Peter Paul Michaletos

peter michaletos
Pete Michaletos 'Coach Mike' of Fremont passed away peacefully Saturday surrounded by family. Coach Mike touched numerous lives with his gentle spirit and positive outlook. Coach Mike was born in Alameda, graduated from Alameda High School in 1957, went to Contra Costa College for a year and then earned his Bachelor's Degree from Utah State. He starred on the football team at both Alameda and Contra Costa and then furthered his playing career at Utah State where helped guide the Aggies to a No. 10 ranking in 1960. After two years as a graduate assistant at Utah State, Coach Mike made his way back to the Bay Area where he was an assistant football coach at San Lorenzo High in 1963 and 1964. In 1965 John F. Kennedy High in Fremont opened and they hired Coach Mike to be a teacher and the football coach. He held the coaching position for 46 years until he retired in 2010, which made him the most tenured coach in the state at the time. He coached two generations at Kennedy and won Mission Valley Athletic League titles in 1972 and 1988 despite being the smallest enrollment school in Fremont. The Titans qualified for the North Coast Section playoffs eight times in his tenure and advanced to the second round after an emotional 34-9 upset win over El Cerrito in 2008. Coach Mike was named Coach of the Year four times and was inducted into the prestigious California Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2011. He served on the Board of Directors for the J.C.P. from 1967-1985. He was an advisory coach for a decade for the Alameda/Contra Costa County All-Star team. Coach Mike couldn't stay away from the thing he loved, he helped coach five years at Modesto Christian and a year at Milpitas High School. Coach Mike is survived by his wife of 52 years, Jan; devoted children Katherine and Jerry Schott (Arizona) and Victoria and Everett Peterson (California) and grandchildren Jacob Peter Schott (New York, New York), Zachary Schott (Arizona), Nathan Peterson (California), Shea and Evan Peterson (California) and great grandchildren, Jadea Peterson (California), Nate Peterson (California). He is also survived by his sister Anna Phillips (California). A Celebration of 'Coach Mike's Life' will be held at John F. Kennedy High in Fremont in the gymnasium on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 10 a.m. The family is asking donations be sent to hospice 'Our Angels on Earth' or the JFK Athletic department.

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  1. What a wonderful man that Fremont has lost. My love goes out to Jan, Vic and Kathy. Pete(Pops) was loved dearly. He touched so many lives whether you new him from high school, football, community events or your childhood he always made you feel special and loved. His heart was gold and I am saddened that he is gone. My memories of him will live forever and he will be in my thoughts always along with the family!

  2. Dear Jan and Family,

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Sorry we will miss the Celebration of Pete’s Life on the 25th. We will be attending Vince’s Brother’s Funeral that day out of state.

    We treasure the many good times we had together in the past.

    Vince and Lou Ann

  3. Jan and family we were saddened by the news “Coach Mike’s passing. Our prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. You can take such joy in all the people he touched during his life and the kids he helped stay on track. He is in the hearts of so many even though it has been years since he has been with them.

    We love you all.

  4. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and his family . I know Coach Mike is coaching a bigger team know.

  5. My condolences to you and the family,i know our family will miss pete,the both of you are a big part of our family.

  6. Coach Mike was a rare individual. I had the pleasure to work with and his team for 20 years. He taught me a lot about life without ever trying to teach me about life. His example made me a better person and his words helped greatly when I lost my own father. I love you Coach. RIP.

  7. Coach Michaletos exemplified commitment, enthusiasm, dedication, and love of his sport and school. He was a mentor and friend from whom we learned so much when were were young. The lessons about working as a team, hard work, and having fun were lasting. May he and his family be blessed!
    David Jinkens

  8. I HV BEEN SO SAD HEARIG THAT MY FIRST COUSIN PETE PASSED AWAY.
    I REMEMBER WHEN HE CAME IN GREECE IN 1957 WITH HIS PARENTS
    UNCLE EMMANUEL AND AUNT KATHERINE AND ALSO WHEN I BEEN AT
    CALIFORNIA IN 1966. I LIKE TO EXPRESS MY CONDOLENCES TO HIS WIFE JAN AND FAMILY, ALSO FROM MY WIFE EMILIA AND SONS IOANNIS AND
    EMMANUEL, AND FROM MY BROTHER POLYCHRONIS AND SISTER ANASTASIA.

  9. Pete was a classmate of mine at Alameda Hi, both having graduated in ’57. I always felt a little of a kindred spirit because my mom was Greek and while I never learned to speak it, I knew a few little words that I used to spring on him. He was truly a kind, gentle and honest individual and it seems his career took him to greater heights during his lifetime. How lucky can the students he taught be to have had such a devoted teacher. A good American is gone, God Bless.

  10. Our sincere condolences from the staff at PDP Company. I personally remember Pete having spoken with him numerous times on the phone, mostly about football, but also about “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”. After football games, as was customary, coaches shook hands on the field. I wanted to meet Pete in person so I walked up to him with my hand outstretched and said, “Hi, Pete, Jane from PDP” He immediately withdrew his outstretched hand and his arms flew open for a hug! That was the epitome of “Coach Mike”. We are hard-pressed to find a kinder, more sincere gentleman.

  11. Deepest sympathy to you Jan, Kathy, and Vicki. Pete was an amazing man, father, husband and coach, love by all.

  12. Dear Jan,
    Sadden to hear of Mike’s passing. Pete was amazing neighbor, always with a smile and a happy words to say. Prayers with you during this time.

  13. I’m so sorry Jan. I did not know till today about Pete. I’ve always looked up to him and count it a blessing to have known him, During high school Pete was the most important mentor in my life. During that time and whenever I saw him he would make me feel good inside. I will dearly miss him. I hope you and your kids will be comforted by the fact Pete was well loved. God bless

  14. Praying for you Michaletos Family. Pete “is” a great guy. Mr. PostiveI A personality like his never ends…it’s in us forever. Enjoyed our many conversations on life and after life. He was always so encouraging to me. We raised a lot of money together for the football program and he was always so grateful and appreciative of my efforts. I met Coach Mike when I was 10yrs old playing for Fremont Football. It was like coming home when I called on him as a customer some 25yrs later. You finally made it Coach Mike! I’ll be our Lord is so happy to see you. We miss you buddy.

  15. Hey bub! it was great having that last one run in at Lucky’s on Nicollet you taught me a lot through your quotes. but most importantly to work hard God bless your existence and your whole family 143.

  16. CandleI want thank Pete Michaeletos for giving me the opportunity to play High school 🏈 football between 1976-78. I Played Junior Varsity the First year and Varsity the Second year. Pete Michaeletos, Coach Swift, Coach Johnson and others helped be a more disciplined and professional in sports. I want to give my condolences to Pete’s loved one’s for their loss.

  17. Coach it was an honor to play for you. Even after I graduated coming back to help with camp and taking Mrs.Coach Mike to the games are memories I will hold on forever. you are missed and loved


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