In Memoriam – Orville Smith

Orville Smith

Early on Christmas morning Orville Smith died at age 83 in Lincoln, California. He was the son of the late Leland Chester Smith and Helen Wilma Stagnaro. Orville leaves his wife of 57 years, Mary-Lou Smith, daughter Laurel (Tom) Hodgson and son Kent (Mary) Smith, and half-brother, Donald Stagnaro. His loving grandchildren Heidi, Mary, Angela, Gordon, Rachel, and Jacqueline, as well as several great-grandchildren, mourn his loss.

Born in Stockton, Orville received his engineering degree from the University of Pacific and was employed at Caltrans for 37 years. His greatest professional achievement was in the military where he served in the Korean War, remaining in the Naval Reserves and retiring as a Commander in the Seabees after 35 years of service.

Orville was an accomplished chef and learned to cook many authentic Italian dishes from his mother-in-law, Louise, and the numerous Italian cook books he collected over the years. A perfect travelling companion, Mary-Lou and Orville visited 50 countries during their marriage. One of Orville’s favorite memories was a cooking course in Orvieto, Italy, during which he impressed his instructors with his culinary skills as well as his fearless attempts at speaking Italian. He was also a member of the Lincoln Hills Italian Club. At his request, no formal funeral will be held. Those wishing to honor Orville’s life may wish to make a donation to a charity honoring children or those in the military.

(From the Sacramento Bee, 1/3/13)