Thomas Abbott Shekoyan

Dr. Thomas (Tom) A. Shekoyan died peacefully at his home in the presence of his family on September 27, 2025, after a lengthy illness. Tom was born in Fresno, California, on November 10, 1942, to parents Elish and Zephyr Shekoyan, and lived his entire life in Fresno except for his undergraduate years at the University of Southern California and dental school years at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco. He graduated from Fresno High School in 1960.

After completing dental school in 1969, Tom returned to Fresno to establish his private dental practice. His first office was located in Fig Garden Village in a professional office building that now is the location of the Elbow Room restaurant. One of the visitors to his office was novelist and playwright William Saroyan, a life-long friend of his father. When the professional buildings in the Village were torn down, Tom moved for a few years to an office on West Shaw Avenue, and in 1980 to an office building that he and his brother built near St. Agnes Hospital. He continued his private practice at that location until he retired in 2006. His many patients spoke of him with gratitude and affection, often referring to him as very kind and the best dentist they had ever had, even many years after his retirement.

Shortly after commencing his dental practice, Tom joined the Air National Guard (ANG), beginning his military career with the 144th Medical Squadron as a dental officer at the ANG base in Fresno, and served for 26 years. In recognition of his leadership and expertise, during the last three years of his service, he held the dual positions of Chief of the ANG Assistant to Headquarters, United States Air Force Assistant Surgeon General for Dental Services--with an office in the Pentagon--and Chief of the Air National Guard Dental Corp, with responsibility for all ANG dental units in the US, from Maine to Hawaii, requiring him to travel to inspect the units throughout the US while maintaining his private practice. He retired as a full colonel, one rank below brigadier general. At his retirement ceremony in San Antonio, Texas, Tom was presented with the Legion of Merit, the highest non-combat award given by the US military for meritorious conduct and service.

Tom is survived by his son, Mark Thomas Shekoyan and wife Jaynie, and his grandson, Taran, of Portland, Oregon, his brother James Shekoyan and wife Anna, and his sister Mary Esther Shekoyan, of Fresno, and his nephews Matthew Shekoyan (Roxanna) and Michael Shekoyan (Kate) and their children, of Southern California. The family would like to thank and express appreciation to the many caregivers who provided Tom with care during his illness.

A visitation will be held on October 13, 2025, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, located at 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720 with a Funeral Service to follow on the same day at 10:00 am.

A committal service will take place at 11:30 am at Belmont Memorial Park, 201 N Teilman Ave, Fresno, CA 93706 with military honors.

Dr. Thomas Shekoyan will be remembered for his warmth, integrity, wisdom, and deep devotion to his family, community, and country. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, or to the donor’s favorite charity.

Family and friends are invited to view Tom’s legacy at www.whitehurstsullivan.com and write condolences.