Stephen Saribalis

Dr Stephen Nicholas Saribalis

April 5, 1914 - December 11, 2014

Stephen (Stavros) Nicholas Saribalis, born April 5, 1914 was laid to rest December 11, 2014 at the age of 100+. Steve was the first born of Greek immigrant parents from Asia Minor, Nicholas Stephen Saribalis and Maria Ladzoglou on April 5, 1914 in San Francisco at Franklin Hospital.

Stephen was raised in the Haight and Divisadero area and attended McKinley grammar school and Polytechnic High School. Steve then attended The University of San Francisco graduating with a BS degree and entered Dental School at The College of Physicians and Surgeons. Upon graduation, Steve opened a dental practice in the Flood Building at 870 Market St in San Francisco.

Upon graduation, Stephen practiced for 3 years when he was ordered into the US Army in October, 1940 with a rank of 1st Lieutenant. Following assignments to several different bases, Steve landed at Harding Army Air Base close to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After one year, in 1942 Steve returned to California on a 5 day leave to marry his fiancé, Joanna Paras and together they returned to Baton Rouge. In May of 1943 Marianne, their first child was born.

During his 2 year assignment at Harding base, Steve met lifelong friends Dr Martin Cutler and Dr Daniel Sherber. Steve was the Dental Surgeon in charge at Harding Base until his reassignment to Columbia, South Carolina and promoted to Major. Through hard work and expertise Steve was soon promoted to Lt. Colonel and continued his active service, completing active service with the rank of Full Colonel.

Steve opted to continue his service in 1947 as a member of the active reserve for another 25 years. He resumed his Dental practice in 1947 and worked until 1981 when at the age of 67 he retired and his nephew John Saribalis took over the practice.

Steve was the cherished husband for 48 years of Joanna Paras Saribalis (deceased), beloved father of Marianne, Nicholas and George; much loved father-in-law of George Doukas (Marianne), Alicia Saribalis (Nicholas) and Jennie Saribalis (George); adored Papou to Gregory and Stacey Doukas (deceased), Joseph, George Jr., Nicholas, Christopher and James Saribalis (George) and Stephen and Joanna Saribalis (Nicholas); very proud "Proto Papou" to baby Kamilla Saribalis (George Jr.); loving brother of Mary Canellos (deceased), Anna Stavros (deceased) and Christopher Saribalis (deceased).

Dear uncle of Joanne and Michael Canellos, Valerie Cole, Pamela Stefan, John Saribalis, Paul Stavros and Deanne Kosturas.

Steve was a Master Mason 32°, 75 year member of American Hellinic Progressive association, past president of Ahepa, member of Yerba Buena Angling Club and member of The American Legion.
Following the death of Steve's wife Joanna in 1990, Steve met Esther Friedman in 1991 and remained loving companion to Esther until his death. Esther's family loved Steve like their own, welcomed him into their family and he became "Papou" to all of the Friedman's young children. The Saribalis family will be forever grateful to Esther and her family for loving Steve and making a place for him in their family.

Steve was laid to rest in a private memorial service with full military honors at the Greek Orthodox Memorial Park on Friday, December 12, 2014. A Celebration of Steve's Life event will be held in his memory at a future date.