William Spoto

Much-loved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, William Paul Spoto, Sr. "Bill" was born at the old Fremont Hospital in Yuba City, CA, on December 8, 1935.

Bill graduated from Franklin Grammar School, Sutter Union High School, and Yuba College with an AA in business and accounting.

Bill grew up and enjoyed much of his life on the family farm on Township Road. He built a house next to his parents' home where he and Leita raised their children, Paul and Kathy.

Bill and Leita retired to Nevada City, CA, for 40 years. They moved back to their home on Township where Bill passed away peacefully on May 1 at the age of 90.

Childhood sweethearts, Bill and Leita Smith Spoto met on their first day of high school, dated through junior college and married at the First Presbyterian Church in Carson City, NV, on September 24, 1956.

Bill joined his father, Henry Sr., at Spoto Nursery, growing fruit and nut trees, as well as caring for several fruit and nut orchards.

While cleaning up an almond orchard he had just purchased, Bill discovered a chance seedling.

He propagated and patented this new almond variety which he named Rosetta, in honor of his wife, Leita Rosetta.

When his son, Paul, took over the business, Bill taught himself computer programming and wrote bookkeeping, inventory and accounting programs which he sold to local farmers.

He became a computer consultant supporting his programs, as well as providing general computer support to a wide range of clients.

Of Sicilian heritage, Bill enjoyed Italian food especially his homegrown fava beans and his homemade Sicilian-style olives topped with a glass of his brother Henry Jr.'s red Spoto wine.

He was a past member of the Arberesh Society of Sacramento, a club dedicated to preserving a segment of the Italian culture.

He loved sports, especially following the San Francisco Giants baseball team. His hobbies were hunting, fishing, water skiing and vegetable gardening.

He had a love of music as well; he played the clarinet in the high school Dixie Land band.

He was an extra class Amateur radio operator (WD6BFR). As a volunteer and member of Yuba-Sutter and Nevada County amateur radio clubs, he provided crucial back-up communications in several flood and fire emergencies.

Years earlier, as a US Navy Reservist, Bill stood guard in Yuba City, CA, with life-long friend, Virgil Sweetwood, when the Feather River broke the levee in 1955. Their patrol escaped as the water began flooding Plumas Street.

Bill and Leita traveled throughout the United States, including many trailer trips with the WHOs (Women Ham radio Operators). They also traveled to Europe, including many trips to Sicily to visit Bill's cousins.

Family meant everything to Bill, he was very close and deeply attached to his family. They were his greatest joy in life. He was equally loved and will be profoundly missed by them.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Rudolph Spoto, Sr., and Catherine Rose Liuzza Spoto; siblings, Mary Duchow Spoto, and Henry Rudolph Spoto, Jr. (Lenore); Henry's stepdaughter, Pamela Spoto;

He is survived by his wife, of 69 years, Leita Rosetta Smith Spoto; children, William Paul Spoto, Jr. (Catherine Mary) and Kathleen Spoto (Arne Gallagher); grandchildren, Aaron, Matthew, and Natalie Gallagher; nephews, Gary Phillip Spoto, MD (Susan), Stuart Craig Spoto (Christiane); and niece, Anna Spoto-Gualtieri.

Bill was happy, positive and filled with loving-kindness. He was appreciated by family, friends and customers for his integrity and moral values. His word was his honor.

Bill had a deep Christian faith. He and Leita were charter members of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Yuba City, CA, and attended Unity in the Gold Country Spiritual Center.

Graveside service will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026, and 1 PM, at Sutter Cemetery.