Charles Sarkis Nalchajian D.D.S.

Graduating from Medford High School in 1949, he attended Boston University then transferred to Fresno State where his family had relocated. He graduated from Northwestern University Dental School in 1956, where he met his wife Esther, who graduated from the Dental Hygiene program the same year.

Upon graduation, Charles and Esther married, moving to Worms, Germany where Charles served two years as a Captain and dentist with the U.S. Army. Charles, Esther and daughter Debra moved to Fresno where he set up his dental practice at the corner of Belmont and Van Ness, welcoming son Greg shortly thereafter. He operated a second office in Caruthers for 20 years and in the late 1960's moved his Fresno office to Shaw Avenue where he practiced until he retired in 1996.

An active member of the Fresno Madera Dental Society, Charles served as President in 1968. He loved dentistry and mentored many dentists throughout his career. Esther worked alongside him for many years in addition to niece MaryEllen Beers, also a dental hygienist. Charles turned over his practice to the capable hands of his son-in-law Lou Cohen, D.D.S. upon his retirement.

Charles, the eldest brother of the "West Coast" branch of the family, maintained very close relationships with his brother Richard Nalchajian D.D.S. and his sisters Olga Beers and Zabel Bozajian. He was beloved by his "East Coast" family where numerous members reside.

An avid golfer, Charles maintained a single-digit handicap until Parkinson's disease prevented him from playing. He loved golf, whether playing or watching from the gallery at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am. He was a member of Fort Washington Country Club and San Joaquin Country Club for over 20 years each.

The family is especially grateful for caregivers Samantha, Dru, Estella and Justin for their loving care of Charles.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents Sarkis and Mary Nalchajian.

He is survived by Esther, his wife of 56 years; his brother Dr. Richard Nalchajian, wife Josephine; his sisters Olga Beers and Zabel Bozajian, husband Vahan; his daughter Debra Nalchajian-Cohen, husband Dr. Lou Cohen; son Dr. Greg Nalchajian, wife Julianne; and grandchildren Parker Nalchajian, Jessica Cohen and Adam Nalchajian; nieces and nephews MaryEllen Beers, Richard Beers, Lynne Swanberg and her husband Carl, Brian Bozajian and his wife Cheryl, Christina Whitley and her husband the Honorable Marshall Whitley, David Nalchajian and his wife Nicole, Dr. Nicole Nalchajian-Harmaz and her husband Toufik and their families, as well as numerous extended family.

A Funeral Service will be held at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church on Friday, August 17, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.

Remembrances may be made to Our Saviour's Lutheran Church 2101 N Fruit Ave, Fresno CA 93705, and Children's Hospital Central California 9300 Valley Children's Place, Madera CA 93636.