John Gregory Micheletos

John Gregory Micheletos, 89, entered peacefully into rest surrounded by his family on Saturday, March 27, 2021 in Stockton. He was born on April 5, 1931 in French Camp, California to the late Gregory and Mary Micheletos. John is preceded in death by his brothers Elefterios and Bill Micheletos.

John leaves behind his wife of 62 years Bessie Micheletos of Manteca, his children, Maria Barlupo and husband Joe of Stockton, Diane Markoulis and husband Greg of Atherton and John Micheletos and wife Holly of San Francisco. He was blessed with four grandchildren, Joey and Jimmy Barlupo and Nicholas and Anthony Micheletos.  John also leaves behind his sister-in-law Jennie Micheletos, sister Faith Siouris of Cerritos and many nieces and nephews.

John was a lifelong Manteca resident. He attended Summer Home Elementary and graduated from Manteca High School class of 1950.  John proudly served in the National Guard.

  Since a young age, John worked on the family vineyard alongside his brother, Bill.  He was a truck driver at Franzia Winery for 18 years and made countless friends along the way.  Hard work is all he knew.  He dedicated his life to providing for his family while enjoying the simple pleasures in life.   John had a unique passion for raising palm trees and would tend to them with as much care and attention as he would the grapes in the vineyard.

John held his family close to his heart and loved them all unconditionally. He was very proud of his Cretan heritage and would often recite stories of Greeks who came from Crete to America… an oral historian that knew not only of those who were brave enough to come to the U.S. seeking better lives but also of the history of Manteca and the Central Valley.   He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. 

He will be deeply missed by all who had the fortune to meet him.

P.L. Fry and Son is honored to serve the Micheletos family.  A viewing will be held on Thursday, April 8, 2021 from 3:00pm to 5:30pm. At P.L. Fry and Son Funeral Home, 290 North Union Road, Manteca. Unfortunately  due to Covid restrictions the Trisagion will be private as will the Mass the following day at Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation.  The family hopes you understand their desire to keep everyone safe during the ongoing pandemic.

 In John’s, name donations may be made to the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, PO Box 578128, Modesto, CA 95357 ,UCSF (Kidney Project) or Stanford Medicine – Myasthenia Gravis  (memorial.stanford.edu)

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