Robert B. Boranian

1927 - 2024

Robert B Boranian

February 17, 1927 - May 17, 2024

Modesto, California - Our treasured father and grandfather, Robert Boranian, passed away at his home on May 17, 2024, at 97 years 3 months.

He was born in Fowler, CA to Joseph and Blanche Boranian. He was the older brother to Ronald Boranian.

Dad graduated from Modesto High School in 1945. He proudly served his country in the AirForce and was stationed outside Munich, Germany.

After the military, he went to MJC for two years and got his AA degree. He attended Fresno State for a semester and took Economics and Welding while working full-time in a grocery store for his uncle.

In 1951 he opened Bob's Cyclery & Hobby Shop. He sold bikes, model airplanes and sharpened lawn mowers. After several years, he moved across the street on Yosemite Boulevard and sold Schwinn Bicycles. Our Mom had two younger brothers who used to purchase model airplanes from him. She had a crush on him even though he was ten years older. Her cousin called him one day and told him he should ask her out. He said she was too young and didn't think she would go out with him. She made a bet with him that she would. He called her, they went out and three months later they were married!

In 1960 their daughter Tami was born, they adopted her when she was seven months old. In 1962 their son Jon was born, they adopted him when he was three weeks old.

Dad retired from the bicycle business on 9/30/1989, a few months after his first grandchild Matthew Zahr was born. His granddaughter, Emily Bradley was born in 1999. He loved going to their sporting events and was always interested in what was going on in their lives. He loved being a Grandpa!

Dad played pinochle at the Modesto Senior Center and later the Ceres Senior Center three times a week for many years. They played with four decks, and he was very serious about his card games. When I would visit him at night, he loved telling me about his great hands. He would always say, "It was unbelievable!" He loved those card games!

Bob is survived by his wife of 67 1/2 years, Marlene Boranian, his daughter Tami Bradley (Bob), his son Jon Boranian. His grandchildren Matthew Zahr (Theresa) and Emily Bradley and a great-grandson to arrive at the end of October. His step-grandchildren: Matthew Bradley (Amanda), Melissa Bradley (Cory) and step-great grandchildren: Conner, Michael and a step-great-grandson to arrive at the beginning of October. He has four nieces and one nephew.

A special thank you to his caregiver, Ana. She cared for him from the minute he came home from the hospital/rehab facility. He loved how she took such wonderful care of him and was so gentle and caring. We are so grateful to her.

A memorial service will be on May 28, 2024, at 11:00 at Calvary Chapel of Oakdale, 220 South Sierra Avenue, Oakdale, CA 95361. Private burial will be at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetary at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Calvary Chapel of Oakdale, Stanislaus County Animal Shelter.