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BORN
1948
DIED
2025
Steven Sperry Obituary
August 29, 1948 - March 4, 2025
Modesto, California - Steven Fred Sperry was born in Ceres, California, on August 29, 1948, to John Service Sperry and Verna Elizabeth Petersen. He was the second of three brothers and spent his youth on the farm surrounded by family. Steve graduated from Ceres High School in 1966 and continued his studies at Fresno State in engineering.
Steve's father, Jack Sperry, served as a pilot during WW2 flying C-47s in Europe. After the war, Jack began crop dusting and this is where Steve's love of flying began and lasted until his passing. Farming and flying were his passions. Upon settling down in Ceres, Steve began his flying career for the Merced County Mosquito Abatement District. Next he flew for Hawke Dusters in Merced Co. followed by night flying in Los Banos for Milt Taylor. In 1989 he had the opportunity to start his own operation in Riverbank, CA and later relocated to Oakdale, CA.
As a second generation crop duster and a fourth generation farmer, he built two successful enterprises, Cashman Creek Farms and Hawke Ag Aviation.
Steve was an outgoing man and made friends in every circle he traveled. He was a member of many organizations such as MAPA, CAF Central Valley Squadron, CAAA, Ceres Lions Club, Half a Hundred Club, RARA, NAAA, ECV Chapter 58, EAA, and AOPA. One of the highlights of Steve's flying career was receiving the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award in 2021 by the Federal Aviation Administration for 50 years of exemplary aviation flight experience, distinguished professionalism,and steadfast commitment to aviation safety.
Steve is survived by his wife of 55 years and business and life partner, Gari Leah Sperry. He also leaves a son, Shane Sperry and daughter in law, Rosalyn; his daughter, Britt Sperry; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life for Steve will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Commemorative Air Force hangar at the Modesto Airport, 700 Tioga Drive, Modesto, CA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Steven Sperry
Sponsored by ModestoBee.com.
Ron Barbour
April 20, 2025
To illustrate how great a man Steve was. In 1994. He took time out of his busy schedule to fly to San Luis Obispo and fly me back to Ceres. so I could take care of the funeral arrangements for my father Leroy Barbour. Steve would not take any remuneration for the cost of his fuel or his time.
Gari and family, please consider contacting me so we may do something special for you. Steve had my contact information on his phone.
Ron Barbour
April 19, 2025
I was hoping to attend the memorial today, however, due to health issues, I will be unable to do so. My heart goes out to the family. It is not easy to deal with loss of such a great man and true friend. Should there be anything I can do for you? Do not hesitate to contact me.
Art McRae
April 18, 2025
It with a saddened and heavy heart, but also with pride, that I will be attending the Memorial Service for Steve at the Modesto Commemorative Airport hangar...a very appropriate venue. As a longtime friend of the Sperry/Dudley families I send my most sincere condolences to all. Steve was a longtime good friend and fellow hard working member of our Ceres Lions Club. Honored to have had the privilege to serve as a high school instructor for two family generations...Steve, wife Gari, son Shane and daughter, Britt. Blessings to all...exemplary members of our community!!! RIP Steve!
Robert and Patty Margarite
April 15, 2025
Robert and I are deeply saddened by Steve´s passing. Steve always seemed happy or sharing a wave as he drive by. He will be greatly missed.
Robert and Patty Margarite
Jess and Brenda Naranjo
April 13, 2025
Dear Gari,
Jess and I are sooo saddened to learn of Steve´s passing. We are reminded of our high school friends and realize those were great times and memories that have shaped our adult lives and families . Love and prayers to you and your beautiful family
Jess and Brenda
Tonya Steely
April 10, 2025
My Dad,Gary Steely, worked with Steve and Ron Coker at Hawke Ag Aviation. I spent nearly every summer of my youth growing up at that place,on that landing strip. I have so many fond memories. Some of my favorite times spent with My Dad,were out flagging the fields for Steve's passes over head. He was the best pilot I've ever seen, a master at his skill,the way he had to maneuver that Ag Cat,in between tress, and under powerlines. He made me hit the dirt more than once, then I'd hear his laughter bellowing thru the hand held radio. He flew directly over and buzzed our home in Hickman at the break of dawn every day..And nearly gave me a heart attack when he buzzed me from behind in my little pickup on rice road.
