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Angelo Fanos, 92, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Monday, September 16, 2013.
He was born January 21, 1921, in Lockeford, to Panagis "Peter" Fanos and Olivia Fanos, who immigrated from the Island of Kefalonia in Greece. With the exception of his military service and the period immediately following, he spent his entire life in the Lodi area. He attended Harmony Grove and Turner Schools and graduated from Lodi High School in 1939, distinguishing himself as a Grand National Champion Quarter Horse Judge. He attended the University of California at Davis, working at his uncle's grocery store, in the celery fields of Yolo County, and as a trainer, green-breaking wild horses to pay for his tuition.
In 1940, he met the love of his life, Esther Breiwick of Tacoma, Washington, and they married in Lodi on August 2, 1942. On August 2, 2013, they celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary. On September 13th he attended his 74th high school reunion.
He served in World War II in North Africa and Italy, the 5th Army, 602nd Quartermaster Depot, as staff sergeant in charge of graves registration and recovery of the dead from September 1942 to December 1945. After mustering out, Angelo apprenticed in carpentry in the San Francisco Bay Area and worked as a journeyman there before returning to Lodi in 1950 to take over his father's dairy in 1950. He remained here for the rest of his life. Later he owned and operated a ranch of his own while working as a laboratory technician for four creameries from Stockton to Sacramento. In the 1960s he became a general contractor and later a realtor. He built and remodeled nearly one hundred residences, schools, fire departments, municipal buildings and churches.
He was a member of the American Legion Post 22, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the International Order of Oddfellows. He served for more than 15 years with the Lodi Police Partners, and for more than 10 years with the San Joaquin Sheriff's S.T.A.R.S, leaving that post at the age of 91.
He is survived by his devoted partner in life, Esther Fanos, with whom he sat on the porch swing in the backyard for hours every day, holding hands; his loving daughters, Connie Fanos and Jeanne Sullivan (Michael); his grandsons Mark (Elyse) Kundert, Daniel Sullivan, and Matthew Quaill, and great-grandchildren, Ryder, Jayla and Sevyn Quaill.
He is also survived by his sister, Tula Fanos Stephenson, of Sunnyvale, CA, his cousins Carol Roseberry and Nancy Field of Lodi, and numerous nieces and nephews.
His family is eternally grateful to Marrielle Virramontes for her compassionate and loving care of Angelo and Esther, and for the blessing she was and is to their lives.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2013 at 11 a.m., at Zion Reformed Church at 105 S. Ham Lane.
Angelo loved honey. He put it in his coffee and on his toast or cereal every morning of his life. He had always wanted honey hives in his backyard. Donations in his memory may be made in the form of a Gift of Honeybees through Heifer International, his favorite charity, at or by telephone at 855-948-6437 (855-9HUNGER).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Connie Fanos & Jeanne Fanos Sullivan.
I will always remember the kindness my very handsome Uncle Angelo showed to all of us nieces and nephews. He loved my coffee and referred some other coffee as being brown water. Good coffee was important! There was the time he excused himself from his surprise 70th birthday party to walk my sister and me out. He wanted to be sure that we got to our car safely before we began the drive home. He was a very special part of our family and will always be alive in my memories.
Love to all the family.
Janice Marrello
Family
October 27, 2017
Oh Uncle Angelo - It's been a few years now since your passing. To me you will always be my handsome and dashing Uncle, with the great deep voice. When you sang "Aaaaaa - men" at our Family Reunions you gave me goosebumps. And I will never forget the kindness in your eyes and your quiet sense of humor. We were so fortunate to get to be part of your family through the years. Love and hugs to all your children and dear ones.
October 14, 2017
I miss Angelo. He was very special. Of course, all Dads are special, but he was more special than most.
Janine jacinto
October 27, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of Angelos' passing. It has been many years since I last saw any of the Fanos family, but I have very fond memories of the time I spent on Ray Road. That was over 50 years ago, but I have never forgotten living there or the Fanos family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at the time.
Kathy Anderson Heath
December 30, 2013
Mrs. Fanos and Family, So sad to hear of the loss of Mr. Fanos. The best looking parents on Ray Road. Fond memories of the family.
Annette Savig
October 13, 2013
Thanks, Connie for a wonderful obituary for your excellent Dad. I think the world of your whole family. Love from Doug & Christine and Angelo's Mendocino admirers.
Doug Nunn
October 8, 2013
Your life has touched many, Angelo, and we will miss you.
Pamela Calhoun
September 29, 2013
Our thought and prayers go out to the Fanos family. My father worked with Angelo for years so we had the pleasure of knowing him. He would visit with us for hours and tell us the most interesting stories of his time spent in the service. He will be missed dearly!
Busby Family
September 28, 2013
Ethel Brown
September 27, 2013
Nina Johns
September 27, 2013
What a remarkable man who grew a remarkable and loving family. He was a rock (a warm and charming rock) to many of us.
Lisa Radspinner
September 26, 2013
We will surely miss Angelo! The Fanos family has been so much a part of our family history. Angelo has always been a true example of integrity. Will miss the life celebration due to previous commitment, but will be there in prayer and thoughts.
Roger & Velma Stafford
September 26, 2013
As you grow older you often look back on those who have touched you life, the Fanos family is one of those fond memories. Will miss Angelos smile when he greeted me. With love and prayers
Doris Lagomarsino
September 25, 2013
Charles & Joice Mettler
September 25, 2013
My condolences to the Fanos Family. I first met Angelo as a young kid working with my dad and brothers, sisters at Woodworth Ranch in Acampo 1965. Agelo would always have a look of seriousness and determanation on his face. I would try to get him to smile or laugh by telling him some corny kids jokes. He seemed buzzeled but then would crack a smile or chuckle just to make this kid feel good that I had made a friend in him. Thank You my friend for being a great listener. God Bless You and Thank You for your service to this Great Nation. Your Friend George Garcia.
George Garcia
September 24, 2013
He will be missed
Hank & Patty Lauchland
September 24, 2013
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