Michael Evan Oranchak class of 1995
February 16, 1977 - May 25, 2025
Michael Oranchak, 48, a resident of Arcadia, CA passed away suddenly on May 25, 2025. Mike leaves behind his beloved wife Katsumi, nee Yamada, parents, Gail and Joseph Oranchak, two older brothers Ted and Scott Oranchak and sister-in-law Kathryn Oranchak and aunts, uncles and cousins.
“Mike” was born on February 16, 1977, in Fairfax, VA. In 1978, the Oranchak family moved to Okemos, MI where Mike attended Okemos Schools, graduating from Okemos High School in 1995. Mike’s interests were varied, from playing trumpet in the Okemos High School Band, to
experiencing the best of Michigan by participating in Boy Scouts, becoming an Eagle Scout as a member of Troop 125, and in his free time, creating paintings that adorn his parents’ walls.
Mike had many creative passions in addition to his love for music, painting, and the outdoors. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from Lawrence Institute of Technology Mike set out first for New York City and later southern California. In both locales Mike’s focus was residential building rehabilitation. Always an enthusiastic cook, Mike changed course in 2022 when he and Katsumi brought Michigan to Pasadena, CA by opening Fuji and Vi’s, a Detroit style pizza restaurant, named for Katsumi’s and Mike’s maternal grandmothers.
Michael had a long -term dream to return to Michigan, nicknamed “the Great Lakes State” he loved for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities. Mike’s most recent outing in Michigan was a backpacking trip with his brother Scott across Isle Royale.
His dream will be answered.
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 10, 2025 from 4:00 PM -6:00 PM at Cabot & Sons Chapel 27 Chestnut St., Pasadena, CA. We encourage friends and patrons of Fuji and Vi’s to share their fond memories of Mike and the restaurant.
An informal gathering of family and friends will be held at Fuji & Vi’s after the memorial service.
Thank you to Jeni Grasman Stamas for notification.
Published June 16, 1994 Lansing State Journal
Published November 22, 1995 Lansing State Journal
From the restaurant "Fuji and Vi's" website FVPizza.com
950 E COLORADO BLVD. SUITE 203 PASADENA, CA 91106
(626) 345-5231 info@fvpizza.com
https://www.fvpizza.com/our-story
"FROM MOTOWN TO PASADENA
"From it's roots in the old world, Detroit's square pizza is a one of a kind culinary marvel. From it's creation over 75 years ago, Detroit style pizza has been spreading across the country and is now located on the streets of sunny Pasadena.
"Fuji & Vi's will introduce the iconic square pizza cooked in a pan with the cheese that goes from edge to edge generating a golden, caramelized crust and sauce placed on top and traditionally in stripes.
"Where did the origins of Fuji & Vi's come from you wonder?
"Having grown up in Michigan, the owner, Michael Oranchak developed a strong liking for the original Detroit Style Pizza restaurants; especially during his time studying Architecture at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield Michigan.
"After graduating and moving to the east coast, Michael worked for almost 15 years in high end residential and commercial architectural design. However, there was an empty void where his beloved Detroit style pizza should have been. Because of this void, Michael began teaching himself how to make the traditional square pizza baked in a pan with cheese that goes from edge to edge with cooking knowledge he has acquired over years of helping his Mother and Grandmother. Having moved to CA, in 2018, Michael's desire to create his own brand and bring authentic Detroit style Pizza to the west coast began to grow until he decided to take the leap and make it happen. After years of development and planning, we have finally reached the point where we can share with you, one of the greatest styles of pizza in the world."
From Linked in
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-oranchak-900518131
https://www.cabotandsons.com/obituaries/Michael-Evan-Oranchak?obId=42689226