Stanley Joseph Filgas “Stan” passed away at the age of 95, on Saturday, July 10, 2021. He was born in Fresno, California on December 7, 1925 to Czechoslovakian parents, Theresa Polach Filgas and Cyril Filgas. Stan was the fourth of five children. He grew up with siblings Mildred, Mary, Albert, and Patricia Filgas on the family farm on Tulare Street in Fresno.
Stan attended Easterby Elementary and Roosevelt High School where he excelled in academics and athletics. He was a member of Witenagemote Club and lettered on the Roosevelt Roughrider’s Football and Track teams.
Stan’s high school experience was cut short when he enlisted in the US Navy at the age of 16 years in order to support the WWII effort in response to the attack on Pearl Harbor. He served on various US Destroyers but was a Plank Owner of the USS Wedderburn (DD-684) and declared this ship as his own, serving in the Pacific Theatre from January 8, 1943 to February 11, 1947 as a Gunner’s Mate Petty Officer 1st Class.
Upon returning to Fresno, Stan went into the family business, Filgas Floor Service with his father, Cyril, and brother, Albert. Filgas Floor Service evolved over 60 years and later became Filgas Carpet and Floor Company in Clovis. Stan took great pride in the quality and perfection of his craft and his word and handshake were as good as a contract.
Stan and his wife, Jean, lived in the Fresno/Clovis area where they raised their family of eight children-Cheryl, Dale, Janell, Alan, Joan, Nancy, Ronald, and Annette. They shared a deep Catholic faith which was instrumental in carrying them through their life journey.
Stan was very outgoing and involved himself and family in the Sokol organization, a Czech social and gymnastics group that stressed the idea, “A strong mind in a strong body.” He formed life-long bonds with the local members remaining active well into his nineties. He participated in raising funds for the organization through corn dog sales at the Clovis Rodeo Days and later church carnivals. He was truly the “Corn Dog King of the San Joaquin!”
Stan was an outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing and hunting in the surrounding mountains, especially Courtright Reservoir, Bass and Huntington Lakes. Many Fourth of July holidays were spent camping with his extended family and friends at Huntington Lake. In his later years, he enjoyed spending time relaxing with his family at his cabin in Bass Lake and traveling to the Pacific Coast where he indulged in the clam chowder and his favorite calamari strips and chips.
When Stan was at home he could be found outdoors in his grapefruit, orange, walnut and avocado trees. His gardening skills were second to none and the fruits of his labor were abundant and shared with all!
Stan was patriotic and proud of his military service. He was fortunate to attend the 2014 Central Valley Honor Flight to the WWII Memorial in Washington DC calling this trip a “defining moment in his life.”
The love of his family was the driving force in Stan’s life. He was happiest spending time with his loved ones at the many family gatherings at home, the cabin and coast. Stan will be greatly missed but will remain very fondly loved and remembered by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family and friends.
He is survived by his brother Albert Filgas of Fresno, California. He leaves behind six children; Cheryl Glenn (Mark), Janell Mendoza, Alan Filgas (Rosemary), Joan Filgas, Nancy Roberts (Ron), and Annette Simmons (Greg), many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family members.
Stan was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Jean Filgas, his two-sons, Dale and Ronald Filgas, his siblings, Mildred Raiskup, Mary Pistacchio and Patricia Montevecchi.
Graveside services with Military Honors will be 9:00 am on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Clovis Cemetery, immediately followed by a Memorial Mass for Stan and Jean at St. Paul Catholic Newman Center.
Contributions in Stanley's memory may be made to a charity of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.boicefuneralhome.com for the Filgas family.
