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Manuel Patterakis Obituary
AUGUST 19, 1933 - APRIL 8, 2012
Manuel (Mike) Patterakis passed away on April 8, 2012 at the Garden City convalescent facility after a lengthy illness. He will be missed by loved ones and friends and is fondly remembered as a talented, thoughtful and caring man. Born in Van Houten, New Mexico on August 19, 1933, he moved with his family from Hiawatha, Utah to Modesto in his youth and graduated from Modesto High School before going on to obtain a degree in music from San Jose State University. After two years of army service in Germany, he returned to become a music teacher in the San Jose area. His life was marked by an abiding love and devotion to music beginning with participation in his church choir and local high school musical productions, followed by a career as a high school music teacher, and in retirement as a choral director of the Greek Orthodox Church in Stockton. He will be remembered by many in Modesto for his frequent appearances as emcee and singer at the annual food festival of the local Greek Orthodox Church. As a teacher he made a real difference in many young lives, and a large number of his former students and faculty from Peterson High School in Sunnyvale, came to Modesto recently to honor him at a joyful and emotional reunion luncheon. He is predeceased by father and mother, Gregory and Helen Patterakis, and sister and brother, Grace Capobianco and Col. Chris Patterakis. He is survived by sister-in-law and care-giver, Vicki Patterakis; nieces and nephew, Alicia Rodahaffer, Donna Martin, Patti Perea, Mark Patterakis and their children, godson, George Katsufrakis, and numerous cousins and aunts. Funeral services will be held at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation at 10 AM on April 18th, with Trisagion services at 7 PM on April 17th at the church. Donations may be made to the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation in Modesto.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Salas Brothers Funeral Home.
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Memories and Condolences
for Manuel Patterakis
Sponsored by BEN ZAKARIAN & FAMILY.
Orley Lilly
April 27, 2012
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
April 24, 2012
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)
BEN ZAKARIAN
April 24, 2012
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 TOLD ME YEARS LATER HE WAS PROUD OF US BOTH SAID HE SEE IF I COULD BE A HONORARY GREEK I MISS THEM BOTH MANUAL TRIED TO BE A COMEDIAN
Anna Mooy
April 19, 2012
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 can now sing their beautiful duets again!
My heartfelt sympathies and condolences.
Anna Mooy
Class of 1976
April 18, 2012
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 "musical teams" -- all so eloquently led by Mr. P. At Peterson, everyone wanted to be involved because of the tremendous experience to be gained and the wonderful camaraderie. May he rest in peace and may we all sing Hallelujah in Mike's memory.
Warmest Regards,
The Novaks (Joe '73, Theresa '75,
Mary '76, Mark '78, Cathy '79)
Sue Suddick
April 17, 2012
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
Cindy Gill Cummings
April 16, 2012
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 Chorus!
Bill and Trish Forbes
April 16, 2012
We're sad to hear...he was a good person. :(
He will be missed
Nina Herrera-Skaggs
April 16, 2012
He was more then a high school music teacher, he was a mentor and friend to us all. I am truly blessed to have known him. My heart goes out to his family and those that loved him. I shall meet him in heaven and sing in his choir.
Lynnae Badal
April 15, 2012
We are so sorry for the loss of such a remarkable person. We will always remember the beautiful vocals and wonderful songs mike sang at the Greek food festival. His music and presence made filled the room with hope and happiness.
Our deepest sympathies, Bob and lynnae Badal
Maureen Garry Combes
April 15, 2012
Perhaps the movie should have been named "Mr. P's Opus". He was that inspirational - creating a love of music and golden memories in all those lives he touched. I will always remember the Peterson High music department with a smile in my heart. God bless you, Mr. P.
Ina Sheffer-Wiser
April 15, 2012
While we are mourning the loss of Mike, our friend & teacher, others are rejoicing to have met him on the other side.
We will miss him so much! From my family to yours, our deepest condolences.
Tom Anello
April 15, 2012
May the knowing that Mike was loved by so many people and positively touched so many lives bring you comfort. Also know that Mike is now in God's house and will be your guardian angel. Listen for his music and your heart will be comforted. Tom - Peterson Class of 1970
Roland Wolf
April 15, 2012
My prayers go out to his family and friends. He helped me to find my musical path when I was just a teen, and his teachings and encouragement for me still ring loud in the music I create and play today, 43 years later. I will miss him.
LuAnne Romero
April 14, 2012
Dear family of Mike Patterakis,
Of all my memories of high school, the ones from Choir strike a chord the most in my life. The feeling of being special and the way he was so adament about his music. I really admired him. The man had "Joie de Vive" I don't think you get to many educators like him we were truly lucky. He will be thought of with love and respect. It was a gift to get to see him one last time.
God Bless
With regards and love
LuAnne Mulcahy-Romero
Judy Tolson-Morlan
April 14, 2012
Til we meet again, my friend.
Cathy Rosamond-Payne
April 14, 2012
To Mr. P's family and friends,
My heartfelt condolences are with you now. Mr.P truly left his mark in so many lives, and with all of us who were a part of the Peterson High School music program.
God bless you all.
Cathy Rosamond-Payne
Susan Wallsch
April 14, 2012
Mike,will be surely missed and always beloved to so many of us (his students from Petersen High)..for how he taught,lead by example as well his love of music. I always looked forward to girls glee & Choir & Christmas Contadas, musicals - "Oklahoma" and "Guys & Dolls".My brother Guy & I both looked forward to class with Mike. Everyday each of us had moment to breath fresh air, relax from our other studies and to dream big! As well learn something new in music & life.Mike thank you for your great encouragement,laughter and for giving us your best.Encouraging us to do the same in music class and as individuals.We are truly blessed for all you given us.
Susan Wallsch (Brumfield)-class of 1973
Tom Anello
April 14, 2012
May the knowing that Mike was loved by so many people and positively touched so many lives bring you comfort. Also know that Mike is now in God's house and will be your guardian angel
Bill Russell
April 14, 2012
Mr. P, you made such a difference in the lives of the hundreds of students you taught. Thank you.
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