Stanley A. Antranikian

Born in Fresno on October 1, 1936, to parents Avedis and Rose, Stan grew up in the lively Elm Avenue home that became a hub for the Antranikian family. That house wasn’t just an address; it was a gathering place where generations celebrated milestones, shared meals, and built memories. Stories of the many ACYO parties that were held there are legendary. It was also home to the Elm Avenue Fruit Market, a place woven into the family’s story and the community’s history, and which soon became the Fresno Grape Stake Yard. In that warm, bustling environment, Stan learned early what it meant to belong, to contribute, and to take joy in the people around him.

As the eldest of four children, Stan carried a natural sense of responsibility and pride. He adored his sisters Beverly and Rosemary and his brother Harold, and he remained deeply connected to his family throughout his life. Even as a boy, he stood out — a kind, dedicated student, someone who already understood how to make people smile. Even though he spoke little to no English when he entered school (as Armenian was his first language), he became valedictorian of Fresno Colony School, and gave a speech at his 8th grade graduation, as he liked to mention.

At Washington Union High School, Stan’s world expanded. He excelled academically, rose to first sergeant in the Junior ROTC Cadets, and discovered a lifelong love for music. His sousaphone became an extension of him, a way to express joy, discipline, and camaraderie. He was described in his senior yearbook as “Brains—quiet—studious—a lot of fun to be around—has an exceptionally bashful grin.” He was well-liked — the kind of young man who could fill a dance card so completely that he simply wrote, “I’m booked – sorry,” across the page.

After graduating high school in 1954, he attended Fresno State College, as it was named at the time, receiving a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 1959. He then attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo before moving on to UCLA to complete his MBA in 1963.

But the most important chapter of his young adulthood began long before those degrees were framed. As a young man, he crossed paths with a girl named Irene during a family gathering with her cousin Richard at the Elm Avenue house. She was just a young teenager at the time, but she was smitten. A few years later, at an ACYO dance in Los Angeles, fate nudged them back together. This time, the spark was mutual. They married in October 1963 and started a life together in Southern California, grounded in devotion, partnership, and a shared love for family.

Their years in Glendale brought the births of their three children Mark, Christine, and Gail. In 1969, they returned to Fresno to be closer to family, and Stan began his career as a computer programmer and systems analyst for the county. But work was only one part of him. Stan was a man of many passions — music, art, sports, getting a “great deal” at auctions, collecting coins and stamps (among many other things!), and finding joy in the details of life. He also loved playing games (card games, board games, and especially backgammon), and doing puzzles of all kinds (jigsaw, crossword, sudoku, you name it!).

Music remained a constant thread. He learned how to play the accordion as a young boy, and enjoyed entertaining family and friends throughout his life. He marched with his trusty sousaphone in high school and college bands, even playing in the Tournament of Roses Parade and at the Rose Bowl Game in 1962 while at UCLA, and later performed with the Shriners Band, the Easton Community Band, and the Sounds of Freedom Military Concert Band. He loved entertaining, whether with his accordion at family gatherings or with his sousaphone on a parade route. His music brought people together, just as he did.

Stan had a strong work ethic. He began his career at Aerojet near Sacramento, then later worked for IBM and Lockheed in Southern California before taking on his mainstay job at Fresno County Computer Services for the better part of three decades. In addition, he would work at the family business, affectionately known as “the yard,” on weekends and even weekday evenings with his mom and later with his brother Harold and their cousin Jim. Stan would often be seen moving bundles of wood with the forklift, or driving the old flatbed truck making deliveries of stakes, posts, and fencing to loyal customers throughout the area. He also loved to engage with the customers and welcome them with a warm smile and a greeting in their native language. They often got a kick out of this tall Caucasian man speaking to them in Laotian or Hmong!

Later in life, Stan discovered a talent for painting. What began as festive holiday window designs on our Belmont house and at the yard grew into a genuine artistic pursuit. Through classes at Clovis Adult School, he created dozens of vibrant, heartfelt paintings — each one a reflection of his creativity and his desire to make the world a little brighter.

Stan also gave generously of his time and spirit to organizations that mattered to him, including the Masons, the Shriners, and the Knights of Vartan, all of which he belonged to for over 50 years. Service was not an obligation for him; it was an honor to serve.

Above all, Stan was a family man. He cherished Irene, his wife of 62 years, and took immense pride and joy in all his children and grandchildren, as well as his many nieces and nephews. He celebrated their accomplishments, supported their dreams, and filled their lives with stories, music, and love. He especially delighted in watching his grandchildren as they grew up, cheering on Will as he competed in his many sporting events, and treasuring Kate’s singing, always encouraging her natural musical talent.

Stan is survived by his wife Irene; his son Mark; his daughter Gail and her husband Carlos; his grandchildren William and Kathryn; his sister Beverly Atamian; his sister Rosemary Jendian and her husband Allan; sisters in law Dianne Antranikian and Catherine Essegian; his many nieces and nephews; and his numerous cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents Avedis and Rose, his brother Harold, his daughter Christine, his brothers in law Howard Essegian and Seth Atamian, and his nephew David Atamian.

Stan’s life was full — full of melody, full of color, full of heart. Those who knew him will remember his gentle humor, his steady presence, and the way he made every gathering feel like home. His legacy lives on in the music he played, the art he created, and the family he loved so deeply.

There will be a visitation on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E Nees Ave in Fresno. The funeral service will be on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul Armenian Church, 3767 N First St in Fresno.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to St. Paul Armenian Church or to your favorite charity.