Manuel Patterakis

I was in the army with Mike, but had lost contact over the years. He was a good friend and a great singer. Sorry I did not get to see him during these last years.
Orley Lilly, Murphys, CA

Vicki and Family,
Kay and I send our condolences to the Patterakis family. We miss his brother, Chris and think often of your lovely family. God bless you.
Roger & Kay Campos (Baltimore)

I MET MANUAL&CHRIS IN 1942 AT WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN MODESTO DURING A OUT DOOR ACTIVITY CHRIS&I WERE FIGHTING FOR A KICK BALL WE GOT VACINATION SCAB OFF,LOTS OF BLOOD ENDED UP PRINCIPAL MILFOR OLSON PADDELING US BOTH INTO TEARS MADE US HUG EACH OTHER SAID OUR PARENTS DID'NT COME FROM EUROPE TO RAISE BAD KIDS OUR UPPER CLASS MATE MANUAL SHEWED US BOTH OUT IN HI-SCHOOL I PLAYED CENTER CHRIS WAS OUR Q-BACK CHRIS BEAT ME FOR STUDENT BODY PRES BY A SMALL MARGIN WE BOTH DID GOOD MANUAL...

I was privileged to reconnect with Mike a month ago, when I was able to make a trip to Modesto to see him. I have been a professional singer/music teacher for over 25 years. A big part of my musical life began as I played the piano for the choirs at at Peterson. He gave me my first voice lessons as a teen. I will never forget his example, encouragement or interest in me that really inspired the musical life that has given me such joy and fulfillment. He and Mr. Paris were the best. They...

To the family of Mike Patterakis,

Thank you for sharing "Mr. Patterakis" with us. His love and enthusiasm for music and life was so infectious. Between the five us, we spent ten years at Peterson High in the band, choir and musicals. The recordings of the Christmas concerts are heard in our households every year. A couple of us still sing in choirs today because we were inspired by Mike early on. Some of the fondest memories of our high school years were associated with our...

He was My Favorite teacher in high school and a caring person. I have many memories of him through the years. I am sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family
Sue Suddick

I will never forget Mr. Patterakis. It was an honor to have him as my music teacher in high school. I was not blessed with a great singing voice. However, this did not matter to him. Mr P. would insist I enroll in his Woman's Glee. He told me it would be good for me. Well, it was great for me and changed my life! Being a part of his music department gave me the self confidence and motivation to reach for the stars!!!
Mr. P, I know you are leading the angles in a triumphant Hallelujah...