Arthur Hagopian

Arthur Hagopian, a lifelong Petaluma resident, died on March 14, 2010 after a brief illness. He was 91 years old and lived a full and active life. He was born the son of Armenian immigrant parents on the family chicken ranch in Penngrove, CA in 1919. Later, the family moved to Petaluma, and Arthur pursued a career in radio and electronics with a hobby in amateur radio. He worked as a civilian electrician for the US Navy in the Gyrocompass Shop at Mare Island Naval Shipyard for 38 years. He also established the first radio communication system for the Petaluma Police Department in the 1950s. Arthur married Helen Carter of Petaluma in 1956 and they remained happily married for 53 years until his death. After his retirement in 1978, Arthur continued to be active in SCARS NARFE and REDEX radio clubs, the Petaluma Masons, and SIRS. He volunteered public service in several areas. He is survived by his wife Helen Hagopian; his daughter Patricia Hagopian LaFranchi (Walter) of Shingle Springs, CA; and grandchildren Michelle and Daniel; his son Dr. Bill Hagopian (Karen) of Seattle, WA; and grandchildren Luc and Sage; his niece Jane Klemenok of Petaluma; and his nephews Richard and Joel Johnson of Houston, TX. He was a modest and kind man, a hard worker, a skilled radio expert, and a devoted husband and father. He will be very missed by all who knew him. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 27th at 3:30 p.m. at PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, 850 Keokuk St., Petaluma. If so desired, memorial donations may be given to PNDRI - Diabetes Research, 720 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122; or to the charity of your choice.