Philip Sarkisian Obituary

Philip V. Sarkisian

Dec. 2, 1939 - Feb. 24, 2018

Philip Vahan Sarkisian, 78, of Oakland, CA, passed away from pancreatic cancer at his daughter's home in Los Angeles, surrounded by his family, on February 24th, 2018. He is survived by his wife of 53 years Barbara Collinge Sarkisian, daughters Catherine Sarkisian and Elizabeth Sarkisian, son-in-laws Mitchell Wong and Daniel Cohen, grandchildren Claudia Wong, Philip (JP) Wong, Milton Cohen and Nathaniel Cohen, and brother Richard Sarkisian.

Philip Sarkisian was born in Sacramento, the son of Milton and Agnace (Peg) Sarkisian. Considering but rejecting medical and engineering careers, he studied political science at Stanford and law at Boalt Hall. He practiced civil law in Sacramento and worked as an administrative law judge in Los Angeles and San Francisco before Gov. George Deukmejian appointed him to the Alameda County Municipal Court in 1984. In 1986 he was appointed to the Alameda County Superior Court where he presided over hundreds of criminal cases, including several capital offense trials. He served as Presiding Judge for 2 years when the Municipal and Superior courts were merged. Sarkisian said that his work never felt like a job, he enjoyed every day spent on the bench. Though he officially retired in 2004, he continued to serve as a judge in San Francisco and Alameda Counties until November, 2017.

Sarkisian was an avid reader and traveller, and particularly enjoyed his annual trips to Germany, often returning to the town near Stuttgart where he studied during his college years. He enjoyed many hours on the golf course with his friends at Claremont Country Club where he also served 2 years as president. He is remembered for his sharp intelligence, dry wit, and easy going nature. A dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great pal to so many, Sarkisian often expressed gratitude for what he felt was a very rich life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sarkisian's honor to the Oak Tree Fund, care of Claremont Country Club, 5295 Broadway Terrace, Oakland, CA 94618 or to the Boys and Girls Club of Oakland, http://www.bgcoakland.org, or the charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Mar. 1 to Mar. 4, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Philip Sarkisian

11 Entries

Judith Garvey

February 23, 2023

Judge Sarkisian was the first to arrive to case conferencing. He enjoyed assignment to San Francisco CJC. The Judge handled complex new matters well. He was very experienced and was a good fit for the program. Everything went smoothly when he presided. He was such a gentleman and was able to effectively communicate genuinely with the persons with cases before the Court. God bless Judge Sarkisian.

Judith Garvey

February 25, 2021

A very fine man who enjoyed his work and took it seriously. He was always on time, in good spirits and courteous to all. I enjoyed the updates about his dog. He is missed.

November 15, 2018

Rest In Peace, Judge

ANONYMOUS ANONYMOUS

October 19, 2018

I am very saddened to read of Mr. Sarkisian's passing. In 1967, i was twenty-two years old with four young children and in an extremely bad marriage. I entered his office and told him i had no money but desperately needed a divorce. He kindly and generously accepted my case. i never received a bill from his office, but i was able to pay it off, bit by bit... $300 in December 31, 1969. I never found the opportunity to thank him, but hopefully his children and grandchildren will appreciate this entry. This is a lesson of not letting time slip by without giving proper acknowledgement. I believe that Mr. Sarkisian would have liked to have known that i am living a very happy and fulfilled life today...in part to his help, long ago. i am happy to read about his grand, purposeful life, his long marriage, children and grandchildren and work achieved in his lifetime. My love and
best wishes to his family.

Judy Reynolds

March 11, 2018

Judge Sarkisian was the judge when I was on jury duty last summer and I was impressed by his clarity, ability to downplay emotionalism and his respect for the rights of everyone in the courtroom. He was a role model for a presiding court official.

Patrick Bechelli

March 10, 2018

Phil when working in the city would have lunch at our Restaurant
Bechellis Flower Market Cafe
With all of the other wonderful judges.
He will be Missed.
Thoughts & Prayers

Roger Patton

March 10, 2018

Judge Sarkisiam was a kind and gentle friend. He always had a smile and a warm welcome for all who entered his chambers. he will be missed.

Diego Ortiz

March 9, 2018

I'm truly saddened by the news of Phil's passing. He was my favorite judge and friend on the bench. We spent many hours over my 28 year legal career chatting about our love for golf and cigars and the law. He always took time from his day to stop and say hello to me and keep up with what was going on in my life. Phil was always such a kind and unflappablely nice person to everyone. He served as my roll model, as I'm sure he did for many, on how to be a gentleman and still be a zealous advocate. The world was a better place with him. Please accept my heart felt condolences for your loss. His passing is a loss for everyone that knew him.

Timothy Clancy

March 4, 2018

I am very sorry to hear of the death of Judge Sarkisian. He was a soft-spoken gentleman in the courtroom and treated all parties with respect. It has been a pleasure to see him in court from tine to time since his retirement. He will be missed.

Judith Garvey

March 3, 2018

Very sad to learn Judge Philip Sarkisian will no longer be appearing as a visiting judge in our SF court. It seems he was just with us. He was such a gentleman and he will be missed.

March 2, 2018

My condolences to the Sarkisian family. My name is Kevin and I caddied for the judge for about 10 years at Claremont. He was a great man and I will always treasure those times.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results