Petsakos, Stellios George

Stellios George Petsakos - age: 98
(February 10, 1914 to April 11, 2012 )
Resident of Ukiah, California

Obituary:
In loving memory of
Stellios George Petsakos

Stellios George Petsakos (also known as “Pete the Painter”) was born February 10, 1914 in the bucolic village of Panagia, situated on the Aegean Island of Ikaria, near the mainland of Greece. Stellios lived 98 incredible years and entered into rest on April 11, 2012. Stellios was the beloved husband of Joanna; adored father of Despina (Virginia) and George Mougianis, Argyro and Spiro Vlachos, Georgia and Zack Leventis, Maria and Paul Katinos, Stella and Haralampos (Bob) Bratsis; wonderful Papou (grandfather) to John Leventis, Joanna and Benjamin Noonan, Argyroula Mougianis, Stellios Leventis, Anthoula, Yiannoula, and Stephania Vlachos, plus Pandelis Bratsis, including great grandson, Benny Noonan.

Stellios traveled to America and served in the armed services as a Marine from 1943 to 1946. The horrors of WWII, the madness of Normandy, and the unfathomable sacrifices of D Day were etched deep within his conscious. Stellios truly loved America and believed in offering his dedicated service to this great country.

After the war, Stellios married his island sweetheart, Joanna. Together they settled in Ukiah in 1951, where he became employed as a millwright for Masonite. Stellios served as a shop steward for the local Teamsters Union; earning the respect and admiration of his fellow crew members. During those productive years, Stellios and Joanna created a loving home for their daughters, welcomed son-in-laws, and celebrated the arrival of grandchildren and great grandson.

Upon retiring from Masonite, Stellios spent the next 40 years sharing his passion for nature through his exuberant love of gardening by nurturing the fruits of his vines into fine wines. As a certified seamen, his escapades with his fishing boat afforded him unparalleled opportunities for exciting adventures, as well as moments of humorous retellings. Travel with wife, Joanna brought forth unbridled joy and was a great source of pride for Stellios.

Stellios was a member of St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Pan-Ikarian Brotherhood, Masonic Lodge, Shriners, and the Teamsters Union. Those service organizations appreciated his gifts of dedication with heartfelt honors.

Stellios’s deep spirituality, powerful guidance, and unconditional love were his hallmark characteristics. The family of Stellios is so blessed to harvest his powerful legacy of love and hold sacred his memory.

Should friends desire, (in lieu of flowers) memorials may be sent to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at the Eversole Mortuary at 11:00 AM, burial with military honors will follow at the Ukiah Cemetery.