Orsi, Paul Donald

Paul Donald Orsi - age: 89
(March 25, 1928 to April 06, 2017 )
Resident of Ukiah, California

Obituary:
Paul Donald Orsi, 89, peacefully entered into Heaven on April 6, 2017.
Born March 25, 1928, in Oakland California, Paul was the oldest of two children of Albert (aka Skippy) and Marian (Coronado) Orsi. He and his sister Kathleen grew up in Calistoga and Forestville, where the family owned and operated Skippy’s Fine Italian Restaurant and Hacienda in the redwoods along the Russian River. The local folks, tourists and celebrities from all over flocked to Skippy’s for a delicious authentic Italian meal, music and dancing. Paul graduated from Analy High School in Sebastopol. He served in the US Army during WWII and was stationed in Italy during the post war occupation from 1946-1948. He was Honorably Discharged.
Paul met Betty Greeott while he worked a food delivery route in Santa Rosa. They married on April 12, 1953, with a wedding ceremony at St. Mary’s of the Angels Catholic Church in Ukiah. As they started their family, Paul and Betty owned and operated Paul’s Grocery Store on the corner of Spring and Walnut streets in Ukiah, which was especially popular with the Ukiah High School students nearby. Students crowded the little store during their lunch breaks to buy hot dogs and fresh sandwiches.
Over the years, Paul worked for several local employers. He worked in the Canteen at the old State Hospital and as a sales representative for AAA Auto Insurance, where he retired after 16 years. He worked for a short time at Masonite then moved on to work part time at JC Penny’s jewelry counter, where he enjoyed interacting with customers.
With his wife Betty as organist, choir member and one of the music directors, Paul also had a long and active involvement with St. Mary’s of the Angels Catholic Church as a lector.
After retiring fully, Paul enjoyed pursuing his hobbies. He loved astronomy and being outdoors in nature. Paul enjoyed fishing, hiking, camping, swimming in the rivers and lakes and trips to the coast. He loved music, especially live performances. He had played the baritone in the marching band while attending Analy High School. Paul also loved Betty’s gourmet cooking, big family gatherings and sports.
Paul’s wife, Betty, passed away on October 24, 2015. He is survived by his five children, Janet Orsi, Jim (Julie) Orsi, John (Kim) Orsi, Julie (Jim) Rus, Jeff (Paula) Orsi, nine grandchildren, six great grandchildren and his sister, Kathleen Parker of Sebastopol.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 on Monday, May 1st at St. Mary’s of the Angels Church, 990 South Oak in Ukiah, followed by a graveside service at the Ukiah Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Eversole Mortuary, Ukiah.
The family asks that any donations be made to the Willits Senior Center, 1501 Baechtel Rd in Willits.