Herbert Alvin Kaprielian

1929 - 2024

Herbert Alvin Kaprielian

October 28, 1929 - July 16, 2024

Dinuba, California - Herbert Alvin Kaprielian, a second generation Californian and resident of Dinuba, California, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 16, 2024 after enjoying a busy week of family visitations.

Born October 28, 1929, to Leon Minas and Ruth Kaloostian Kaprielian. Herb spent his childhood in Reedley, California. He attended Southern California Military Academy in Long Beach, California, graduating in the Class of 1947. He continued his education at Reedley College and Fresno State College. He made lifelong friends at Reedley College, including Beverly Holmes, whom he married on June 28, 1952. They remained happily married until Beverly's death three days before their 64th wedding anniversary.

After Herb's honorable discharge from the U. S. Air Force in 1955, they moved to the family farm east of Reedley, where they raised four children. In 1980, the family relocated to Beverly and Herb's dream home on Smith Mountain near Dinuba.

Herb was part of family owned business founded in 1919 by brothers Leon and Gabriel Kaprielian in the practice of growing, packing and marketing fresh California fruit. The family farming business benefitted greatly from Herb's leadership, he expanded the packing facility, started a sales and cold storage company and was instrumental in designing and implementing new packing equipment and procedures as well as new methods for maintaining freshness in fruit delivered to stores across the United States and abroad.

Herb was active on various boards and committees of the California Fresh Fruit Association (formerly the Grape and Tree Fruit League), California Tree Fruit Agreement, the Bank of Fresno and the Fresno Business Council. He was one of the 3 founding partners of Tommy's Pump Company (now Carver Pump Company). He was a member of the Selma Chapter of the Triple X Fraternity since 1949.

Herb is survived by his daughter Cheryl Mooradian (Michael), grandchildren Nicole (Thraen) , Alicia (Marc), Gabrielle (Andrew); son Craig Kaprielian (Lorrel), grandchildren Bianca (Deborah), Christian, Charlotte, Angelica (Gregg), Florencia (Geoffrey), great-grandchildren Elizabeth, Adam; daughter Jenifer Santos (Victor), grandchildren Elliott, Claire; daughter-in-law Dawn Kaprielian, grandchildren Kara (Brett), Richard (Angie) and great-granddaughter Vivian.

Herb was preceded in death by his loving wife, Beverly; his parents; sister Darlene Rowland; beloved son Richard; and daughter-in-law Donna Aivazian Kaprielian.

A memorial service will be held at Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church, located at 3673 N. First St. in Fresno, on August 9, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.

Remembrances may be made in Herb's name to: Leon M. Kaprielian Memorial Scholarship, Reedley College Foundation, P.O. Box 227, Reedley, CA 93654; Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church, 3673 N. First Street, Fresno, CA 93726.