Robert Michael Hagopian

1937 - 2024

Robert Michael Hagopian

January 19, 1937 - July 28, 2024

Modesto, California - It is with a sense of loss and a loving farewell that we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Hagopian.

Bob was a first generation American born to Armenian immigrants Zabelle and Baxter Hagopian in Modesto on January 19, 1937. He was the youngest of four with 3 siblings, Marjorie, Beatrice and Baxter. Growing up on Sycamore Avenue in Modesto provided him a lifetime of friends, memories and love. He also grew up with an extended family of aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and cousins and enjoyed large family gatherings with home cooked Armenian food.

He attended Enslen Elementary, Roosevelt Junior High and Downey High School and was the first full class to attend all four years at Downey and graduated in 1955. After graduating from Golden Gate University with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, he started his career in San Francisco at Jones, Schiller & Porter, CPAs, to MJB Co., and Hood & Strong LLP. After 13 years in the Bay Area, he returned home to Modesto to work as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and eventually started his own accounting firm that over time became Hagopian, Lust and Callaway. As a CPA, he dedicated himself to financial excellence and integrity. He practiced for over 60 years and well into retirement.

When Bob turned 60 he was diagnosed with late stage colon cancer and rather than letting the disease define and beat him, he underwent chemo while still working and yet was able to maintain a positive outlook and sought the advice of experts who helped him not only beat the cancer but also enjoyed full remission for 25 years.

Bob never truly retired and his updated business cards showed, inactive CPA and active wine consumer. Bob had a passion for good wine, hunting, African safaris, and was a WWII enthusiast. He was an avid and proud collector of California wine and shared many a glass and cherished memories along the way. Bob was an active Rotarian of Modesto Downtown Rotary for many years and was hands on in helping with his favorite event the Senior Stride.

Bob was a fun loving and supportive Dad attending many school events and extracurricular activities. He encouraged and supported his kids' and grandkids' education and attended many college games and parent events.

If you knew Bob then you also knew of his generosity especially when it came to gifting a favored bottle of wine. He also loved to hand deliver local seasonal produce to his friends and associates. When he walked into an office, the staff knew right away, Bob was bearing tasty treats.

He was a beloved husband of 64 years, father and friend. He leaves behind his wife, Janice Hagopian of Modesto, two children, Craig Hagopian (Lisa) of San Diego and Jill Johnson (Mark) of El Dorado Hills and four grandchildren, Brittany (26), Cole (23), Maxwell (21) and Mason (19).

Bob's family would like to give a special thanks to family and friends who supported him in his final months of his long and rich life and would also like to thank the Bristol Hospice team for their kind support during the last few months of Bob's life.

The family is planning a celebration of life to be held in the next few months in Modesto.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society.