He's also the only pilot I trusted enough to take me up in his small passenger plane with my Dad and my then husband,for his birthday. I will always have fond memories Blessings to All of his surviving family.
Phil Grauf
March 28, 2025
Hearing of Steve's passing, my sympathy goes out to his family. Steve and I were unique in that both of our fathers were military pilots, then crop-dusters, and then we followed them. The other day I was watching an Ag plane work, I thought of Steve and wondered if he was still at it. Very nice Man
Rebecca Goodrich
March 28, 2025
Condolences to all who knew this fine, accomplished man.
Robin McDaniel
March 28, 2025
Dear Gari and family,
I'm so sorry for what you are having to endure with the loss of Steve. When I would occasionally see him throughout the years, he always had a smile on his face and was so encouraging and uplifting! I hope you find the peace of God and closeness to Jesus in this time of loss. Prayers and love are with you all...
Ron Barbour
March 27, 2025
One of my fondest memories of Steve was in January 1962 my brother Dennis and I spent the weekend with the Sperry boys Jack, Steve and Jeff. One morning we woke up to find that it had snowed in Ceres. Gari and family you have my condolences. Please feel free to contact me if there is something I can do for you to help. I have a profound sense of loss for Steve was a friend for close to seven decades.
Ron Barbour
March 27, 2025
One of my fondest memories of Steve was in January 1962 my brother Dennis and I spent the weekend with the Sperry boys Jack, Steve and Jeff. One morning we woke up to find that it had snowed in Ceres.
Gari and family you have my condolences. Please feel free to contact me if there is something I can do for you to help. I have a profound sense of loss for Steve was a friend for close to seven decades.
Fred Robinson
March 27, 2025
Gari and family. I'm sorry for your loss. We had a lot of good times when we were young. RIP STEVE.
Wanda Birdsong
March 27, 2025
Steve & Gari were both school friends. Loved watching the yellow plane, knew it was Steve or his son. Love & Prayers to Steves´ family. Wanda Birdsong & Ken
Jan Fisher
March 26, 2025
Blue Skys Steve you are missed now and will be forever.
My sincere condolences to Gari and the family.
James Campidonica
March 26, 2025
Very saddened to hear of Steve's passing. It seems like yesterday that we lost his brother Jeff. The Sperry brothers were like brothers to me from around jr. high on. Many memories (most of which that can be shared in public) of adventures growing up such as, driving to a rock concert in SF ('67or'68) in an old Chevy that leaked oil so bad we had to stop when it would start knocking and add oil. Another would be putting our cars on the abandoned R.R. tracks on the East side of the county. The car would track on the rails and we would climb out on the hood and drink beer. A great way to spend an afternoon! The brothers are/were a great notch in my memories. As they say 'my brothers from another mother'......
The Gutierrez Family
March 25, 2025
We only knew Steve briefly, yet felt the pride he had for his family. Reading about his life was inspiring. Sending our love to the whole family. Mike & Carol Gutierrez
Tim McElrath
March 25, 2025
Oh my goodness how sad that I have lost another classmate. I have known Steve since 4 grade and one of my best memories is when he brought his pet monkey to school. Did not go over very well with the teacher but us kids loved it. He was a very good friend for a lot of years to a lot of people. Sleep well my friend and thank you for the memories. Tim and Joyce McElrath
Stan and Joyce goblirsch
March 25, 2025
RIP dear friend and neighbor. You will be missed. Sincere condolences to your wife and family.
Bill Lavender
March 25, 2025
My you rest in peace, my friend.
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