Michael Anthony Skropeta's Obituary
MICHAEL ANTHONY SKROPETA died peacefully at John Muir Hospital of Renal Failure.He was the owner of the Cake Box Bakery in Lafayette. Born deaf in Los Angeles to immigrant parents from Yugoslavia. At the age of 11, he attended the deaf school in Berkeley where he learned the baking profession. After graduating, he decided to live in the Bay Area to learn more of his passion for baking. Alone, determined and $24.00 in his pocket, he worked at Blum's in S.F., Neldams and Buon Gusto Bakery, as well as going to night school to learn decorating doing janitorial work to pay for his lessons. In 1951, he opened his own bakery in Pleasant Hill, then in 1968 opened The Cake Box Bakery in Lafayette which still operates in the same location for 36 years. He worked until he was 80 years old and sadly had to stop due to congestive heart failure and diabetes.His wife, Lois, preceded him in death in 2000. She was the love of his life. They were married 58 years.Survived by son, Carl Skropeta in Lafayette; daughters, Susan Hartelius in Lafayette and Kim Duggan of Piedmont; and two grandchildren.Services are private. Arrangements by Chapel of the Chimes, Oakland.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CEID - Center for the Education of Infant Deaf, Orinda, 1-510-848-4800. Linda Kline at [email protected]
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