Antioch High Class of 1966 graduate and Senior Class President
Don Menasco passed away peacefully in March 2026, having spent his final year at the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home near his family in Truckee, CA. He leaves behind a legacy of service and family.
Born in 1948 and raised in Antioch, CA, Don built lifelong friendships and values that guided him throughout his life. He was a 1966 graduate of Antioch High School and served as Senior Class President. He married his high school sweetheart, Shirley, and together they shared 48 years of marriage rooted in love and partnership.
Don proudly served in the United States Air Force, including a year in Vietnam. After his service, he graduated from CSU Sacramento and built his life in Sacramento and Elk Grove. He became a successful businessman in the mortgage industry, known for his integrity and work ethic.
Above all, Don was devoted to his family. He is survived by his son Jeff; daughter-in-law Jessica; grandchildren Jack, Siena and Julia; and his brothers Tom and Ron Menasco and their families.
A Celebration of Life for Don Menasco will be held May 30, 2026, 11:30 a.m., Lone Tree Golf & Event Center in Antioch. Guests are kindly asked to RSVP at DonCOL5.30.26@gmail.com
Joseph Michael Ballestero passed away suddenly on Easter Sunday.
A lifetime, while too short, that was spent in dedication to Theatre, and to his family and friends.
Joe grew up in Antioch, fishing, playing sports, rooting for the 49ers and the Yankees and participating in his family’s theatre companies. He was a fine actor, sound or lighting technician and so could fulfill any role needed at the theatre.
At an early age he became fascinated with Great White sharks, a passion which followed him through his life. Joe knew line for line, all the dialog in the movie Jaws (and many other films). His love for The Beatles is also well known, and he knew every word of every Beatles song and movie and was a wealth of trivia knowledge.
Joe loved to create. Whether it was sculpting, creating videos, telling stories or acting any of the hundreds of characters he portrayed over the years – his sense of humor and ability to make you smile was forever his forté. He was kind, funny and loving.
He is survived by his mother, Patsy (St. Germain); father, Frank (Ballesteros); brother, John; sister-in-law, Lee; nephew, Max; niece, Cristina and great niece, Amália. He was Uncle Joe to many.
He will be missed by all, he was well loved.
“Life is very short and there’s no time for fussing and fighting…”
A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 4th from 4-8 pm at the Woman’s Club of Antioch at 509 G Street. All who wish to, are welcome to attend.
Paul Joseph DelChiaro, age 83, of Antioch, CA passed away on March 29, 2026.
Born on February 21, 1943, in Oakland, CA, Paul was the beloved son of Peter Joseph and Maude Marie DelChiaro. He graduated from Oakland High School in 1961 and went on to serve his country with honor in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.
Paul began Basic Combat Training in January 1965. He then went on to serve as an infantry soldier and wheel vehicle mechanic until he was discharged in January 1967. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge and Vietnam Campaign Medal. Paul carried a deep sense of pride in his service throughout his life.
After returning home, Paul built a life centered on family. He married the love of his life, Bonnie Jean (Worrell) DelChiaro, on March 8, 1975, in Reno, NV. Paul and Bonnie moved to Antioch, CA in 1985 and enjoyed a full life together. They were married for 41 years until Bonnie passed on October 3, 2016.
Paul worked for the United States Postal Service in Walnut Creek, CA for 34 years, first as a mail carrier, then a vehicle operations trainer and an accident investigator and was known for his strong work ethic, kindness and sense of humor. He enjoyed creative writing, gardening, landscaping and projects at his home. He loved fast cars, going to car shows, and driving his 2007 Chevrolet Corvette. He cherished time spent with family and friends.
He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and many other extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Bonnie Jean DelChiaro, his twin brother Peter Joseph DelChiaro and his three sisters, June Stables, Barbara Bas and Gloria Watson.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Antioch Covenant Church, 1919 Buchanan Road, Antioch, CA. A burial with military honors will take place at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Veterans of Foreign War or the Alzheimer’s Association.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home for their compassion and support.
