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Orazio Ross Sobania passed away in San Ramon, California, on December 19, 2025. Born on February 17, 1935, in Monterey, he was one of four children of Rose (Crivello) and Peter Sobania. After graduating from Monterey High School, Ross served in the U.S. Navy and Air Force. While stationed in Châteauroux, France, he met Renée Charron at an Air Force nightclub. Their love blossomed, and they married in 1958.

Ross valued his Italian American roots and maintained a strong connection to his Monterey origins. After serving in the military, he moved with his wife and two daughters to Monterey to start their new life in the U.S., ultimately residing in San Jose, California. The family enjoyed spending quality time together doing outdoor activities and traveling.

Upon retiring, Ross and Reneé moved to the scenic Lake Shastina area in Northern California. Ross spent much of the week fishing and playing golf with his wife. He was a dedicated member of the Shastina Men’s Golf Club and served as an assistant to the club’s golf pro. After many fulfilling years in Northern California, they relocated to Georgia and South Carolina, where they continued making memories and celebrated the births of their four great-grandchildren. Ross was known for his love of cooking, especially for his family and friends. His fried calamari appetizer was a favorite at holiday gatherings.

Ross is survived by his beloved family: daughter Chantal (Sobania) Chiapetto; son-in-laws Steven Chiapetto and Ronald Mancuso; grandchildren Kristin (Chiapetto) Page, Joseph Page, Danielle Chiapetto, Lauren (Mancuso) Heldreth, Chris Mancuso, (Ali Mancuso); great-grandchildren Brooks Heldreth, Tatum Lewis, Madeline Mancuso,  Emma Mancuso; his sister Cheryl (Sobania) Hofsheier (Gary Hofsheier); nephews Vincent Hofsheier, Anthony Hofsheier (Justine Hofsheier); great-nephew Leevi Hofsheir-Shake; great-niece Jayne Hofsheier, along with extended cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Reneé Sobania; his younger daughter, Sylvia (Sobania) Mancuso; his mother, Rose (Crivello) Sobania; his father, Peter Sobania; his brother, Vince Crivello; and his sister, Lucille Sobania.

A funeral service was held at San Carlos Cathedral in Monterey, California, on February 17, 2026. He and his wife were laid to rest at San Carlos Cemetery in Monterey, California.

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In Loving Memory of Orazio Ross Sobania