4 replies to this topic

[MosJan]

Former Glendale mayor and TV, radio host

Larry Zarian, 73, a former mayor of Glendale and the first Armenian American to be elected to the City Council, died of blood cancer Thursday at Glendale Adventist Medical Center.

[MosJan]

Saying goodbye to a city jewel


The passing of Larry Zarian has left all of us stunned and saddened (“Former Glendale Mayor Larry Zarian dies of cancer,” Oct. 13). Reading of his passing in the newspapers evokes many memories of personal relationships with this man who was so much a part of the fabric of this city.

Descriptions, in the obituary columns, of a life such as Larry’s will chronicle past events and important dates and activities, but never capture the essence of that person — personal memories do. Each of us who knew him will have those special moments of recall that we cherish, some very close to ourselves and many that were common to us all.

Above all else, Larry was a gentleman; he could remember a name when introduced only once. He was unusual when describing an event in his life that for all of us would take 25 words; he would take 125 words or more. In other words, Larry was never at a loss for words.

He was the inveterate drum-beater for our city and always took every opportunity to extol the virtues and advantages of living in Glendale. He was involved, and was one of the few who could make things happen, and much of the Glendale we know and enjoy today was in a large measure due to his vision and persistence.

He was a unique leader and very proud of his city.

I served with Larry for eight years on the City Council, he being one of the people who asked me to run for office. We had been friends long before that, our children were in school together, and we shared our feelings about our respective families.

Family was important to him. Larry and I often disagreed on issues before us at council, but once the vote was taken, we made sure that all five of us were going to make the majority vote happen.

Though we would disagree about an issue, it never interfered with our friendship. We enjoyed each other’s company; we often talked about this when I was a guest on his radio programs and later on his television show.

Larry was never known as Mr. Zarian, he was always Larry. Every community should have a Larry Zarian and we can all be thankful that Glendale had him.

We will miss him. We have lost a dear friend and colleague, the Jewel City has lost one of its precious gems.

Carl W. Raggio

Glendale

Editor’s note: Raggio is a former Glendale mayor.

[MosJan]

After a battle with aggressive multiple myeloma, we are saddened to report Larry Zarian's passing, Thursday, October 13 at 11:50 a.m.

In a family statement: "Larry was surrounded by relatives and friends as his favorite Frank Sinatra songs played at the time of his death. He cherished the gift of life each day. He loved deeply and was loved deeply in return."

Larry is survived by his sons Vincent, Lawrence, and Gregory; sister Rima and niece Ava; daughter-in-law Maria and grandsons Alexander and Christian.

A public celebration of his life will be scheduled, details to be announced.

Larry requested that donations in his honor be made to
the Armenian Society of Los Angeles, Glendale Adventist Medical Center,
the Glendale Kiwanis, and the Self-Aid Workshop.

[ED]

I met him in Person in one of the events in Glendale Public library.
Such a great Human being he was plus he was a true patriot, be that as an Armenian or a US citizen.

May you rest in peace Sir.

[Nané]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 13, 2011


Media Contact:
Kim Milstien

MilstiKS@ah.org

818/409-8353 or 818/389-4284


FAMILY ANNOUNCES PASSING OF FORMER MAYOR LARRY ZARIAN


Glendale, CA – October 13, 2011 – It is with profound regret and sadness that the family of former Mayor Larry Zarian announces his peaceful passing on Thursday, October 13, 2011, at 11:50 a.m. Larry was surrounded by his beautiful sister, Rima, his niece Ava, his three sons, Vincent, Lawrence, and Gregory, and Vincent’s wife, Maria. Also with him were Antoinette and Simeon Argyropoulos, Joe Balthazar, his dedicated physicians, Dr. Narine Arutyounian and Dr. Boris Bagdasarian, and close friends. While Larry’s favorite music played, his family held his hands and surrounded him with love as he peacefully went home. After a long and valiant struggle with aggressive multiple myeloma, Larry is now at peace. He was 73 years old.

Larry Zarian, a Glendale resident for over five decades, was a family man, retired businessman, public servant, community leader, radio talk show host, and one of the most successful local cable television talk show producers and hosts in the Los Angeles area. Known as “The People’s Mayor”, Larry served 16 consecutive years on the Glendale City Council, and four terms as its Mayor.



Born on October 20, 1937 to Serge and Tamara, Zarian emigrated to the United States as a 14-year old with his mother and sister, Rima. As a child, Larry was always intrigued with Hollywood and dreamed of being a cowboy on the silver screen …with only $20.00 dollars in his pocket thus began his journey to the west coast.

Larry graduated from GCC and went on to become a proud Bruin, graduating from UCLA with a degree in political science. Following a successful career as a heavyweight boxer (13 wins), Larry married Doris and together they began their family. With his natural flair for community and his business acumen, Larry took an autobody store, Anthony’s Home and Auto Center, and expanded that business into a chain of retail stores across Los Angeles. At the same time, Larry and his wife were charmed by the islands of Hawaii and what started as a vacation getaway for the family quickly evolved into a series of investments in that booming real estate market. Throughout the rest of his life, Larry, with his children by his side said that the beaches of Maui would always have a piece of his heart.

