Neal Samuel Salisian Sr.

SALISIAN, Neal Samuel Sr.


Neal Samuel Salisian Sr. passed away on May 10, 2013 at the age of 74. Neal was born in Pasadena, California on December 16, 1938 to Samuel and Lillian Salisian. He was raised in Pasadena and attended Luther Burbank Elementary, Elliot Junior High School, and John Muir High School; at which point Neal proudly matriculated through seven of the finest colleges and universities in the country, including Stanford University and the University of Miami, before graduating from the University of Southern California with a degree in Finance. Neal would later also earn an MBA from USC. While at USC, Neal was actively involved in the Sigma Nu fraternity, which partly factored into his transfer to that University from Miami.
Neal was first a banker and stocker broker, and then an investment manager by trade. He spent over 30 years of his career at RNC Genter Capital Management and worked up to the very last day of his life. Neal's tireless work ethic extended to his hobbies and diversions, as he would spend countless hours restoring and judging old Mercedes Benzes, and many a New Year's Eve on the Rose Parade route in a white suit volunteering for the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, where he finished as the longest standing member of all time.
Always a fan of travel and sports, Neal visited all fifty states, numerous countries, and proudly visited each major sports hall of fame and many college and professional sports venues, including his favorite, the Rose Bowl. His friends included many former players, coaches, and referees in the NFL and MLB. Neal was active in the Armenian community, all of his prior alma maters, and generally endeared himself with any group, organization, or club in which he became involved. As one of his many friends recently expressed "Neal was loved by so many... more than you will ever know."
Neal is survived by his loving wife, Sharrone Salisian (neé Timpé), who he met through his involvement in the Sigma Nu fraternity and later married on September 19, 1964. Neal and Sharrone were set to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary next year. Neal is also survived by two children, Jaime Melissa Gilbert (David) and Neal S. Salisian II (Stephanie) and two grandchildren, Alexander Gilbert and Ella Gilbert.
Neal leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty, dedication, and devotion. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Andrews Church in Pasadena (311 N. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91103) on Friday, May 17, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. Reception to follow. Cabot & Sons, Pasadena