Obituaries

Owner of Papa Murphy's Pizza and Community Leader Passes: Stephen Lloyd Frazier 76

Stephen Lloyd Frazier (76) was born in Turlock Ca on March 13, 1947, to Lloyd and Grace Frazier. He grew up in a typical post-WWII 1950s family playing baseball, joining Boy Scouts, church youth group, and mowing lawns, sometimes for fifty cents and sometimes because his dad told him to. There were many backyard barbeques with family, neighbors, and friends, and rustic old cabins to restore in Ben Lomond, where work and play became one.

Stephen was a high school football standout and played at Modesto Junior College and San Francisco State. His contagious smile earned him the title in his senior yearbook of “Cutest Smile.” He enjoyed being in the “Ports” car club too. His time at San Francisco State was in the days of S I Hayakawa, student protests, and the flower children…so when he graduated, he left the city life and moved to June Lake, where he was a ski instructor by day and managed a bar and restaurant business at night…the perfect life for a single guy with gusto for living!

Former Owner of A&M Pizza Passes: Georgios Fotopoulos (82)

Georgios “George” Fotopoulos (82) was born on December 9, 1940, in Paniperi, Messinia-Greece, owned and operated A&M Pizza in the Madera Ranchos for 23 years, and was called home by God on Wednesday, October 18, 2023.

George accomplished many things in his 82 years on Earth. He served in the Greek Armed Forces before moving to Germany at the age of 23 to work as a welder. He then moved to Montreal, Canada, at the age of 25, where he started a welding business. He returned to Greece and met his lovely bride, Constantina “Dina” Pavlakos. Dina followed him to Montreal, and they wed shortly after. While in Montreal, they welcomed three children: Aris, Maria, and Yiota.

Douglas "Coach" Adams (68)

Douglas "Coach" Adams (68), a beloved husband, father, and grandpa, passed away on October 12, 2023, at the age of 68 in Madera, California. He was the oldest of two children born to John and Wanda (Cooper) Adams on January 6, 1955. He leaves behind a legacy of inspiration, dedication, and an enduring love for his family and the great outdoors.

Doug's journey began on oil rigs in Kern County, where he grew up, learning the value of hard work and determination from an early age. He later pursued higher education at Taft College, graduating as part of the class of '75. He initially went there with a passion for baseball, and remarkably, he fulfilled that passion and earned an AA degree. His thirst for knowledge led him to Fresno State, where he earned a bachelor’s degree and a Teaching Credential.

Janet Petrucci (86)

Janet Petrucci (86), a native Californian and resident of Madera for the past 48 years, entered eternal rest on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at St. Agnes Medical Center. Jan was born to Robert and Nell Biggs in Lodi, California, on May 4, 1937. During high school, Jan was active in 4-H, winning numerous awards at the state fair for her showmanship with sheep and pigs.

In adulthood, Jan went to work for the State of California with various state agencies, ultimately choosing to stay with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Jan worked in Madera, Fresno, Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe. Always looking for opportunity, Jan was promoted through the years to Manager 5 over the Program Policy Division in Sacramento. She retired from state service in 1993.

Richard Sambueso Sr.(91)

Richard Sambueso Sr.(91) - In loving memory of Richard Sambueso Sr., age 91, a native and resident of Madera, California, who passed away on August 25, 2023. He was a Sergeant in the Air Force during the Korean War, a partner in the former Hal’s Market in Madera, and a member of St. Joachim Catholic Church.

Richard was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed spending quality time with family and friends, watching college football, and spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, and gardening.