Rodolfo Valentino Lodge #1449

It is with a heavy heart that I am informing everyone that the Rodolfo Valentino Lodge has mourned the loss of three long time members in recent months, whose lives exemplified unwavering dedication to the organization’s mission of preserving Italian heritage and fostering community bonds.

On January 9, 2025, Verona E. De Luca, a wonderful lady with a pure heart and soul, left this earth for a much better place. She passed away at Willowcreek Healthcare Center, which had been her home for the past 15 years. Despite the challenges she faced, Verona made the best out of a difficult situation. The family extends their gratitude to the staff, nurses, and CNAs at Willowcreek Healthcare Center for their exceptional care.

Verona was born on January 6, 1934, in Clovis, California, and recently celebrated her 91st birthday. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ciriaco and Maria De Luca, her sisters Teresa De Luca Italiano, Dominica Virginia De Luca, Rosie De Luca Barkman, Clara De Luca Clark Bronder, and Virginia De Luca King Miller, as well as her brothers Salvatore De Luca, Angelo De Luca, Joe De Luca, and Victor De Luca.

She is survived by her brother Frank De Luca of Clovis, sisters Edith De Luca Prieto of Clovis and Gracie De Luca Brown of San Jose, and 284 nephews and nieces.

Verona attended Clovis Grammar School and graduated from Clovis Union High School in 1953. She was a devoted member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, the Italian Catholic Federation Branch #250, and the Sons of Italy Rodolfo Valentino Lodge #1449.

Donald (Don) D Sorrells, of Fresno, California entered into rest on Thursday, March 13, 2025. Donald was born in Clovis, California.

Donald is survived by his wife, Meri Sorrells; his daughter Kristine Sorrells; and his daughter Stefanie Crockett (Paul); his brother Louis Staneart and his sister Betty Heaney; his grandson James Crockett, his granddaughter Clara Crockett, his granddaughter Emelia Crockett, his grandson Owen Crockett, his grandson Cooper Johnson and his granddaughter Gianna Johnson.

Ludovico “Lou” Catallo, Passed April 2, 2025.

Lou was born in Clovis California to his parents Dominico Catallo and Maria Schboni Catallo. He was the baby of the family and is preceded in death by his parents as well as brothers Guerino and Jimmie Catallo, and his sisters Lena Daddino and Gena Mazzeo.

Lou Graduated from Clovis High School in 1955 and served in the military briefly. He went to work for Lockheed Missiles and Space in 1958 which is where he met his soon to be wife Mary Francis. Mary had four children from a previous marriage and so he became an instant father which he loved. He retired from Lockheed in 1998 and moved home to Clovis where he became involved with his Class Reunion Committee. He served on the Board of Directors of the Sons of Italy – Rodolfo Valentino Lodge in Clovis, as well as the Historical Landmarks and Records Commission and served as an advisor and member of the Board of Directors for the Clovis – Big Dry Creek Historical Society. Lou also was a contributor to Let’s Talk Clovis. He will be missed by all who know him as a kind and loving person.

He is survived by his wife Mary Francis and his children Ruben Catallo, Renee Marble, Ricky Johnson, Robbin Gardner, Randy Johnson and their families with numerous Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren Nieces and Nephews.

Our monthly meetings are at Luna Pizzeria, 349 Pollasky Ave, Clovis, CA 93612 in downtown Clovis, at 6:00 PM. Come for the food, stay for the dialog and the company.