TOM VANELLA
On the afternoon of April 4, 2024, Thomas (Tom) Frank Vanella passed away peacefully at his home in Orland, California.
Born on December 3, 1938, in Chico, CA, to Jack Vanella and Maxine (Beaumont) Vanella. Tom attended local schools, graduating from Chico Senior High School in 1956.
Tom worked with his father during and after high school in the family businesses Vanella’s Farm Store and Jack’s Orchard Supply. They also farmed almonds, walnuts, and olives.
In 1961, Tom married his love, Linda Miller. They recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary.
Tom never knew a stranger, starting conversations wherever he went. This made him a natural as he enjoyed selling insurance and real estate. Tom and Linda also ran a Bed and Breakfast, White Sulphur Springs Ranch in Plumas County. Later, Tom worked for his brother Bob in his farming operation, working until a stroke slowed him down at the age of 84. The family spent summers at Lake Almanor, water skiing, sailing, and fishing or camping, and hiking at Gold Lake. In the winter, they’d ski at Lassen Ski Park. He was a member of the National Ski Patrol. He later developed an interest in snowmobiling and became a member of the Butte Meadows Hillsliders. Tom and Linda traveled across the United States and Mexico in their RV. Tom was a big fan of NASCAR and attended as many races as possible. They were both members of the Chico Elks RV Club for a long time. Recently, Tom was recognized by the Chico Elks Club for his 65-year-long membership. Apart from the Elks, Tom was also a member of the Durham and Orland Rotary Clubs and a proud Glenn County Sheriff’s VIPS member. He was a certified weighmaster and had been weighing animals for the Silver Dollar Fair livestock auction for many years.
Family was everything to Tom. He was preceded by death by his parents Jack & Maxine Vanella and sister, Jackie Mead.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Linda; his brothers, Bob and Daryl Vanella, and their respective families; a sister, Cheryl Smith; and his brother-inlaw, Jim Mead; his daughter, Valerie Bentz (Elvin); his grandchildren, Victoria Johns (Virgal) and Zachary Bentz (Lisa); and his great-grandchildren, Allison Johns, Callahan, and Everett Bentz. Additionally, Tom is survived by his son, Vance Vanella (Kris), his grandchildren Jesse, Selina, Nicole, and Angel, and his great-grandchildren Marcos, Kaylee, Jehric, Lyndy, and Donovan. Many cousins, nieces, and nephews also survive Tom.
Please join us in celebrating Tom’s wonderful life on Friday, April 19th, at 2 p.m. in the back picnic area of Chico Elks Lodge, 1705 Manzanita Ave, Chico, CA.
In place of flowers, please consider a taxdeductible donation to the Glenn County Sheriff VIPS c/o 543 W. Oak St. Willows, CA 95988.