Michael Oranchak

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.