Mr. Leo Paul Michaelides

He was a lifelong resident of Fresno, and attended Fresno High School and California State University, Fresno.

In 1937, he started work at Baldwin's Jewelers and continued there until his military service began in 1943. His early experiences at Baldwin's, first as a sweeper and ultimately as the manager of the store, positively influenced him throughout his life.

During World War II, he served in the United States Army Air Corps as a pilot and an intelligence officer, attaining the rank of captain. After his discharge from the service in 1946, he and his first cousin and best friend, Arthur Yordon, opened Neely's Jewelry Store on Fulton and Mariposa Street. For the rest of his days, he thought of his time at Neely's as the happiest of his life. He and Arthur sold Neely's in 1958 and Leo began a long career in real estate. He was an astute investor and developer and was involved in many important real estate projects from the early 1960's until the late 1980's. He had success in all of his business activities and was universally considered an exceptionally bright and clever man.

While working downtown in the 1940's, he courted and married the love of his life, Faye Soles. They were a perfect match and were married for 63 wonderful years until her death in 2011. They were a loving, devoted couple and her passing deeply affected him.

Leo was a lifetime member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church and served on their Board of Directors during the early 1950s. He was involved in the development of St. George's lovely church facility in the early 1950s and took great pleasure from his involvement in the church.

Leo was an avid golfer and over the years was a member of Fort Washington, Sunnyside, San Joaquin Country Club, and a charter member of Carmel Valley Ranch. He served on the Board of Directors at San Joaquin in the 1970s. In his later years, he greatly enjoyed his time at San Joaquin and took as many opportunities as he could to be there with friends enjoying life, a refreshing cocktail and the views.

The family wishes to express great appreciation to the nurses and staff of St. Agnes Hospice, Well Being Senior Solutions and to his caregiver and friend, Clementina Herrera. Their efforts made his final months and weeks very comfortable and peaceful for all.

He is survived by his sons, Dr. Paul Michaelides and his wife Barbara, and Phillip Michaelides; and grandsons, Michael and Matthew Michaelides.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Friday, October 3, 2014, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. followed by a Trisagion Service at 5:00 p.m.

A Funeral Service will be held at St. George Greek Orthodox Church on Saturday, October 4, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. Entombment at Belmont Memorial Park.