Dennis Jerry Georgatos
March 31, 1955-June 25, 2025
Lodi, California

Dennis Georgatos (March 31, 1955 – June 25, 2025)

Dennis Jerry Georgatos of Lodi, CA passed away on June 25 at the age of 70 after a brave fight against brain cancer. A long-time resident of Pleasanton, Dennis lived his final months enjoying his vineyard in Lodi and cherishing time with friends and loved ones from the Bay Area and beyond.

Dennis was born on the Greek island of Kefalonia. Following the devastation from the Great Ionian Earthquake of 1953, Dennis’ parents Jerry and Helen immigrated to the USA with Dennis and his brother Dean.

Dennis attended Amador Valley High School, where he became an All-League two-way footballer; UC Berkeley, where he earned a BA in English; and UC Northridge, where he pursued a master’s in journalism.

Dennis went on to build a passionate career in sports journalism that lasted his lifetime. He wrote for The Associated Press and the San Jose Mercury News for decades. Throughout his career he developed numerous friendships that transcended industry and brought lasting joy to his life. For a decade, he covered the 49ers, Giants, Raiders, A’s, and Warriors for the AP. And for another eight years he covered the 49ers beat for the San Jose Mercury News. He also wrote two widely-circulated non-fiction books documenting 49ers’ history: Stadium Stories and Game of My Life.

Later in life, Dennis moved to Littleton, Colorado, bought and ran Melita’s, a successful Greek restaurant in downtown Denver, and continued work as a sports journalist for AP in Denver. He furthered his business aspirations by purchasing a vineyard in Lodi, where he enjoyed his final months.

Dennis is survived by his three sons, Gregory Georgatos of Rocklin, Daniel Georgatos of San Jose, and Cole Schafer of Littleton, CO; his daughter-in-law, Christina; his two grandchildren, Marco and Gia; his brother Dean Georgatos of Arizona; and countless friends and loved ones across the United States and world, including California, Colorado, Greece, and Australia, who were near and dear to him.

A celebration of Dennis’ life will be held Sunday, July 27 at 12 p.m. at Pastas Trattoria in Pleasanton. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to all those who loved and supported Dennis during his final months.

Tags: arts/media, sports