Peter Simonian

On February 13, 1939, Peter V. was born to Vasken and Lorenna Simonian in Fresno, California. He passed away in Fresno on Saturday, April 7, 2007, at the age of 68. Pete was very active in his parents farming operation.Pete attended Central Union High School where he achieved three All State Awards in high school football, position as center line backer. After high school Pete attended Fresno City College where he again played football and achieved his AA Degree. He also attended Fresno State College and obtained a BS Degree in Agricultural Farm Machinery.On August 26, 1961, Pete married Patty Costa, and they had three children Talbert, Nanette and Peter John. After Pete graduated college in 1964, he went to work at Allied Equipment International Harvester Dealer. In 1971 Pete and Patty decided to go into farming for themselves. In the mid 1980's Pete did some consulting work in Nicaragua growing melons, Pete also taught Farm Tractor classes at California State University, Fresno. Pete and his family continued to farm a variety of vegetables and fruits. Pete enjoyed community activities such as Fresno County Cabrillo Club #10 where he served as local President and more recently as State President for California Cabrillo Civic Clubs. He also contributed his time to the Annual Kearney Park Community Picnic, where he was able to visit with many family members and friends. Pete was also a member of I.S.M.M.Special thanks to the staff at the California Armenian Home and Nancy Hinds Hospice for their support and care to Pete and his family.Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Vasken and Lorenna Simonian.Pete is survived by Patty, his wife of 45 years; his son Talbert and his wife Melanie; his daughter Nanette; his son Peter John and his wife Toni; his grandsons Matthew and Jerad; his granddaughters, Kylie, Kassidy, Caydin; his sister, Shirley Brin-getto and her husband Leo; and his brother, Robert Simonian and his wife Terri; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and friends.Visitation will be at Jay Chapel in Madera on Wednesday, April 11, 2007, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a Trisagion Service following at 7:00 p.m.A Funeral Service will be held at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 2219 N. Orchard Avenue in Fresno on Thursday, April 12, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Fresno Memorial Gardens.In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the California Armenian Home, 6720 E. Kings Canyon, Fresno, CA 93727; St. George Greek Orthodox Church Memorial Fund, 2219 N. Orchard Ave. Fresno, CA 93703; or Fresno Co. Cabrillo Civic Club #10 Scholarship Memorial Fund, c-o 7350 N. Cedar Ave, #224, Fresno, CA 93720.