Longtime Alameda resident Stella Corica, who was born on March 27, 1927, passed away on July 10, 2026, at the age of 99 in the family home she lived in since 1964. She grew up in Oakland and graduated from McClymonds High School.
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She was wed to C.J. “Chuck” Corica in 1949. They were married for 56 years until he passed away in 2006 [2]. Stella’s maid of honor at the wedding was Cassie Hausauer, who was a lifelong friend until Stella’s passing.
She was an accomplished accordion player and enjoyed being active, bowling multiple 200 games as a “Gad-A-Belle” at Mel’s Bowl. Stella took up golf late in life and played many early morning rounds at the course that bore her husband’s name. She had an ace to her credit, making a hole-in-one on the very same day that her son posted a ‘one.’
Stella’s cooking at the holidays and family celebrations was something she handed down to the younger generations—her braciole, pasta sauce, and focaccia bread are now prepared by her great-grandchildren.
She was a knowledgeable and passionate sports fan who enjoyed watching her Raiders, A’s, Warriors, and Sharks teams. Stella and her husband took many jaunts to Reno and vacationed on several cruises, her favorite being trips to the Caribbean with its warm weather and steel drum music.
Stella was the “glue” that kept the family unit together. She was a counselor, supporter, and scheduler to see that all family members could do their best. Stella was an inspiration in the way she handled multiple bouts with cancer and cared for her husband toward the end of his life.
The family would like to thank her in-home caregivers. Their love and care helped ease her transition into the next life. Also, Dr. Robert Deutsch compassionately cared for her for over 30 years.
Stella is the daughter of the late Nicholas and Rose Cimmarusti. She is survived by her son, Tony Corica, and daughter, Rosemary Petri. Proud grandmother of Craig Corica (Melissa Corica) of Tigard, Oregon and Lindsay Corica (Chris Taylor) of Santa Maria, California. All her great grandchildren—Liliana Taylor, Logan Corica, Dahlia Taylor, and Ethan Corica—have fond memories of their great grandma.
If you would like to memorialize Stella, the family asks that all donations be made to Alameda Friends of the Parks Foundation. She spent her early years at Krusi Park watching her children and grandchildren compete in sports. In her later years, Stella’s caregivers would take her to Krusi Park to enjoy the grounds and watch young people play. Donations can be made by mail via check to Alameda Friends of the Parks Foundation, ARPD, 2226 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501, or online [3].
Services were held Thursday, July 16, at 10:30 a.m. at Alameda Funeral and Cremation Services, followed by entombment at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in San Pablo with Deacon David Young officiating. Harry Greer, Funeral Director (FDR-745). For further information, please call 510-522-6020.