Gus A. Hassapakis

Gus is remembered as a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, coach, and teacher. He passed unexpectedly yet peacefully on Monday, October 28th at the age of 92.

Born in San Francisco on January 19, 1932, he departs his wife Linda, son Dean, daughter Trista Marie, granddaughters Téa Skye and Makena Abigail Rhys, sister Zoy Kyriakis, and son-in-law Jeff Kerley. 

Gus was raised on the playgrounds of Gaileo and Lafayette. Growing up, he attended Washington High School, played basketball and graduated from USF in 1955. He taught and coached at Riordon, Marin Catholic, San Mateo, and Woodside High Schools. Gus coached with legend Bud Presley at Menlo College from 1971 until 1982, winning the State title in 1973. While at San Mateo, he led 4 teams to PAL championships, and retired in 1994. In 2017 he was inducted into the San Mateo High School Hall of Fame. His book ‘The History and Anthology of Basketball Offense’ has recently been accepted to publish; it is currently in production and will be available later this month.

Gus enjoyed cooking, listening to jazz and KCEA 89.1, as well as his stocked record and cassette collection. He followed the 49ers like he was the former offensive coordinator, and dissected the San Francisco Chronicle, which developed into a huge file cabinet of articles meticulously organized. He didn’t miss a Giants game, but became tired of the NBA. Yet- he would still watch and complain about the 1 pass 3 pointers, the lack of defense, and team play. The phone was always ringing with friends and family, he could converse with the best of them no matter who or when the ring came. His many calls will be greatly missed by his friends and family. 

The wake service will take place at Sneider & Sullivan & O’Connells Funeral Home in San Mateo on Thursday November 7th at 6:00pm. The funeral service will be held at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Belmont on Friday, November 8th at 12pm, followed by the procession at the Greek Orthodox Memorial Park in Colma. Guests are invited to the reception following the service at Twin Pines Lodge in Belmont.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations preferred to the Parkinson’s Foundation.