Yonan Haron Purto

Yonan was born in Iraq on May 12, 1938 and passed on to Heaven on December 12, 2020. Yonan came to the United States in 1962 on a visitor’s visa. He immediately found work and was dedicated to making a living. When his visa expired his employer at the time loved him and told him he would sponsor him to stay in America permanently. So Yonan went to Australia for one year until his clearance came to come back into the states. In 1965 after entering the US he began establishing his live. He began working again as steel structural draftsman. Yonan continued learning and eventually received his Ph. D. in Engineering. He worked on some of the largest steel structures that exist today all over the United States such as the original Bay Bridge in San Francisco, and many more.

Yonan helped establish and design the expansion of St. Thomas Assyrian Catholic Church in Turlock along with later adding the church hall and the retirement center that are all in use today.

Briefly Yonan left California to go live with his brother in Denver, Colorado. In February 1970 Yonan married Sera in a double wedding with his brother George and his wife Janet. They were married at the St. Thomas Church in Turlock even though they all were living in Denver Colorado at the time. In 1974 they had enough of the snow and came to establish permanent residency in Modesto California. Yonan and Sera have two children, daughter Nora (Tony) Hana and son David (Amira) Purto. He was also blessed with six grandchildren: Grace Hana, Daniel Hana, Caroline Hana, Michael Hana, Eva Purto and Olivia Purto who adored their grandfather immensely.

Yonan lived in Modesto for over 46 years and became very known within his Assyrian Community as a helper. He was always lending a hand to his family and friends in need. Most weekends were spent with him repairing or installing something for someone who had called to ask for some assistance. He was a quiet, kind, and gentle man. Those that have known him have always admired his faith and how devoted he was to Jesus. He left a lasting impression on many.

Though he contributed to many charities two of the local ones that have been chosen for his remembrance are Catholic Charities Diocese of Stockton and the Assyrian Aid Society of America.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LakewoodHughson.com for the Purto family.