Paul will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
George Nikolas Carasis, lovingly known to both family and friends as “Pappou” (Greek for Grandpa), passed away on March 16th, 2026, at the age of 96, after a long and full life defined by resilience, humor, and deep love for his family.
George was a man who loved the simple joys in life – tending to his garden, fishing and hunting, caring for animals, and walking his loyal German Shepherd, Bobo, well into his nineties. His pastimes truly reflected his steady grounded spirit, which carried him from a small village in Greece to a full life in America.
Born in 1929 in the village of Pasa, Greece, George was raised in a one-room home by his parents, Nikolas and Efrosini, alongside his six siblings: Sotiria, Panayiota, Eleni, Dimitri, Tasos, and Alexandra. His childhood was shaped by rural village life, and he lived through extraordinary historical events, including the Italian and German fascist occupations of Greece and the Greek Civil War. Yet even in hardship, his early years were filled with stories that he enjoyed telling for decades – from being given a flock of sheep as punishment for skipping school, to the long and mountainous trek by horseback with his father to see a medicine man when he mysteriously lost all of his hair (a remedy that seemed to work, as he managed to keep a full head of hair for the rest of his life). As a teenager in Greece, George apprenticed as a barber and even opened his own shop in his village, before serving as a military barber in the Greek Army.
In 1955, however, with only a few dollars in his pocket and no knowledge of English, he boarded an airplane for the first time and immigrated to the United States. California became his new home, joining his uncle Alex in the Bay Area. He began working in a canning factory in San Leandro, before eventually making his way into the restaurant industry, where he began his successful career as a restaurateur.
He began his first establishment inside of the Pittsburg Clover Club, opening the night club each morning for a daily breakfast that he barely broke a profit on. Determined to stick to it, he later founded the first restaurant of his own in Pittsburg, which he aptly named George’s, and building on that success, went on to open the Matchmaker in Antioch, and, finally, a new George’s Restaurant in Antioch. He became known community-wide for his hospitality and exceptional food and was frequently stopped in public well into his retirement years when people recognized him as the owner of the restaurants that held so many classic memories for them.
Together with his first wife, Claudette, he raised three children: Arthur, Alexandria, and Nick, who were the pride of his life. George was also blessed to have gotten many years with his grandchildren- Nikki, Christina, Alexandria, Katrina, Randy, George, and Cecilia, as well as his great-grandchildren- Basil, Liberty, Calliope, Indigo, and Elizabeth.
He treasured going on outings for milkshakes and fries with his great-granddaughters and proudly led Greek dances at his granddaughter’s wedding. He even got to attend his eldest great-grandchild’s high school graduation.
Though he endured the unimaginable loss of all three of his children before his own passing, as well as the loss of his wife Patricia, he had a love for his family that was unparalleled. After the death of his daughter, he stepped into the role of caregiver to raise his granddaughter, Christina, during his retirement years. In doing so, he was able to pass on the connection to his Greek heritage and language to her, and to her children, which is something she will cherish forever.
Deeply proud of this heritage, George found great joy in seeing his family reconnect with their ancestral homeland. After a 28-year absence since his previous visit, he chose to spend his final weeks in his family’s village, reconnecting with loved ones there one last time. He was buried on March 17th, 2026 in the Pasa village cemetery, alongside his sister Eleni, his brother Taso, their parents, and grandparents.
In the Greek tradition, we memorialize those who have passed by saying, “αιώνια η μνήμη του”, or “may his memory be eternal.”
In the life he built, the stories he told, the family he nurtured, and the legacy he leaves behind, George’s memory will indeed be eternal.
Although his funeral was held in his home village in Greece, a memorial service with 40th day prayers will be observed at 3:30pm on April 19th at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 1955 Kirker Pass Rd., Concord, CA.
All are welcome to attend, and a memorial gathering with light refreshments will be offered in the hall following the prayers, for all those who loved him here in California.
Pancho “John” Salvador, 94, passed away peacefully March 16, 2026, in Bakersfield, CA. Born September 30, 1931, in Sherman Island, CA, he spent most of his life in the East Bay and graduated from Pittsburg High School.
