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BORN
1948
DIED
2021
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John Kalpakoff Obituary
November 8, 1948 - June 16, 2021
Fresno, California - John "Jay" Kalpakoff, age 72, of Fresno, California passed away Wednesday, June 16, 2021.
Jay was born and raised in Los Angeles, California where he became a third-generation garbage man, as part owner of Metropolitan Waste. He came to the Central Valley 24 years ago with one truck and a dream to own his own garbage company. Through hard work that dream was realized, and Mid Valley Disposal was created. Jay cherished this business and was an integral part of its daily operations. He treated every employee like family and cherished the local communities that Mid Valley Disposal serves as his partners.
Jay was also known for his philanthropy, by giving back to the local charities and food banks within the communities that Mid Valley Disposal served. He also believed in helping his employees by sponsoring many local sports teams, as well as a scholarship to help promote continuing education. Jay had a huge heart and could never say "no".
Jay's larger-than-life personality could light up any room and could make friends anywhere he went. Jay loved to tell stories and always had the best ones from his years of experience. He was an inspiration and he moved many with his wisdom, character and humor. He was one of a kind and is truly unforgettable. Jay was a true patriarch and the most important thing to him was family. His loving wife Natalie of 53 years, children Joshua, Jonathan, Joseph, Tatiana, Justin, his daughter-in-law Wendy, and his grandchildren Harrison, Remy, and Cash.
Jay is survived by his wife, children, brother, grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at Fresno Memorial Gardens June 25, 2021 at 11:00 am
Reception to follow.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Kalpakoff
Rebecca Martinez
June 17, 2025
Hi, this is definitely for Jay
Mr. Kalpoff was very much part of my career and I say that I met him over 15 years ago, I came in as a vendor truly just trying to get to the owner and trying to show my value of what I sold.
There was a gentleman that was sitting in the desk, who I thought was Jay , he was very short, and I had been in time and time again and really truly wouldn´t give me the time of day. On my way out I ran into a man that asked me if I was OK. I guess I have one of those expressional faces. I proceeded to tell him that I have been trying to get in Mid Valley disposal to show the value of who we were and to help save money.
He then asked me to come into an office. I had no idea who he was we chatted about what I was trying to do. He asked me how many times I came in. I said numerous, I told him that what I had to discuss I thought would be beneficial to Mid Valley , he sat there for a moment and asked me if I would I be willing to meet with the Mid Valley team? I was so excited so I said yes and he said can you come in tomorrow and I´ll see if I can get that scheduled for you.
Now mind you, I did not know that he was the owner. He was so kind and caring and took the time to hear my problems. That´s who Mr. kalpoff was he was very kind and gentle and understood what it was like to work from the bottom and work your way up I told him all about my career and he listened, of course.
This man changed my life. He gave me an opportunity to build a relationship with one of the largest Waste companies here in Fresno, California. I will never forget him. He gave me insight and direction and told me that he remember what it was like to start from the bottom
From that day forward, I worked with Mr. kalpoff for over 10 years and Vowed that I would do the right thing for his company. Still till today, I will never forget him. I lost my father the same year two weeks before that.
He was very inspirational and definitely leaves a lasting impression in my heart for being the most selfless person I´ve ever met. My condolences sympathy still go out to the family as I know there´s not a day that goes by that I don´t think about my father, and I wanted you to share my experience about Jay Kalpoff and who he was
Sincerely
Rebecca Martinez
Danny Sethi
January 31, 2022
Jay news was total surprise to me. My heartfelt condolences to Natalie and the family and May his soul Rest In Peace. He was great humble person. Met him few times during my tenure in the Garbage industry and was consulting with Metropolitan disposal, he was very pleasant, friendly and humble person
Danny Sethi
925-518-8949
Mrs Byron Huntington
June 27, 2021
Natalie may all your happy, loving memories with Jay continue to support you through your loss - cut your sorrows in half and double your joyful thoughts with him! My prayers are with you.
Your friend,
Laura Huntington
Edward Maghakian
June 26, 2021
My deepest sympathy to all of you the family. May he rest in peace a very nice and great person.
Jack and Kasey Burton
June 26, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Jay was a great guy.
Gene Sullivan
June 25, 2021
My prayers are with you all. I loved jay very much. He was an amazing man and I loved his stories
Nella Leos
June 25, 2021
We are truly a family at Mid Valley Disposal and that is a testament of Mr. Jay and the entire Kalpakoff family. When I think of Mr. Jay I will always remember his smile, you are one of a kind and will never be forgotten. Ms. Nat, Joseph, Jonathan, Tatiana and the entire Kalpakoff family my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jerry Schuber
June 25, 2021
Jay was truly one of a kind. My family will be praying for all of the Kalpakoff family during their time of loss.
Geno Andrade
June 25, 2021
My prayers are with the Kalpakoff family. Mr. Jay is in good hands with our Lord.
Daniel Boyajian
June 24, 2021
My brother Bobby and I had the pleasure of working at the Kalpakoff residence for many events.Mr Kalpakoff always had a smile on his face and told us how much he loved his family.He was a true gentleman. Sincere condolences to his family.Jay was one of a kind!May he rest in peace,for he will never be forgotten!
Daniel Boyajian
June 24, 2021
My brother Bobby and I had the pleasure of working events at the Kalpakoff residence many times and he always had a smile on his face and was one of the most sincere person to work for.He will never be forgotten. Sincere condolences to his entire family,for that man was one of a kind!
Joseph
June 24, 2021
My Deepest Condolences to the Kalpakoff Family.
Sincerely, Joseph Amador
Rebecca Martinez Select Staffing
June 24, 2021
To The Kalpakoff Family, there are no words to express my gratitude to you and your family for giving me a chance to partner with Mid Valley, May God wrap his arms around you Jay and take your hand to be with the lord. embrace your family doing this difficult time and give them comfort and the strength they will need,
God Bless you all
JIM DOBBS
June 24, 2021
Johnathan and Family
my condolences and prayers go out to you and ALL of the family for the loss of Jay.
Cindy Perry
June 23, 2021
I feel like I have lost a part of me. Jay was my boss, my other half at work. If I had known on Thursday, June 10th would be the last time I would see him or hear his voice I would have given him a hug and kiss. I just want to turn back time and have here with me. (I just want to be selfish) But I know he is in a much better place with his boys. It doesn't stop the pain I feel. My heart goes out to Natalie, Jonathan, Joseph, Wendy, Tatiana, Harrison, Remy & Cash. Also BK & Sandy. I will never forget him, it's hard to forget a man who was not only your boss but a true loving friend. A man who truly care about what was going on in your life. If you needed an ear to bent or a hug he was always there for you.
Here's to the Best Boss & Friend Ever! Fly High With The Angels, because you truly are one!
I love you Jay Kalpakoff
Jimi & Tammy Valov Family
June 22, 2021
To my other family, the Kalpakoff’s. I’ve know Jay and Natalie since they were married in Los Angeles at the Big Church! Over 50 years ago! I have baby sat all of their children when they came to visit there grandma Katie and Deda JV. I have been thrilled to have Jay & Natalie and all their children and grandchildren part of our family! And it will always be that way, forever! Sorry our brother Jay is not with us anymore, but he will absolutely never be forgotten! My heart goes out to Natalie, Jonathan, Joseph and Tatiana & there families!!! Love ❤ Jimi & Tammy Valov family!
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