William G. "Bill" Botelli

1923 - 2017

Davis resident 1965-2013. William "Bill" G. Botelli passed away at the age of 93, Tuesday, March 28, 2017, at Saint John's Retirement Village, Woodland, CA. Born in 1923 to Antonio Botelli and Adrian Marogna. Raised in Bryte, CA Brothers Tony Botelli, Gene and Bert Zanotti, sisters Gilda Bogdonoff and Irene Taricco. Survived by sons Donald and Roger Botelli and daughter Susan Horgan; grandchildren, Michelle Horgan, Stephanie Frieders, Brian, Nina and Sara Botelli and great-grand-son, Owen Frieders; brother Bert Zanotti. Bill attended Woodland High School. He became a Blacksmith for the Southern Pacific Railroad in Sacramento, CA where he worked for 21 years with the exception of four years military service. A US Citizen and veteran of World War II, Bill enlisted at the age of 20, in 1943. Bill served as a fireman assigned to protecting a maps war room utilized by then General Eisenhower and his staff. After the war, Bill met his wife Jean in 1946, at a ballroom dance in Sacramento, CA. Bill dedicated himself to raising his family and perfecting his craft as a Blacksmith for 21 years. Bill spent his life working as a skilled craftsman, he retired from Teichert Construction. His interests included coaching and announcing Little League and Babe Ruth League, coach for West Sacramento. He enjoyed shooting sports, fishing and Oakland A's baseball. Gardening was a favorite pass time. He was a dedicated member of the Yolo Bowmen Horseshoe Club, established in Davis, as a major contributor helping design and develop the horseshoe facility. In his later years he loved watching basketball. Bill was a former member of the West Sacramento Lady of Grace Catholic Church where he was an outstanding member of the choir. He also attended Saint James Catholic Church, Davis, CA. Throughout his life, Bill supported numerous charities and philanthropic causes. He was well known for his great sense of humor, love of life and out-going personality. Bill was a man with a strong work ethic, a good neighbor, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grand-father. A viewing for Bill will be held at Kraft Brothers Funeral Chapel, 175 2nd St, Woodland, CA on Wednesday, April 5, 2017, 5 - 7p.m. A funeral service will be held at Kraft Brothers Funeral Chapel, Woodland, CA on Thursday, April 6, 2017, 10a.m. Interment will take place at Monument Hill Park, 35036 County Road 22, Woodland, CA following the service at the chapel. In lieu of flowers, please make donations on behalf of Bill Botelli to Saint John's Retirement Village http:www/sjrv.org