John served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged. He married Ada Tanzo on July 22, 1956, and together they raised three children: Jay, Wendy, and Tod.
A mechanic by trade, John later worked for the Antioch Unified School District until retirement. He was known for his ability to fix almost anything and was a trusted mechanic to many.
He enjoyed boating, gardening, photography, motorcycles, and time with family. He and Ada moved to Bakersfield in 2005.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ada; his son, Jay; his parents; and several siblings. He is survived by his daughter, Wendy (Paul); his son, Tod; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren.
Mass will be held on March 26, 2026, at 11:00 AM, Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 1313 A Street, Antioch. Interment to follow at Oak View Memorial Park, Antioch. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a local hospice organization.
Stephen Belleci was born in Oakley, California on February 22, 1943, and passed away on February 1, 2026, at the age of 82 from congestive heart failure. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Virginia Belleci of Antioch; his daughter and son-in-law, Vicki and Brian Pancino of Huntington Beach; his son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Tiffany Belleci of Elk Grove; and his four grandchildren—Kiana and Mikaila Pancino, Emmalee Belleci, and Ethan Belleci. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Francine and Mike Sturm of Penn Valley.
A graduate of Liberty High School and Diablo Valley College, Stephen began his career working at the fiberboard and the local nursery before joining the Antioch School District. In 1970 he transitioned to the City of Antioch Parks Department, where he served for 26 years and retired in 1996 as the Parks Department Supervisor. His dedication to his work and his pride in serving the community were evident throughout his career.
In retirement, Stephen enjoyed pheasant hunting, fishing, spending time with friends, and cheering on his grandchildren in dance, soccer and softball. Known for his big personality, he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Per his wishes, no formal service will be held. His family will honor him privately.
“Doc Hollywood” said “I give out hope not prescription dope”
Celebration of Life January 30th
Dr. Lance Lindale Miller, age 59, passed away on December 26, 2025, in Walnut Creek, California. He was born on July 3, 1966, in Walnut Creek.
Lance was the beloved husband of Treasure Miller and a devoted father to Alexis, Ashley, Haley and Presley Miller. He was also a loving father-in-law to Victor Galli. He is survived by his father, Jimmie Miller, and his brother, Jimmie Miller. He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Miller, and his brother, Brian Miller. He is also lovingly remembered by his cherished dogs, Kash and Cilla, who were a special part of his daily life and family.
Lance was a man full of life — kind, loving, generous, outgoing and faithful. He had a contagious joy and an unforgettable presence. He had a way of lighting up a room without even having to say a word, known for his bright smile, infectious energy and love for bold neon colors. He truly loved life and lived it to the fullest.
Family was everything to Lance. He deeply loved his wife and daughters, and cherished time spent together. Outside of family and work, he enjoyed golf, trips to Tahoe, the beach, vacations and cheering on his favorite teams, including the San Francisco 49ers and The U. He was a jokester, a gift-giver and a steady, uplifting presence to all who knew him.
Lance graduated from Antioch High School in 1984. He attended Los Medanos College and New College of California in San Francisco, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. He went on to earn his Doctorate of Chiropractic from Life West College, graduating in 1991.
Dr. Miller practiced chiropractic care for 34 years and was the owner and lead chiropractor of Miller Chiropractic Injury Center in Antioch. Chiropractic care was never “just a job” to Lance — it was his calling. His slogan, “I give out hope, not prescription dope,” reflected his commitment to healing without reliance on medication. His personal motto was, “Live every day like it’s your last,” a belief he embodied fully in both his work and his life. He also believed deeply that he moved the bone, and God did the healing, approaching every patient interaction with humility, compassion and faith. He was committed to one-on-one patient care, always taking the time to listen, connect and make every patient feel seen, valued and cared for.
Lance had a deep love for his community and generously volunteered his time, especially in support of high school athletics. He devoted countless hours caring for student-athletes, providing treatment on the sidelines and supporting football, basketball and cheer programs. He found great purpose in helping young athletes stay healthy and active, and his presence and generosity made a lasting impact on the schools and families he served.
