Gus Peter Plessas

Gus Peter Plessas, (95), of Sacramento, California, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2024.

Gus was born as Constantine to Peter and Toula Plessas on July 30, 1928, in San Francisco, California. He had the typical immigrant upbringing and as a youth worked in his father's restaurant.

He received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Berkeley, a Master’s degree from San Francisco State University, a Doctorate from the University of California at Berkeley, and pursued postdoctoral studies at the University of Chicago.

He attained the rank of Captain in the United States Naval Reserve, initially serving during the Korean conflict aboard the aircraft carrier Valley Forge.

He embarked on his illustrious career in education in 1951, as a public school teacher in Richmond, CA. From 1957 to 1994, he distinguished himself as a professor at California State University, Sacramento. He was a visiting professor and consultant, throughout the United States and in more than 75 countries. As a professor, he conducted more than 250 in-service sessions for teachers in various school districts throughout California and he contributed to numerous educational periodicals and textbooks. 

He provided valuable leadership as a member of the Board of Governors of the California Maritime Academy, a member of the Board of Directors of the Modern Greek Studies Foundation of San Francisco State University, a member of Phi Delta Kappa, a Fellow of the National Conference of Research in English, a Fulbright scholar in Malaysia, and as Chair of the Department of Teacher Education at CSUS.

He was honored for his professional and community service with the Outstanding Education of America Award, and recognized in Who's Who of Greek Origin, Who's Who in Greece, Who's Who in the Far West, and Leaders in Education. The contributions that he made to California’s students and throughout the world were invaluable. He served as a worthy model for all education professionals in the state.

He loved to travel with his wife Betty, and together they visited over 110 countries. His heart was with his Hellenic upbringing and helping people. He lived life to the fullest and always remembered his roots.

Gus Peter Plessas was preceded in death by his mother and father, Peter and Toula Plessas, his older sister, Christina Lamerdin, his older brother John Plessas, and his younger brother Jim Plessas. Gus is survived by Betty, his wife of 70 years, and their 5 children, Christina, Connie, Peter (Genise), Steven (Tracy) and James. He is also survived by his grandchildren Stephanie, Constantine (Jenna), Gina, Elizabeth, Christian James, and Cosette along with his great-grandson Easton Stone Plessas and many nieces and nephews, their children and grandchildren.

Services will be held at St Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Elk Grove on Saturday, Feb. 17^th, at 10 am, followed by a memorial luncheon at the church hall. Interment will follow at East Lawn Cemetery in Sacramento at 1:30pm.   

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to donate to St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Elk Grove, CA."