Charles Simonian

Charles Simonian Sept. 9, 1923 - Feb. 28, 2013 Resident of San Leandro After a short illness, Charles Simonian passed away at home on Thursday, February 28th surrounded by his family. He is survived by his daughter Sarah (Mike), his daughter Katherine, (David), his son Jon, (Stacey) and his granddaughter Charlene. Charles was born on September 9, 1923 the 3rd child of Mederios and Virginia. He spent his childhood in Highland Park, MI. After high school, he worked for the railroad. He enlisted in the US Navy during WWII. He served on the USS Monterey as a gunnery officer and trainer and the USS Houston as a fire controlman. He always referred to himself thereafter as a "Navy Man". In 1946, the family moved to the Fresno area. Like many of the other GI's, Charles chose to attend college using the GI Bill. He met many lifelong friends at Fresno State including Bill and Betty Baxter and Art and Phyllis Pretzer. Because of his military service, he was able to enter law school after just three years of college. He moved to San Francisco to attend Hasting School of Law. While traveling on the train to visit family in Fresno, he became reacquainted with his future wife. They were married in San Francisco in September 1954. They moved to San Leandro in 1956 where Charles started to practice law with Bill Spruance. Art Pretzer would join their firm and SIMONIAN & PRETZER practice together for over 50 years. Charles will be remembered for his outgoing personality and love of live. Wherever he went, people would come up to say hello. He made lifelong friends and remained very close to his brother Sam and sister Virginia and their extended family: Albert, Candy, Peter, Mark, and Stanley. Charles and Arline were seasoned travelers, often with their friends the Caparusso's. And Charlie and his friend Jerry DeMaria were well known by the seniors who frequented MacDonald's in San Leandro. At his request, his ashes were laid to rest in Fresno alongside his parents. Our Celebration of Life is Saturday, April 20th, at 1:00pm at The Moose Lodge in Castro Valley. COME & JOIN US to share your stories. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the charity of your choice.