Z. Harry Astor

Astor, Z. Harry, 85, passed away on Sept. 11, 2007, from prostate cancer. He was born the eldest son of Arakelian M. Astor and Shenorhig Astor on April 16, 1922 in Fresno, CA. He graduated L.A. High School in 1940 and volunteered for the Army Air Corps in 1942 where he attained the rank of 2nd Lieutenant, graduating as a bombardier. After his service, he attended USC Law School where he graduated in 1948. He was an avid Trojan fan who bled Cardinal and Gold. Harry was a practicing attorney for 58 years in L.A. and Orange County. He began his career as a general practitioner with an emphasis in family law. He also gained very broad courtroom experience, having tried over 100 civil and criminal cases in both state and federal courts. Later, he became a leading expert in corporate and environmental law, where he played an instrumental role as a Waste and Recycling industry lobbyist in Sacramento for more than 30 years. He was also a Master Mason and a Shriner. His greatest source of pride was his family and the innumerable friendships he amassed over his lifetime. His deep Christian faith sustained him throughout his life, especially during a very difficult battle with prostate cancer that lasted 14 years. Yet he never gave up. A resident of North Tustin for nearly 47 years, Harry was an avid golfer, passionate stock market investor, world traveler, and an Angels fan. He was also a member of the Triple X Armenian Fraternity for over 50 years, serving as that organization's Grand Master in 1980-81, in addition to being a founding member of its Orange County Chapter. He is survived by the great love of his life for 58 years, Marjorie (Loofbourow) Astor; sons, Jim (Cindy), Bob, Kelly (Sherry), and Tom (Helga); grandchildren, Craig, Johnny, Jenny, Steve, Katie, Doug and Sarah; and brother, Arthur. His life will be celebrated with a memorial service at 2 p.m., on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2007 at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, located at 148 E. 22nd St, Costa Mesa, 92627. Donations may be made to The Ararat Home of Los Angeles at 15105 Mission Hills Rd., Mission Hills, 91345 and the American Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements will be handled by Pacific View Mortuary, 3500 Pacific View Dr., Corona Del Mar, 92625.