Aram Garabedian

1927 - 2023

Aram Garabedian

January 23, 1927 - October 30, 2023

Fresno, California - Aram Garabedian was born January 23, 1927, to Garabed (Charles) and Veron (Veronica) (Chooljian) Garabedian in the Fresno County community of Lone Star. His siblings were Martin Garabedian and Elizabeth Manselian.

Aram grew up in a home on DeWolf Avenue and attended Highland and De Wolf grammar schools while living there. At the age of 10 his parents purchased a 20-acre vineyard in the Malaga area. Aram graduated from Malaga Elementary School. In 1944, during World War II, he graduated from Fowler Union High School. After graduating he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps as an Aviation Cadet at the age of 17 ½ years. Aram attended Fresno State College for one semester and was called to active duty in June 1945.

Aram received training as a Military Policeman and served in this capacity at Williams Field near Chandler, Arizona, until his Honorable Discharge in October 1946. After his discharge he returned home and re-entered Fresno State College, majoring in Civil Engineering.

After graduating in 1951, Aram was employed by the State of California Division of Highways, later known at Caltrans. He worked in a number of departments for 37 years and retired in 1987 as the District Right of Way Engineer. During his employment he became licensed as a Professional Civil Engineer with the State of California in 1965. Aside from his full-time position at Caltrans, Aram was involved in farming two 20-acre ranches for twenty years. As a raisin grower, he was a member of the Raisin Bargaining Association.

Aram married Barbara Aivazian on November 24, 1951. Their marriage was blessed with three children – Dale, Robyn and Elysa. Aram and Barbara were always involved in school and other activities with their children in all levels from grade school through college. They also attended all programs, sports and everything in which their grandchildren participated. Their children were encouraged to further their educational opportunities at higher institutions of learning and have been successful in their chosen professions.

Aram was an active member of Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church of Fresno. He and Barbara served on many Boards and Committees for over fifty-five years. They were also involved with their children in church and youth organizations. Aram read the Bible daily and finished reading the entire Bible yearly for 28 years.

Aram was a member of the following organizations: Knights of Vartan, Armenian Missionary Association of America, Fresno County Farm Bureau, Fresno State Alumni Association, Professional Engineers in California Government and Clovis American Legion Post #147. He was also a member of the Clovis Community Band for 25 years, playing the alto saxophone.

Aram enjoyed traveling with the family through the United States and to beach and mountain vacations. They attended Fresno State Football games as a family for over 50 years and invited friends to attend with them. Aram enjoyed stream fishing and took up playing golf upon retirement.

Aram's wife, Barbara, and daughter, Elysa, predeceased him. He is survived by his son, Dale and wife Kandas Garabedian, and daughter, Robyn and husband Kenneth Esraelian. Grandchildren Lauren and husband Jonathan Ruff, Aaron and wife Ashley Garabedian, Jordan and wife Ani Esraelian, Brandon and wife Jordan (girl) Esraelian, and Evan Elise and husband Jeffrey Taylor. Aram is also survived by seven beloved great-grandchildren and one arriving February 2024: Hudson Esraelian, Emilia Ruff, Harper Esraelian, Hayes Taylor, Kora Esraelian, Reagan Taylor, Kamryn Esraelian and Isla Taylor.

Aram's family is thankful for the love and care provided by his doctor Steven H. Chooljian, M.D.

Aram is eternally grateful for the love of his dear wife, Barbara. They supported and encouraged one another in all of their endeavors. They felt that without each other they could not have accomplished everything they did during their marriage. They are united again in time to celebrate their 72nd wedding anniversary in Heaven!

Private services are pending. Remembrances may be made to Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church, 3673 N. First Street, Fresno, California 93726, or Knights of Vartan Scholarship Fund, c/o Scott Markarian, 1730 W. Dovewood Lane, Fresno, California 93711.