli all of Modesto. Grandchildren and Great-grandchildren, Philip (Shannon) Loretelli and son Dominic; Matthew Loretelli and daughters, Giolana and Samantha; William 'Billy' Loretelli; Tara (Jonathan) Crenshaw and sons, Elijah, Jackson and Luke; Kyle (Natalie) Loretelli and children, Easton, Penelope, Hayven and William; Erin (Peter) Joice and children, Ellie and Owen; Kayla (Kyle) Frenzel and son Drew and baby son due in June.
Bill is also survived by his sister, Judith R. Loretelli of Modesto. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Romana Nardi and brother Roy Loretelli.
A Rosary will be recited on March 1st at 6:00pm at Franklin & Downs Funeral Home – McHenry Chapel, 1050 McHenry Ave, Modesto. A funeral Mass and reception will be held on March 2nd at 10:00am at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 505 W. Granger Ave, Modesto. A private burial will be at Lakewood Memorial Park in Hughson, CA. Franklin & Downs Funeral Home is overseeing the funeral arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Community Hospice Foundation, in memory of William T. Loretelli, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Loretelli
wayne seawright
February 12, 2025
a good humble man and a friend i worked with many years a James river paper
Cheryl DeCicco
January 24, 2024
I just saw this evening the obituary. I had no idea Bill had passed. My condolences to his family. He was I believe the last of the "Bingi crew" at the original Modesto Elks lodge, where he, Sam Satariano, Les, and my grandfather Bob May ran the weekly game, with Bill being the bingo caller. Bill was a class act, one of the nicest guys one could ever want to meet, always greeted with a smile, and his lovely wife, "Toots" who is equally as gracious and kind as Bill. Both, just truly wonderful, caring people. Was great to see them both when I would get a chance to stop by their produce stand. I´m truly saddened to hear that he has left us. Heaven has gained a wonderful soul.
May he watch over those he left behind. Blessings to his family.
wayne seawright
April 8, 2023
bill was a very humble man a true friend and work mate at james river paper for 35 years
Dan Napralla
February 27, 2023
I had the opportunity to work with Bill at American Can/James River in the 80´s. He was unquestionably one of the good guys! He made work fun!
Rudy and Dolores
February 25, 2023
We love you Bill and will forever remember your loving and beautiful heart. We are sad to lose you in this earthly life, but know we will see you again in Paradise. Until then, we have so many wonderful memories to sustain us.
Much love and many prayers for Toots, Bob, Bill and the entire family. We truly feel your pain and are here for anything you need.
Eternal rest grant unto Bill, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him.
May Bill´s soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest In peace.
With much love,
Paula Autry
February 21, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Albert was so fond of your dad, he loved your entire family. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Diane Hansen
February 19, 2023
This was the sweetest man. I always loved my conversations with him at the fruit stand and all of his funny stories. I told him one day that I loved his cologne and he said he had to be prepared for hugs; of which I so happily gave him. Eternal be his memory! My condolences to his wife and family.
Joe And Judy Rudalavage
February 19, 2023
Aunt Veronica and and Loretelli Families-please accept our deepest sympathy over the loss of Uncle Bill -he meant so much to all of us and it is even harder that we can´t be together to say good- bye. We want you to know we are with you I spirit now and in the days and weeks ahead. Uncle Bill´s memories will always be in our hearts. See you in a few months. Love Judy and Joe and families
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in William Loretelli's name
Memorial Events
for William Loretelli
Mar
1
Funeral services provided by:
Franklin & Downs Funeral Home McHenry Chapel1050 McHenry Avenue, Modesto, CA 95350
How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor William Loretelli's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored