JOHN (ZEKE) HASSAPAKIS
Nov. 4, 1941 – Sept. 8, 2023
John was born and raised in Modesto CA, and relocated to Oakdale in the early 1970’s until his passing.
He graduated from Downey High School Class of 1959 and then attended MJC and later moved to Alaska where he attended school to become a gunsmith. He then returned to California.
At that time he then made his career as a machinist working at Riverbank Ammo Plant, Gallo Glass, was a partner in Rainbow Plastics, AD Cowdrey/CVPS in Ceres until he retired.
His hobbies included fishing, gardening, being an avid farmer growing a multitude of fruit and nut trees, and an amazing vegetable garden yearly for which he shared the fruits of his labor with neighbors and family.
Preceded in death by his parents John and Sue Hassapakis, stepfather Garland Williams, brother Tony Hassapakis, nephew Greg Hassapakis and great nephew Scott Steeley.
Survived by his sister Agnes Kalfakis, nephew John Kalfakis (George), niece Michelle Kalfakis Roos (Michael) many great nieces and nephews.
JONELL WEBB HASSAPAKIS
Nov. 2, 1938 – June 27, 2025
Born in Big Spring, Texas, she moved to California at the age of five and lived briefly in Keyes, CA and Riverbank, CA prior to her family relocating to Oakdale approximately 1953.
Graduated from Oakdale High Class of 1957, she was very proud to represent OHS as Oracle Queen her senior year. She graduated from MJC in 1959, she then continued her education and attended Chico State earning an AB degree in elementary education in 1963. Following her graduation, she made her career as an elementary school teacher in Modesto, teaching at Beard Elementary, Wilson Elementary and El Vista Elementary School.
John and Jonell were introduced by John’s cousin George and they married in August of 1967, they shared 55 years of love and happiness until John’s passing Sept. 8, 2023; just 21 months later they have now been reunited.
In 1988-89 she went back to college and attended USC and received her Masters degree in special education for the deaf where she then returned to teaching as an Itinerate teacher for the deaf. A decision she treasured for the remainder of her teaching career.
She loved volunteering at the Stanislaus Wildlife Care Center, SPCA, and Spirit of Oakdale Thanksgiving dinner.
Her hobbies included attending vintage car shows and parades with her 1951 MG TD & 1979 MGB. At 60 years of age she learned to play the bagpipes and was a member of several bagpipe bands over the years and traveled to many events and Highland Games, John in tow setting up and tearing down and just watching her enjoy another item on her bucket list, she was his loving princess.
Together, they enjoyed traveling to Scotland, Ireland, London, Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, numerous states and their favorite the Big Island of Hawaii Kailua-Kona which they shared with friends and family numerous times.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Geneva Webb, brother Ray Webb, infant sister Beverley, great niece Courtney Webb and great nephew Scott Steeley.
She is survived by her sister-in-law Jessie Webb, niece Gaye Steeley (Dave), great niece Katie Steeley, nephew Bruce Webb (Sheila), great niece Cierra Lane (Ethan), great nephew Daniel Webb, Christopher Stephens (Crystal), Alex Stephens, Russell Stephens (Stephanie) and numerous great-great nieces and nephews.
Now they are Resting in Paradise together forever surrounded by all their animals and loved ones who have gone before them.
The family would like to thank Bethel Memory Care facility for the care and comfort during her time as a resident as well as Community Hospice for the care provided to Jonell and our family during her final days.
As per their wishes, there will be no services, however, correspondence may be sent to:
Family of John and Jonell Hassapakis, 11605 Warnerville Road, Oakdale, CA 95361.
Memorial Donations can be made to:
Stanislaus Wildlife Care Center, P.O. Box 298, Hughson, CA 95326
Credit Card & PayPal (via website) https://stanislauswildlife.org/
Or
Society for disABILITIES, (Winter Skiing unlimited program), 1129 8th St., Suite 101, Modesto, CA 95354
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
The Riverbank (Calif.) News
July 16, 2025
