George Blanas

Devoted husband, father and grandfather. George Blanas passed away peacefully at Doctors Medical Center in the presence of his family.

Born in San Francisco on March 7, 1939, George was one of three children of Frank and Viola Blanas. George is survived by his wife Donna of 57 years, son Frank, daughter-in-law Lisa, granddaughter Sophia and sisters Maria and Helen. 

George’s father owned and operated the Auditorium Sweet Shop in San Francisco. In his childhood years, George grew up on 9th Avenue often playing in Golden Gate Park and making candy at his father’s business. Moving to Modesto in 1952, George attended Mark Twain Junior High, spent one year at Modesto High before moving on to Downey High where he graduated in 1957.

After high school, George was a self-employed fence builder, then worked at Gallo Glass before spending the next thirty-eight years in Riverbank working for Contadina, Carnation Can and Silgan Container Corp. as an inspector, press operator and longtime machinist. George was a proud member of the Teamsters Union and Machinists Union.

In 1965, he married the love of his life Donna. The two spent 57 wonderful years full of joy, respectful disagreements and constant humor. George had a unique combination of common sense, a quick wit and could poke fun at himself. In 1970, his son Frank was born. Over the next fifty-two years, George and Donna were selfless giving their son every opportunity to succeed in life.

An experienced fisherman, George loved the Sierra Nevada Mountains, especially his trips to Blue Lakes. As his son grew up, many knew George as a local hockey, Little League and Babe Ruth baseball coach and a devoted Modesto A’s, SF 49ers and LA Dodgers fan. Having a love for cars, beginning with cruising 10th and 11th streets in the 1950s, George was the first president of the Vintage Chevrolet Club, later restoring a 1929 Chevrolet, a 1931 Chevy Woody Wagon, two ’41 Chevys and a 1991 Camaro. A fan of cruising and early rock’n’roll, George was overjoyed when he had a beer with Buddy Holly’s Crickets who the next night dedicated “Rave On” to him in concert.

In 2010, with the birth of his granddaughter Sophia, George became forever known as “Papa”.  There was nothing he enjoyed more in this world than being her grandfather. In addition to the good times with his family and friends, George always appreciated the efforts of his doctors, nurses and therapists.

The public is invited to attend George’s funeral at 10:00 am on Tuesday December 20th at the Greek Orthodox Church 313 Tokay Avenue. Interment will follow at Acacia Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, George asked that donations be made to the Grace Davis High School Public Safety Academy – 1200 W. Rumble Road or to saving elephants www.ifaw.org

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.