Leonidas John Bersentes passed away in Visalia, California on May 17, 2013 at the age of 79. Leo was born on June 27, 1933 in Megalopolous, Greece to Father John and Yiannoula Bersentes. His father was a priest of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Bakersfield, California for 12 years. Leo came to America at the age of 17, and worked as an usher at a movie theater where he learned to speak English. He graduated from Central High School in Pueblo, Colorado in 1953. Following graduation Leo entered the United States Army for four years. Tall, handsome, and always a sharp dresser, Leo worked as a model until 1962. Leo graduated from Bakersfield College in 1959 and from Fresno State in 1962. He married Martha Jean Kelly and moved to Seattle, Washington where he worked as a commercial real estate investor until his retirement in 1983. He later returned to Fresno where he was active with the church and the Greek community he loved so much.
Leo is survived by son, John Bersentes of Seattle, Washington and his daughter, Korina Bersentes and her husband Brian Egaas of Superior, Colorado; four grandchildren, Ryan, Taryn, Eric and Lauren; his brother Harry Bersentes and his wife, Eleni of Pismo Beach, California, sister-in-law, Arlene Bersentes of Visalia, California and several nieces and nephews.
Leo was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings, George, Theodore, Demetri, Nickolas, Nafsika and Angelo.
Visitation will be held at Mish Funeral Home, 120 Miner Ave in Bakersfield, CA (661) 399-9391 on Friday, May 24, 2013 from 4 – 8 p.m. Funeral services will follow at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 401 Truxton Avenue in Bakersfield, California on Saturday, May 25, 2013 at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery, 730 E. Potomac Ave in Bakersfield, CA.
Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Avenue, Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371.
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