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BORN
1957
DIED
2021
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Steven Stavrakakis Obituary
September 21, 1957 - September 14, 2021
Modesto , California - Steve was born September 21, 1957 in Modesto California and passed away September 14, 2021, just a week shy of his 64th birthday.
Steve was raised on the family farm near Salida. He attended Salida School, Beyer High School & MJC.
Growing up, Steve could be found on the track racing motocross. As he grew older he switched from dirt bikes to street bikes and then, several years ago, began restoring motorcycles.
Steve was raised with a strong work ethic. After high school he began working for L & M Coors then moved on to the grocery business at Alpha Beta. Always wanting to excel, he studied hard and obtained his insurance license and was an agent for MSI insurance and later, GCH insurance. After selling insurance for many years, his love of airplanes and flying led him down his next career path… Airshow pilot. He flew as the Greek Air Force and Wild Thing Airshows. Steve was an excellent pilot and flew in countless airshows. His presence there opened a new door to announcing. He announced at the Reno Air Races and the Red Bull Air Race championships for Fox Sports, as well as many other Airshows in the western United States.
Steve also had a "real job" with the city of Stockton as a code enforcement officer. Every day on the job was a new adventure. He loved the job and the people he worked with. Definitely his extended family!
Steve was proud of his Greek heritage and was a member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Modesto.
Steve is survived by his parents, John and Pat, his brother, Greg (Michele), his sister, Jana (Gene) and his nieces, Staci, Kelly and Brittany and their families.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, George & Caliopi Stavrakakis and Harley & Lovie Evans.
Graveside services will be held at Lakewood Memorial Park 900 Santa Fe Ave. Hughson, CA on Tuesday September 28,2021 at 12:30pm
Remembrances may be made in his memory to: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
PO Box 578128
Modesto,CA 95357
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Steven Stavrakakis
Tim LoDolce
September 16, 2023
Once again I find myself wishing Steve was still with us. He was such a professional in the airshow biz as both a performer and a announcer. Over those many years Steve flew and announced the Truckee Airshow (now called "Truckee Tahoe Airshow & Family Festival") and did such a great job a replacement for him was never a thought. I knew Steve mostly from the airshow biz but we became good friends so much so we chatted about how Greek's in America lived and played. "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" was a huge hit at the time and he would tell funny stories that would have fit right into that movie production. As fellow long time pilots he would ask questions about this and that that hopefully would help him down the road and in the skies. At ICAS (International Councel of Air Shows) each December he would always be surrounded by his friends and other performers. He was truly loved by all who got to know him. God's Speed Steve and I hope to see you on the other side.
Timothy LoDolce
February 14, 2023
Steve was a good friend and pilot. We met many years ago and I began running the Truckee Tahoe Airshow and Hard Steve in the Greek Air Force to perform and we´ve been good friends ever since is dearly missed by all his friends Godspeed Steve!
Tim LoDolce
October 20, 2021
I first met Steve when he flew our Truckee Airshow back in the early 80's. Over the years I got to know him much better and we got fairly close. I hired Steve to be our Airshow announcer in the late 80's and he has been our announcer ever since. He was a good all around man and always had a smile on his face. We will miss him dearly.
Tammi (Vella) Moniz
September 30, 2021
Please accept our sincere condolences.
Brian Galeazzi
September 29, 2021
Sorry to hear of Steve's passing. I remember his visits growing up...a good guy. RIP and condolences to the family.
Charlie Menghetti
September 28, 2021
Our most sincere condolences to Steve's parents and family.
Katie and Charlie Menghetti
Dave and Julie Taylor
September 27, 2021
We are going to miss Steve. He was not only a great neighbor but a great friend. We will miss stopping by his garage to see what he was restoring or buying /selling. He sure lead a colorful life and had some great stories. Im sure he is tearing up the track in heaven.
John Briggs
September 26, 2021
Sad to hear of Steve's passing. Spent many hours flying with Steve going to air shows in the early 90s. Great guy and friend of aviaton. Will be missed.
Steve Weidler
September 26, 2021
Steve Weidler
September 26, 2021
Steve Weidler
September 26, 2021
Steve, So sad to hear the shocking news of your passing. So glad to share our mutual passions and connecting you with Roger and Marty with your restorations. They both knew you as the real deal and were impressed with your works. I remember we were both like giddy kids when I sent you the photo of Rog signing your number plate. Gonna miss you dearly my friend.
Lorraine Stout, McLaughlin Families
September 24, 2021
It is with heavy hearts we say goodbye Steve. We were so very happy that you were a part of our lives for awhile. Not only did you love our sister Debbie, you genuinely seemed to enjoy our family get togethers. We will miss your wit and humor. Our sincere condolences to your parents.
John Townes
September 24, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. I wondered why his soft voice was not to heard at Stead last week. We always had a chat at the Air Races and he gave my limo company many good plugs at the Truckee Air Show. RIP Steve. A special guy.
Dirk Stewart
September 24, 2021
Steve was a gifted friend of aviation. Earned much respect as an aviator and as a quality person. Gone waaay to soon. Condolences to his family.
Mark & Barbara Santos
September 23, 2021
Jana We are so sorry for the loss of your Brother. We hope all the great memories of him will help you and your Family at this difficult time
Mark Mapes
September 22, 2021
So sorry to read the sad news. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Craig & Mickey Cox
September 22, 2021
Dear John & Pat
Mick and I where devastated upon hearing the News of Steve. Where so sorry, we only met Steve once or twice
some time ago, a nice guy!" (really sorry John !)
To Jana and the rest of the family our deepest
sympathy's and may God be with you!
We are in Oregon and will not be able to attend the services
All the very best, Craig & Mickey Cox
Sandra Street
September 22, 2021
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Much love, many hugs, and prayers to all~
RoseAnna Luna
September 22, 2021
My sincere condolences to the Stavrakakis family. Knowing the family for many years, it hurts me to know one has passed. I know that Steve will be missed by many as it looks like he touched so many lives. My prayers go out to all of you.
Peggie Kaelin
September 22, 2021
Was saddened to hear of Steve's passing. My sincere and heartfelt sympathy to all of the Stavrakakis family.....a life taken way too soon, may the memories last forever.
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