Chris Pakas

1930 - 2022

Chris Pakas
September 18, 1930 - September 5, 2022
Ceres, California - Chris Pakas went to be with the Lord on September 5, 2022 in Modesto at the age of 91. He was born in L.A. and then moved to Ceres. His parents wanted a quiet life so they bought a ranch, and then Chris worked with his dad on the ranch for a few years. He enlisted in the army where he went for two years and was stationed in Japan for the Korean War. In 1953, Chris married his lovely wife, Kalliope. They were married for 61 years and worked hard together on the farm. He needed a steady job, so his wife helped him get a job at Stanislaus Food Products. Chris worked there for 37 years as a forklift driver. The company named his forklift "THE GREEK" after him. He was so proud to be working for a great company like Stanislaus Foods.
He and his wife Kalliope had many good and sad times, but the love and commitment to each other kept them together. In 1956, they had their first daughter, Maria, but in 1975, they lost her to cancer. Words can't express the pain of losing a child. In 1958, they had their second daughter, Dimitra, and she married John Kordazakis. They gave Chris his biggest joy, his three grandchildren, Mike (Eleni), Chris (Sandra), and Stephen (Krystal). They would always come over to the farm and watch the 49er games together. Chris also loved to watch his grandsons Greek dance, and he would always say "I'm so proud of my grandsons". Chris also was blessed with 8 beautiful great-grandchildren. Later in life, Chris and Kalliope suffered health problems, and Dimitra and John took care of them for the last 12 years. Chris loved his job, his country, and his faith in God. He also was known for his love of going to the casinos and taking rides around town to visit old friends in his truck.
He was a member of the Greek Orthodox Church for over 70 years, as well as a member of the Lefka Oree Cretan Chapter. Chris is survived by his daughter Dimitra and son-in-law John, as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Kalliope and daughter Maria, as well as his parents Jim and Constatina Pakas, 3 brothers, and 2 sisters. We want to thank his caregivers for all of their love and support: Kathy Zimmerman for 12 years and Jamie Dunn for 2 years.
Trisagion Service is at Salas Brothers on Monday September 19, 2022 at 6 pm, and Funeral Service is at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Modesto on Tuesday September 20, 2022 at 10:30 am at 313 Tokay Ave. Internment to follow at Lakewood Cemetery in Hughson, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Modesto Sunday School Program.