Semi-retired at 43, Larry knew that there was more to achieve, and embraced the opportunity to dedicate his time, talents, and energy to improving his community and the country he proudly called home.

With strong community encouragement and support, Larry was elected to Glendale City Council in 1983, replacing incumbent Mayor Carl Messeck. The longest seated member of the Glendale City Council, and the first member of Armenian descent, Zarian also served as the City’s Mayor for four terms; an achievement that has not been duplicated. During his tenure on City Council, Larry left his mark throughout the City of Glendale. He was instrumental in the start up of the City’s local shuttle (Beeline), which continues at the County level. A strong believer in the strength of Glendale’s business market, he was instrumental in welcoming The Nestle Corporation to the city he loved. He was also involved in many of the negotiations of the Bob Hope Airport and its critical role in southern California. Under his leadership, and with his long-term role on the Governing Board of Glendale Adventist Medical Center, the community hospitals came together with the City of Glendale to establish the Glendale Healthier Communities Coalition and Glendale Healthy Kids, organizations that continue to provide valuable health services to this day. In recognition and appreciation for his dedication and invaluable contributions, Larry was immortalized on the Wall of Honor at Glendale Adventist in 2009.

Larry’s commitment to community and public service was also recognized and appreciated on a state and national level. Elected officials including Governor and President Ronald Reagan, President George Bush, Governor George Deukmejian, Governor Pete Wilson, and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger hand-appointed him to serve on various government commissions in the areas of transportation, highways, and airports over the past 30 years. His involvement on critical transportation and highway issues began in 1986 when appointed by President Reagan to serve on the National Highway Safety Commission, served as chair of the Metropolitan Transportation Agency, and most recently as Commissioner on the State of California Transportation Commission, hand-appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

After leaving City Council, Larry pursued another dream, and production began on The Larry Zarian Forum in 2000, following 16 years of hosting his own weekly call in radio show on KIEV 870 AM. Given his decades in public service and many years working in live radio, Larry understood the need for communities to exchange thoughts and opinions in a live television format. The Larry Zarian Forum offered viewers a weekly source of information and the opportunity to take part in discussions ranging from interviews with members of U.S. Congress to local businessmen and community leaders. The highly successful show is one of the most watched cable shows in the local area.

Larry never tired of dedicating his time and talent to worthy community organizations. Larry proudly served on the Governing Board of Glendale Adventist Medical Center for 25 years, and was a true friend, advisor, and mentor to that organization and its leadership. Larry also proudly served on the Board of the Self-Aid Workshop, and continuing in his mother’s footsteps, Larry was integral in the Armenian Society of Los Angeles. Over the years, countless other worthy community organizations were made better through Larry’s active involvement and participation. Also an active Kiwanian, Larry’s booming laugh lit up many a Friday Kiwanis lunch meeting.

Larry said he would never retire as he had a firm belief that no one ever reaches the top of his potential. Larry was constantly seeking out what more he could do to help the City and the greater community be better. Right up to the end, Larry stayed involved and engaged in local City politics, in current events, in the operational details of the organizations on which he served as Board member, and most importantly, with his busy family. Despite his active engagement in a variety of organizations and interests, it was clear to all who knew him that his true and profound love was for his three sons, his daughter-in-law, and his two precious grandsons. One of his proudest moments was traveling with his sons and daughter-in-law to his homeland of Armenia – the trip was a dream come true for him.

Due to the fact that Larry was such a private man, he kept his long-term battle with multiple myeloma confidential, dealing with it heroically with the strength and support of his dedicated team of physicians and his family. The family would like to thank the physicians and staff of City of Hope, Glendale Adventist Medical Center, and especially Dr. Narine Arutyounian, his adored family physician and friend.

Larry was predeceased by his children’s mother, Doris Zarian, and his mother, Tamara Tassalian. He is survived by sons, Vincent (Maria), twin sons Lawrence and Gregory, and the new loves of his life, his two grandsons, Alexander and Christian. He is also survived by his beloved sister, Rima Yeghzarian, and niece and goddaughter, Ava Hacopian.

Larry was a man who lived life to its fullest. As much as he loved being The People’s Mayor, his favorite moments in life were with his children and grandchildren. Larry’s family was the most important thing to him, and he loved nothing better than to spend time with them through Glendale, the city he loved. He cherished the gift of each day, he loved deeply and was loved deeply in return. He truly made a difference.

Larry’s funeral will be a private family service and internment. A public celebration of his life has been scheduled for November 21, 2011, with details to be communicated at a later date. It is Larry’s wish that those who desire, make donations to one of the worthy organizations he supported: the Armenian Society of Los Angeles, Glendale Adventist Medical Center, the Glendale Kiwanis, and the Self-Aid Workshop.

“Angels on your wings, Dad. We love you … aloha.”

For more information, please contact Kim Milstien at (818) 409-8353 or (818) 389-4284.

###







Thomas R. Lorenz

City of Glendale

Public Information Officer

818-548-4844



Glendale Police Department
Adjutant / Office of the Chief of Police

818-548-3140