A man of Christian faith, Lance leaned on his faith throughout his life and especially during his illness. His unwavering trust in God provided strength and comfort and inspired those around him.
A Celebration of Life will be held on January 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Fellowship Church, located at 4873 Lone Tree Way, Antioch, California. There will be no reception to follow.
In honor of Dr. Lance Miller, the family plans to eventually create a nonprofit under his legacy. This future organization will reflect his passion for chiropractic care, one-on-one patient connection and compassionate healing.
Dr. Miller’s legacy lives on through his family, his patients and the countless lives he touched through his healing hands, joyful spirit and faithful heart.
A Life to Remember: June 8, 1961 – December 29, 2025
Clarke Christian Wilson was born on June 8, 1961, in Buffalo, New York, to the proud parents James Arthur Wilson, Sr. and Theonia Lee Smoot-Wilson. From an early age, Clarke’s life was shaped by faith, family, music, and a deep love of sports.
Clarke was educated in the Buffalo Public School system and graduated from Kensington High School, Class of 1979. He was known for his love of music and was blessed with a melodic high tenor voice that brought joy to those who heard him sing. Music remained a lifelong passion and a meaningful form of expression throughout his life.
Clarke had a very strong work ethic and started his working career in the steel mill in Buffalo, NY upon arriving to California he worked as a bouncer at the Palladium. Clarke knew he loved the art of public service and started working at AC Transit and maintained employment for 18 years where he started as a Bus Operator then promoted to Road Supervisor and later retired. Eager to return, his love for Public Transportation continued for an additional 18 years working for various transit agencies.
A devoted sports enthusiast, Clarke was a die-hard Buffalo Bills fan and a proud bandwagon supporter of the Oakland Raiders and most recently the San Francisco 49ers. Basketball also held a special place in his heart, especially the Golden State Warriors. He cherished attending Warriors games with his wife and children and enjoyed exclusive team experiences that created lasting family memories.
On December 31,1986, Clarke married Mele Enisalini Pouliviaati. From this union, his firstborn son, James Arthur Wilson, was born on August 11, 1987. Clarke and Mele divorced in 1990, after which Clarke embraced the role of a dedicated single father.
On September 3, 1998, Clarke married Velma Roberts-Wilson. Shortly thereafter, on October 14, 1998, he welcomed his first daughter, Lauren Madison Ford-Wilson, with her mother, Lynelle Ford. Clarke and Velma made a loving and committed decision to raise his children together as a family. Their union was further blessed with the birth of two children: Claryssa Christian Wilson, born December 16, 2000, and Jesse Allen Lee Wilson, born May 4, 2002. They moved to Antioch in 2011.
Clarke’s faith journey began at Shiloh Baptist Church in Buffalo, New York. Later, he became a member of Greater Cooper AME Zion Church. Upon marrying Velma, he joined New Life Gathering, under the covering of Pastor Charles Thomas, Sr., where he continued to grow in faith and fellowship.
Clarke Christian Wilson traded life for eternity on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 1:49 pm, he will be remembered for his love of family, his soulful voice with his love for smooth jazz, R&B and gospel music, his unwavering sports loyalty, his awkwardly witty sense of humor and dry sarcasm and his commitment to faith and fatherhood. His legacy lives on through his children, family, and all whose lives he touched.
Clarke was preceded in death by his father James Arthur Wilson, his mother Theonia Lee “Sweets” Smoot, two brothers – James “Jimmy” Arthur Wilson, Jr. and Vincent Warren Wilson, four sisters – Lois, Ione, Doris and Delores, several sisters- and brothers- in-law, and several uncles and aunts. To cherish his memory, Clarke leaves behind his loyal wife of 27 years Velma Wilson, four children James Arthur Wilson, Lauren Madison Ford-Wilson, Claryssa Christian Wilson and Jesse Allen Lee Wilson; his Grandson Vehikite Christian Wilson; his last surviving brother John Allen Smith; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
